Stanford vs Johns Hopkins

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Stanford and Johns Hopkins?

  Stanford excels in a broad range of disciplines, particularly engineering, computer science, and business, fostering a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Johns Hopkins is renowned for its unparalleled strength in medicine, public health, and biomedical research. Stanford is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering unique opportunities in technology, while Johns Hopkins, with its main campus in Baltimore, provides extensive access to healthcare and urban research environments.

• Which university is better for pre-med studies?

  While both are excellent, Johns Hopkins is generally considered to have a stronger pre-med program due to its close affiliation with the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a world-renowned medical institution. This provides unparalleled research and clinical opportunities for undergraduates interested in medicine. Stanford also offers strong pre-med advising and research opportunities, but its medical focus is less central to the undergraduate experience.

• How do the campus cultures compare?

  Stanford's campus culture is often described as innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial, with a strong emphasis on technology and startups. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and outdoorsy, reflecting its California location. Johns Hopkins has a more academically focused and research-oriented culture, particularly within the sciences and medicine. While also collaborative, the environment can feel more intense due to the demanding nature of its programs.

• Which university is more selective?

  Both universities are highly selective, with extremely low acceptance rates. Stanford typically has a slightly lower acceptance rate than Johns Hopkins, making it marginally more competitive to get into. However, both require exceptional academic records, strong standardized test scores (if required), and compelling extracurricular involvement.

• What are the strengths of Stanford's engineering program compared to Johns Hopkins'?

  Stanford's engineering program is consistently ranked among the top in the world, particularly strong in computer science, electrical engineering, and aerospace engineering. Its location in Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to internships and job opportunities in the tech industry. Johns Hopkins' engineering program, while excellent, is more focused on biomedical engineering and related fields, leveraging its strengths in medicine and public health.

• How do the research opportunities differ between the two universities?

  Both universities offer extensive research opportunities for undergraduates. Stanford's research is heavily influenced by its proximity to Silicon Valley, with many opportunities in technology, computer science, and related fields. Johns Hopkins excels in biomedical research, public health, and international studies, offering students the chance to work alongside leading researchers at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and other affiliated institutions.

• What is the cost of attendance at Stanford versus Johns Hopkins?

  The cost of attendance at both Stanford and Johns Hopkins is very similar, typically including tuition, fees, room, and board. Both universities offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need, aiming to make education accessible regardless of financial background. It's best to check each university's financial aid website for the most up-to-date information and to use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost.

• Which university is better for students interested in international relations?

  Both universities offer strong programs in international relations, but they have different strengths. Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), located in Washington, D.C., is a world-renowned graduate school for international affairs, providing undergraduate students with access to exceptional faculty and resources. Stanford's international relations program benefits from its interdisciplinary approach and its location on the West Coast, offering a unique perspective on global issues, particularly those related to Asia and technology.

• How do the locations of Stanford and Johns Hopkins impact student life?

  Stanford's location in the heart of Silicon Valley offers a vibrant and innovative environment, with easy access to outdoor activities and a thriving tech scene. The weather is generally mild and sunny. Johns Hopkins' location in Baltimore provides a more urban experience, with access to a diverse range of cultural attractions and opportunities for community engagement. Baltimore experiences all four seasons, with colder winters than California.

• What are the notable alumni from each university?

  Stanford boasts a diverse alumni network including founders of major tech companies like Google (Larry Page and Sergey Brin), Yahoo! (Jerry Yang and David Filo), and Nike (Phil Knight). Johns Hopkins' notable alumni include former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Nobel Peace Prize winner Woodrow Wilson, and numerous leaders in medicine and public health.