Tufts University vs Johns Hopkins

Tufts University and Johns Hopkins University, both renowned for their academic excellence and research opportunities, offer distinct experiences to prospective students. Tufts, located just outside Boston, boasts a vibrant campus and a diverse student body, while Johns Hopkins, situated in Baltimore, is known for its world-class medical facilities and strong engineering programs. With acceptance rates of 13% and 10%, respectively, both universities are highly selective, attracting top students from around the globe. While Tufts offers a wide range of popular majors, including international relations, biology, and economics, Johns Hopkins excels in fields such as biomedical engineering, public health, and neuroscience. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Johns Hopkins University logo

Johns Hopkins University

Tufts University logo

Tufts University

Overview

Location Baltimore, Maryland Medford, Massachusetts
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 97.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 7.5% 11.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $85
SAT range N/A 1440 - 1550
ACT range N/A 33 - 35
Students submitting SAT score 32.0%
Students submitting ACT score 23.0%
Total number of applicants 39,515 31,198
Total number of admissions given out 2,972 3,566
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,420 1,800
Yield rate 47.8% 50.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $74,583 $81,700
Average net price $20,680 $31,630
Tuition $58,720 $61,646
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,736

Meal plan: $7,064
Room/dormitory: $8,832

Meal plan: $7,378
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

66.0%
Average amount $45,373
38.0%
Average amount $47,937
Students receiving federal student loan 10.0%
Average amount $4,894
20.0%
Average amount $3,824
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $23,253
9.0%
Average amount $8,607

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,132
Men 44.9% Women 55.1%
6,676
Men 44.8% Women 55.2%
Graduate students 25,917
Men 45.6% Women 54.4%
6,617
Men 38.6% Women 61.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 22.5% 14.0%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,717 4,100
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A New York California New Jersey Connecticut Maryland

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Social Sciences
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio 6:1 10:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 94.6% 93.8%
Dropout rate 2.6% 1.2%
Transferred out 2.4% 4.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $114,155
  • Year 2: $111,563
  • Year 3: $131,276
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,031
  • Year 2: $125,015
  • Year 3: $130,945
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $111,651
  • Year 2: $118,848
  • Year 3: $129,740
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $105,950
  • Year 2: $108,649
  • Year 3: $122,951
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,954
  • Year 2: $101,406
  • Year 3: $114,349
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,186
  • Year 2: $104,192
  • Year 3: $113,392
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,074
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $112,352
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,932
  • Year 2: $100,405
  • Year 3: $110,364
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,878
  • Year 2: $98,847
  • Year 3: $107,818
Economics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,401
  • Year 2: $91,448
  • Year 3: $106,834
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $210,928
  • Year 2: $207,590
  • Year 3: $167,393
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,934
  • Year 2: $112,802
  • Year 3: $128,899
Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $120,961
  • Year 2: $113,135
  • Year 3: $123,967
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $104,612
  • Year 2: $107,163
  • Year 3: $117,666
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,349
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $113,556
Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,010
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $111,235
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,720
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $89,511
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,529
  • Year 2: $73,635
  • Year 3: $83,832
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,321
  • Year 2: $71,778
  • Year 3: $83,710
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,852
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $76,984

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key academic strengths of Tufts University?

    Tufts University is particularly strong in areas like international relations, engineering, and the humanities. It's known for its strong undergraduate focus, providing students with ample opportunities for research and close interaction with faculty. The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy is highly regarded, and the university also boasts excellent programs in biology and child study.

  • What are the key academic strengths of Johns Hopkins University?

    Johns Hopkins University is globally renowned for its preeminence in medicine, public health, and biomedical research. It also excels in engineering, particularly in areas like biomedical engineering and computer science. The university has a strong emphasis on research across all disciplines, offering unparalleled opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to participate in cutting-edge projects. The Peabody Institute, a conservatory of music, is also a significant draw.

  • How does the undergraduate experience differ at Tufts and Johns Hopkins?

    Tufts generally offers a more intimate undergraduate experience, with a slightly smaller student body and a greater emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Students often report a strong sense of community and easier access to professors. Johns Hopkins, while also committed to undergraduate education, has a larger overall student population and a more research-focused environment. Undergraduates at Johns Hopkins have extensive research opportunities, often working alongside leading researchers.

  • What is the campus environment like at Tufts?

    Tufts University has a classic New England campus located in Medford, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, green spaces, and a vibrant student life. Students enjoy easy access to the cultural and social opportunities of Boston, while still maintaining a close-knit campus community.

  • What is the campus environment like at Johns Hopkins?

    Johns Hopkins University has multiple campuses, with the main Homewood campus located in Baltimore, Maryland. The Homewood campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, and a lively campus atmosphere. Students also have access to the resources and opportunities of the city of Baltimore, as well as the university's medical campus and other facilities.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Tufts and Johns Hopkins?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between Tufts and Johns Hopkins. Both are private universities with high tuition costs. However, both universities offer substantial financial aid packages to eligible students, so the net cost can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. It's recommended to check the financial aid websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information and to use their net price calculators.

  • What are the career prospects like for graduates of Tufts?

    Tufts graduates are highly sought after by employers in a variety of fields. The university's strong programs in international relations, engineering, and the humanities lead to successful careers in government, non-profit organizations, technology, and business. The university's career services department provides excellent support for students seeking internships and full-time employment.

  • What are the career prospects like for graduates of Johns Hopkins?

    Johns Hopkins graduates have exceptional career prospects, particularly in medicine, public health, biomedical research, and engineering. The university's strong reputation and extensive alumni network open doors to opportunities in leading research institutions, hospitals, government agencies, and private companies. The university's career services department offers comprehensive support for students and alumni.

  • Which university is better for pre-med students?

    Both Tufts and Johns Hopkins are excellent choices for pre-med students. Johns Hopkins, with its world-renowned medical school and extensive research opportunities, offers unparalleled advantages. However, Tufts also provides a strong foundation in the sciences and a supportive pre-med advising program. The best choice depends on the individual student's preferences and goals. If a student is particularly interested in research, Johns Hopkins might be a better fit. If a student prefers a slightly smaller, more undergraduate-focused environment, Tufts could be a good option.

  • How does the student body composition differ at Tufts and Johns Hopkins?

    Both universities attract a diverse student body. However, Johns Hopkins, due to its strong focus on STEM fields, may have a slightly higher proportion of students in those areas. Tufts, with its broader range of programs, tends to have a more balanced distribution across disciplines. Both universities have a significant international student population and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

  • Which university has a better reputation?

    Both Tufts and Johns Hopkins are highly respected universities with excellent reputations. Johns Hopkins is often ranked higher overall, particularly due to its prominence in medicine and research. However, Tufts is also a highly regarded institution, especially known for its strengths in specific fields like international relations and engineering. The 'better' reputation depends on the specific field of study and individual priorities.

  • How accessible are the cities of Boston and Baltimore from the respective campuses?

    Tufts University is located very close to Boston, making it extremely accessible. Students can easily travel to Boston via public transportation or by car. Johns Hopkins' Homewood campus is located in Baltimore, and while Baltimore is a major city, it may not offer the same level of public transportation options as Boston. However, both cities offer a wide range of cultural, social, and professional opportunities for students.

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