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College comparison
Bowdoin vs Johns Hopkins
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Bowdoin Brunswick, ME |  Johns Hopkins Baltimore, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateJohns Hopkins University is more selective | 7% | 6% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1550 | 1520–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,873 | 5,693 |
| Avg net price | $14,398 | $18,809 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Johns Hopkins reports higher median earnings | $82,735 | $87,555 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 94% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $10,250 |
| Economic mobility | 1.1% | 2.2% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Bowdoin vs Johns Hopkins: how they compare
Bowdoin and Johns Hopkins represent a classic choice between a premier, intimate liberal arts college and a top-tier, research-intensive university.
By the numbers Both are highly selective, with Johns Hopkins slightly more so (6% vs. 7% acceptance) and with a higher SAT 25-75th percentile range (1520–1570 vs. 1470–1550). Outcomes are strong: Johns Hopkins graduates report higher 10-year median earnings ($88k vs. $83k), but Bowdoin offers greater financial value, returning 5.7x in earnings per dollar of net price versus 4.7x at Hopkins, partly due to a lower average net price ($14k vs. $19k). Johns Hopkins excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 215% compared to Bowdoin's 109%. Both have exceptional financial health (DOE scores of 3.0 and 2.9/3) and graduation rates (94-95%). Hopkins shows higher volatility in its admit rate (61% vs. 17%) and a slightly higher yield of future science and engineering PhDs (7.8 vs. 6.7).
Where they overlap They are both highly selective institutions that open doors to prestigious graduate programs and careers. Each fosters an accomplished student body and provides a rigorous academic environment with extensive support, leading to high graduation rates.
How they differ The core contrast is one of scale and focus. Johns Hopkins is a major research university embedded in Baltimore, known for a culture focused on research, especially in health and STEM fields. Bowdoin offers a tight-knit, residential liberal arts experience in a Maine college town, emphasizing a broad curriculum and a strong community ethos. The settings—urban vs. rural—fundamentally shape daily life.
Who each suits Johns Hopkins is a strong choice for a student interested in pursuing research, medicine, or engineering, who thrives in a resource-rich urban environment. Bowdoin suits the student seeking a holistic, collaborative liberal arts education within a cohesive campus community, valuing close mentorship and exploration across disciplines.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Bowdoin College or Johns Hopkins University harder to get into?
- Johns Hopkins University is more selective: Bowdoin College's acceptance rate is approximately 7% and Johns Hopkins University's is approximately 6% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Bowdoin College vs Johns Hopkins University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1550 at Bowdoin College and 1520–1570 at Johns Hopkins University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.