Head-to-Head Comparison
Johns Hopkins University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Johns Hopkins Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 11
- North Carolina Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Johns Hopkins University achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 92%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $18,809 compared to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $72,200 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Johns Hopkins
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $87,555 ten years after enrollment, 21% more than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 6% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #13
North Carolina
- Lower cost: Average net price of $11,655, roughly $7,154 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Johns Hopkins graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (23% of degrees); North Carolina in Biology & Biomedical (15%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Johns Hopkins University over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Median earnings of $87,555 ten years after enrollment vs $72,200.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Johns Hopkins University. Net price $11,655 vs $18,809.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. THE World Rank #13 vs #30.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Johns Hopkins University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are close on paper, but Johns Hopkins University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Johns Hopkins University is the harder admit. It takes 6% of applicants, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill takes 15%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,439.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Johns Hopkins University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $11,655, about $7,154 a year below Johns Hopkins University's $18,809. Graduates of Johns Hopkins University also borrow less: median debt of $10,250, against $14,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,616 before any change in aid. Choosing University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Johns Hopkins University graduates report median earnings of $87,555, compared with $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That is a 21% advantage. Set against borrowing, Johns Hopkins University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 21% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Johns Hopkins University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it is 1.2%. Johns Hopkins University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Johns Hopkins University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Johns Hopkins University sits higher, at #13 versus #30.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to keep costs and debt down; pick Johns Hopkins University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill saves about $7,154 a year, yet Johns Hopkins University graduates earn $15,355 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Johns Hopkins University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leans toward Social Sciences, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $18,809 runs well above University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $14,000, against $10,250 at Johns Hopkins University.
- Engineering-focused students: Johns Hopkins University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's enrollment of 20,752 far exceeds Johns Hopkins University's 5,693.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Johns Hopkins holds onto its admits more tightly: 45% of admitted students enroll, versus 0% at North Carolina — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Johns Hopkins offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; North Carolina does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is tailored for driven students who are ready to engage deeply in their education. The standout programs here include Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Social Sciences, and Health Professions, making it a solid choice for those interested in health, technology, and scientific research. The school's tight-knit community of about 5,700 students fosters collaboration and a culture of inquiry, appealing to individuals who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment.
After graduation, alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $87,555 ten years post-degree. This figure reflects the value of a degree from Johns Hopkins in the job market, particularly in fields like engineering and health professions. While 19% of students receive Pell Grants, this indicates that the university is accessible to a range of economic backgrounds, allowing for a diverse student body to grow and succeed.
Looking at the financials, the net price after aid comes to about $18,809, which is quite manageable given the high graduation rate of 94%. With a median debt of $10,250, graduates leave with a reasonable financial burden, setting them up for success. Students who make the most of their time here are often those who are proactive, curious, and willing to seek out opportunities in research and internships, setting themselves up for fruitful careers ahead.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.
When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.
Rankings They Appear On
Johns Hopkins University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill appear together in 8 rankings. On the Best Online Colleges, Johns Hopkins University ranks #1 — Johns Hopkins University outranks University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Biology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Johns Hopkins's student body and 15% of North Carolina's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Johns Hopkins) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for North Carolina).
The two schools feed different job markets. Johns Hopkins University is strongest in Engineering, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concentrates in Business & Marketing. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Johns Hopkins University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 15% at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which is more affordable, Johns Hopkins University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more affordable, with an average net price of $11,655 after aid versus $18,809 at Johns Hopkins University.
Do Johns Hopkins University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn more?
Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more: median earnings of $87,555 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which has a better graduation rate, Johns Hopkins University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Johns Hopkins University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 92%.
Johns Hopkins University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: which is better for social mobility?
Johns Hopkins University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Johns Hopkins University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Johns Hopkins University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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