University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt) vs Johns Hopkins

When it comes to higher education, the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and Johns Hopkins University stand out as two prominent institutions with distinct characteristics. The University of Pittsburgh, known for its strong research programs and diverse student body, boasts an acceptance rate of 58%, while Johns Hopkins, renowned for its medical and engineering programs, has a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 13%. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including engineering, business, and biological sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and public health, engineering, and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins. While the University of Pittsburgh has a larger student body, with over 29,000 students, Johns Hopkins maintains a smaller, more intimate community of around 6,000 undergraduates. With graduation rates of 83% and 93% respectively, both universities ensure that their students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. To help you make an informed decision about

	Johns Hopkins University	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Baltimore, Maryland	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	96.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	7.5%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1250 - 1470
ACT range	N/A	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score		49.0%
Students submitting ACT score		16.0%
Total number of applicants	39,515	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	2,972	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,420	4,875
Yield rate	47.8%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$74,583	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$20,680	$22,996
Tuition	$58,720	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,736 Meal plan: $7,064	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	66.0% Average amount $45,373	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	10.0% Average amount $4,894	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $23,253	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	6,132 Men 44.9% Women 55.1%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	25,917 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	39.6%
International students	22.5%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,717	8,760
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Social Sciences Education	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	6:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	94.6%	84.3%
Dropout rate	2.6%	3.0%
Transferred out	2.4%	12.0%
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 (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $220,906 Year 3: $231,651 Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $191,732 Year 2: $172,991 Year 3: $167,114 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,211 Year 2: $136,434 Year 3: $139,418 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $73,006 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $119,626 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,548 Year 2: $108,012 Year 3: $119,626 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,381 Year 2: $99,174 Year 3: $104,969 Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $88,815 Year 2: $90,572 Year 3: $98,136 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,499 Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $92,231 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,120 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $89,317 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,727 Year 3: $79,626

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between the University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins University?

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, with strengths in health sciences, engineering, and business. Johns Hopkins University (JHU), while also offering diverse programs, is particularly renowned for its focus on research, especially in medicine, public health, and international studies. JHU has a stronger emphasis on graduate-level research and specialized programs compared to Pitt's more comprehensive undergraduate offerings.
How do the campus environments and locations compare?

Pitt's main campus is located in the vibrant Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, a major city with a diverse cultural scene and numerous opportunities for internships and employment. Johns Hopkins' main campus, Homewood, is situated in Baltimore, Maryland. While Baltimore offers its own unique cultural experiences, it's generally considered a smaller and less bustling city than Pittsburgh. Pitt's urban setting provides a more integrated city experience, while JHU's Homewood campus offers a more traditional, self-contained university environment, though still within an urban context.
Which university is generally considered more selective in admissions?

Johns Hopkins University is significantly more selective than the University of Pittsburgh. JHU consistently ranks among the most selective universities in the United States, with a lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students. Pitt, while still selective, has a higher acceptance rate and a broader range of accepted academic profiles.
How do the costs of attending the University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins University compare?

Generally, Johns Hopkins University has a higher cost of attendance than the University of Pittsburgh. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the actual cost for each student can vary significantly based on financial aid packages, scholarships, and individual spending habits. It's crucial to review the specific financial aid offers from each institution to determine the most affordable option.
What are the strengths of each university in terms of research opportunities?

Both universities offer excellent research opportunities, but their strengths differ. Johns Hopkins is a research powerhouse, particularly in biomedical research, public health, and international relations. Its affiliated hospital system and research institutes provide unparalleled opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research. Pitt also has strong research programs, especially in health sciences, engineering, and materials science. Pitt's close proximity to UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) provides extensive research opportunities in the medical field.
How do the student bodies differ in terms of size and diversity?

The University of Pittsburgh has a significantly larger student body than Johns Hopkins University, particularly at the undergraduate level. Pitt's larger size contributes to a more diverse student population in terms of backgrounds, interests, and academic pursuits. Johns Hopkins, while also diverse, has a smaller and more focused student body, often attracting students with a strong interest in research and specific academic fields. Both universities strive to create inclusive and welcoming environments for students from all backgrounds.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of each university?

Graduates from both the University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins University enjoy strong career prospects. JHU graduates are highly sought after in fields such as medicine, public health, international affairs, and engineering, often securing positions in top research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. Pitt graduates find success in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, engineering, business, and technology, benefiting from the university's strong alumni network and career services. Both universities provide extensive career resources to help students prepare for and secure employment after graduation.
How do the athletic programs compare between Pitt and Johns Hopkins?

The University of Pittsburgh is a member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has a strong emphasis on intercollegiate athletics, particularly in football and basketball. Johns Hopkins University competes in NCAA Division III, with a strong tradition in lacrosse. Pitt offers a more prominent and competitive athletic environment for student-athletes and fans, while JHU provides a more balanced approach to academics and athletics.
What are some unique programs or opportunities offered by each university?

Johns Hopkins University is known for its unique programs like the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) and its strong focus on global health initiatives. Pitt offers distinctive programs such as the University Honors College, the Swanson School of Engineering's co-op program, and study abroad opportunities through the Semester at Sea program. Each university provides a range of specialized programs and opportunities that cater to specific academic interests and career goals.
Which university might be a better fit for a student interested in a specific field, like engineering?

Both universities offer strong engineering programs. However, the best fit depends on the student's specific interests and goals. Johns Hopkins' Whiting School of Engineering is known for its research-intensive environment and focus on biomedical engineering and robotics. Pitt's Swanson School of Engineering offers a broader range of engineering disciplines and a strong emphasis on practical application through co-op programs and industry partnerships. Students interested in a research-focused engineering education might prefer JHU, while those seeking a more hands-on, industry-oriented experience might find Pitt a better fit.

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