At $18,161/yr net price, Johns Hopkins University graduates earn $87,555/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $53,555/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,161 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $87,555/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$53,555/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 94.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,473/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,708/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,431/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,085/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,745/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $125,015 | $62,950 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $118,848 | $26,126 |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $111,563 | $20,500 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Master | $111,435 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $108,649 | $12,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Doctoral | $107,758 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,421 | $38,612 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $104,192 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $101,406 | $61,449 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $100,405 | $31,625 |
The Risk Factor
94.6% of students at Johns Hopkins University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Johns Hopkins gives you strong financial returns with unusually low risk. Median debt sits at $10,250, which is remarkably low for a private research university, and the 94.6% graduation rate means you are very likely to finish and start earning. When a school combines high completion with low borrowing, the odds tilt in your favor before you factor in earnings at all.
Computer and Information Sciences is the clear winner here, with graduates earning over $108,000 a decade out while carrying about $12,750 in debt. That is roughly $22,000 more per year than the median Hopkins graduate for a similar debt load. Mathematics, computer engineering, and electrical engineering all land in the high-$70,000s to mid-$80,000s. Economics pays around $75,000 but comes with debt on the higher end of these programs, so the margin is slightly thinner. If you are here for a quantitative or technical field, the payoff is real.
The main financial risk is income-dependent. The net price under $110,000 in family income is genuinely affordable, dropping under $2,000 a year if your family earns below $30,000 and staying under $5,000 up to $75,000. But at over $110,000 in income you pay $38,745 a year, near the full sticker price. At that tier you are betting close to $155,000 over four years, and only the top technical majors comfortably justify that spend.
Hopkins is a good fit if you qualify for the lower net-price tiers, or if you plan to study computer science, engineering, or math regardless of income. If you are a higher-income family aiming for a lower-earning field, run the math carefully first, because the full-price cost here is steep and not every major closes that gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johns Hopkins University worth the cost?
Johns Hopkins delivers strong ROI with graduates earning $87,555 after 10 years and relatively low median debt of $10,250. The net price of $18,161 annually makes it more affordable than many top-tier universities, though outcomes vary significantly by program.
What are the highest paying majors at Johns Hopkins University?
Nursing programs at Johns Hopkins lead in earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning $125,015 annually. Computer science and systems engineering also perform well, with graduates earning between $108,649 and $118,848.
How much debt do Johns Hopkins University graduates have?
Johns Hopkins graduates have a median debt of $10,250, which is relatively low for a private research university. The strong financial aid program keeps debt manageable for most students.
Does Johns Hopkins University provide good financial aid?
Johns Hopkins offers substantial financial aid, reducing the average net price to $18,161 per year despite high sticker prices. This makes the university accessible to middle and lower-income students who qualify for aid.