Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) vs Johns Hopkins

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of focus for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Johns Hopkins University (JHU)?

  OHSU is primarily focused on health sciences, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, and public health. It's a leading institution for research and clinical care in these areas. Johns Hopkins University, while also strong in medicine and public health, has a broader scope encompassing arts and sciences, engineering, education, and international studies. JHU is a comprehensive research university with a wide range of academic disciplines.

• How do OHSU and JHU compare in terms of research funding and impact?

  Both OHSU and JHU are major research institutions, but Johns Hopkins typically receives significantly more research funding overall. JHU consistently ranks among the top universities in the U.S. for research expenditures. While OHSU is a strong research institution, its research focus is narrower, primarily concentrated on health-related fields. Both universities have a substantial impact on their respective fields through groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

• What is the difference in campus environment and location between OHSU and JHU?

  OHSU's main campus is located in Portland, Oregon, offering a vibrant urban environment with access to outdoor recreation. It's primarily a graduate and professional school campus. Johns Hopkins has multiple campuses, including its main Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland, which offers a more traditional undergraduate and graduate university experience. JHU also has campuses in Washington, D.C., and internationally. The campus environments reflect the different focuses and sizes of the institutions.

• How do the medical schools at OHSU and JHU (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) compare?

  Both OHSU and Johns Hopkins have highly regarded medical schools. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the nation, known for its rigorous curriculum, research opportunities, and clinical training. OHSU's School of Medicine is also a strong program, particularly known for its focus on primary care, rural health, and translational research. Both offer excellent training, but Johns Hopkins has a larger national and international reputation.

• What types of degree programs are offered at OHSU versus JHU?

  OHSU primarily offers graduate and professional degrees in health-related fields, such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health. JHU offers a much wider range of degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in arts and sciences, engineering, education, business, international studies, and medicine. If you're looking for a broad range of academic options, JHU is the better choice. If you're focused on health sciences, both are excellent, but OHSU is more specialized.

• How does the cost of attendance compare between OHSU and JHU?

  The cost of attendance can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, both OHSU and JHU are expensive institutions. However, JHU's undergraduate programs may have a higher overall cost compared to OHSU's graduate programs. It's essential to check the specific tuition and fees for the program you're interested in at each university and to explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

• What are the admission requirements like for OHSU and JHU?

  Admission to both OHSU and JHU is highly competitive. Both institutions look for students with strong academic records, relevant experience, and a demonstrated commitment to their chosen field. JHU, with its broader range of programs, may place more emphasis on standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional) and extracurricular activities for undergraduate applicants. OHSU, being primarily a graduate institution, focuses more on prior research experience, professional goals, and letters of recommendation relevant to the health sciences.

• How do the clinical opportunities differ between OHSU and JHU?

  Both OHSU and JHU offer extensive clinical opportunities for students in health-related fields. OHSU is affiliated with OHSU Hospital, a leading academic medical center in Oregon, providing access to a diverse patient population and a wide range of specialties. Johns Hopkins is affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the world, offering unparalleled clinical training and research opportunities. The specific clinical experiences will depend on the program of study, but both institutions provide excellent hands-on training.

• What is the reputation of OHSU and JHU in the healthcare industry?

  Both OHSU and JHU have excellent reputations in the healthcare industry. Johns Hopkins is globally recognized as a leader in medical research, education, and patient care. OHSU is highly respected within the Pacific Northwest and nationally for its contributions to healthcare innovation, particularly in areas like cancer research and rural health. Graduates from both institutions are highly sought after by employers in the healthcare sector.

• How do the alumni networks compare between OHSU and JHU?

  Both OHSU and JHU have strong and active alumni networks. Johns Hopkins, being a larger and older institution, has a more extensive global alumni network spanning various industries and professions. OHSU's alumni network is more focused on healthcare and related fields, primarily concentrated in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States. Both networks provide valuable resources for career development, networking, and mentorship.