Loading…
College comparison
Johns Hopkins vs Williams
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 |  Johns Hopkins Baltimore, MD |  Williams Williamstown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateJohns Hopkins University is more selective | 6% | 8% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1520–1570 | 1490–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 5,693 | 2,076 |
| Avg net price | $18,809 | $17,716 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Williams reports higher median earnings | $87,555 | $88,665 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 94% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $12,761 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 1.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Johns Hopkins vs Williams: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family, the choice between Johns Hopkins University and Williams College hinges on prioritizing a high-mobility, STEM-focused urban research environment versus an exceptionally high-value, intimate liberal arts experience.
By the numbers Both are highly selective, with Johns Hopkins slightly lower in acceptance rate (6% vs. 8%) and a higher SAT 25th percentile (1520 vs. 1490). Post-graduate financial outcomes are nearly identical, with 10-year median earnings of $88k (JHU) and $89k (Williams). The value proposition, measured as earnings per dollar of net price, favors Williams (5.0x vs. 4.7x), aided by its slightly lower average net price ($18k vs. $19k). A major divergence is in economic-mobility rate, where Johns Hopkins’s 215% dramatically exceeds Williams’s 99%. Johns Hopkins also shows greater stability in admissions (61% admit-rate volatility vs. 80%) and a higher future-scholar yield (7.8). Both share a perfect DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3 and a 94% graduation rate.
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly prestigious with strong student outcomes and financial stability. They attract and graduate high-achieving students.
How they differ The core distinction is environment and academic model. Johns Hopkins is a major research university in an urban setting, with particular strength in STEM and pre-professional fields. Williams offers a close-knit liberal arts college experience in a rural town, emphasizing broad intellectual exploration and student-faculty interaction. Culturally, JHU is often described as high-pressure, while Williams is noted for a residential, community-focused environment.
Who each suits Johns Hopkins suits a student seeking research opportunities, an urban setting, and a focus on STEM or medicine, particularly one who may benefit from its high economic mobility. Williams is a choice for a student who thrives in a small, discussion-based liberal arts setting, values a residential community, and may lean toward the humanities, social sciences, or a broad undergraduate education.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Johns Hopkins University or Williams College harder to get into?
- Johns Hopkins University is more selective: Johns Hopkins University's acceptance rate is approximately 6% and Williams College's is approximately 8% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Johns Hopkins University vs Williams College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1520–1570 at Johns Hopkins University and 1490–1570 at Williams College. 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.