Lehigh and Johns Hopkins: A Look at the Rivalry

August 8, 2023
By AdmissionSight

Lehigh and Johns Hopkins: A Look at the Rivalry

Lehigh and Johns Hopkins are two of the most renowned schools in the USA. They are known for their quality education and excellent faculty. The rivalry between these two institutions has been ongoing for decades, with each boasting unique features and advantages. This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of Lehigh and Johns Hopkins universities in terms of academics, campus life, sports, faculty, research, and alumni.

A Brief History of Lehigh and Johns Hopkins Universities

Lehigh University was founded in 1865 and is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It was established by Asa Packer, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, who envisioned a university that would provide high-quality education to students from all backgrounds.

Lehigh University started as a small engineering school, but over the years, it has grown to offer a wide range of programs in engineering, business, science, and humanities.

Group of students smiling and talking to each other.

Johns Hopkins University, on the other hand, was founded in 1876 and is located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was established by philanthropist Johns Hopkins with a mission to create a research university dedicated to excellence in education and research in various fields, including medicine, science, and humanities.

The university is renowned for its world-class medical school, which has produced many notable physicians and researchers. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Applied Physics Laboratory, which conducts research in areas such as national security, space exploration, and healthcare. 

Academic Programs Offered by Lehigh and Johns Hopkins

Lehigh University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges- Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, and Engineering. The university is well known for its engineering programs, which are highly respected in the industry.

Johns Hopkins University offers over 250 academic fields of study across nine divisions- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Whiting School of Engineering, School of Education, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Carey Business School, School of Advanced International Studies, and Peabody Institute. The university is renowned for its medical school, which ranks among the top in the United States.

Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including majors in accounting, finance, and marketing. The college also has a strong entrepreneurship program, which provides students with the skills and resources needed to start their own businesses. Additionally, Lehigh’s College of Education offers programs in counseling psychology, special education, and educational leadership.

Johns Hopkins University’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of majors, including anthropology, economics, and international studies. The school also has a unique program in cognitive science, which combines psychology, neuroscience, and computer science. In addition, the Peabody Institute offers programs in music performance, composition, and education, and is one of the most prestigious music schools in the world.

The Cost of Attending Lehigh Versus Johns Hopkins

Lehigh University’s tuition for undergraduate students is just over $50,000 per year, while Johns Hopkins University charges around $55,000 per year for undergraduate tuition. Both universities offer a range of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to help students afford their education. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of living varies widely depending on the location of the university, with Baltimore being considerably more expensive than Bethlehem.

Group of students walking in the campus.

Another factor to consider when comparing the cost of attending Lehigh versus Johns Hopkins is the availability of part-time work opportunities. Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, which has a thriving local economy with many part-time job opportunities for students. On the other hand, Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, which has a higher unemployment rate and fewer part-time job opportunities for students.

It’s also important to consider the long-term return on investment when choosing a university. Lehigh University has a strong reputation for producing successful graduates who go on to have successful careers in a variety of fields.

Similarly, Johns Hopkins University is known for producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers. Ultimately, the decision of which university to attend should be based on a variety of factors, including cost, location, and long-term career prospects.

Campus Life: Differences between Lehigh and Johns Hopkins

The campus life at Lehigh University is known for its vibrant social scene and sense of community. The university boasts over 200 student organizations, ranging from Greek life to community service.

Lehigh University also has a rich athletic tradition, with over 25 varsity sports teams competing at the Division I level. The campus is located in the small city of Bethlehem, with easy access to nearby Philadelphia and New York City.

Johns Hopkins University’s campus culture is focused on research and innovation. The university is known for its cutting-edge scientific research and its top-tier medical school. The campus is located in Baltimore, with easy access to other cities such as Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

One of the major differences between Lehigh and Johns Hopkins is the size of the student body. Lehigh has around 7,000 undergraduate students, while Johns Hopkins has around 6,000 undergraduate students. This difference in size can impact the sense of community on campus, with Lehigh having a more tight-knit community feel.

Sports Programs at Lehigh and Johns Hopkins: A Comparison

Lehigh University offers a range of sports programs, including football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and wrestling. The university competes in the Patriot League, and its sports teams have a long history of success.

View of a coach using a whistle during practice.

Johns Hopkins University also has a strong athletic program, with a focus on lacrosse, swimming, and track and field. The university competes in Division III sports and is a member of the Centennial Conference.

Despite the differences in the level of competition, both Lehigh and Johns Hopkins prioritize the academic success of their student-athletes. Lehigh’s student-athletes have consistently maintained a high GPA, and the university has been recognized for its academic support programs for athletes. Similarly, Johns Hopkins has a strong emphasis on academic achievement, with its student-athletes consistently earning recognition on academic honor rolls.

Another notable difference between the two universities’ sports programs is their facilities. Lehigh boasts state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including the Ulrich Sports Complex and the Murray H. Goodman Campus.

Johns Hopkins, on the other hand, has recently undergone renovations to its athletic facilities, including the construction of the Cordish Lacrosse Center and the Ralph S. O’Connor Recreation Center.

Career Opportunities for Graduates of Lehigh and Johns Hopkins

Graduates of Lehigh University enjoy excellent career prospects due to the university’s strong reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for the workforce. The university has a large alumni network, with many graduates achieving success in various fields, including business, law, and engineering.

Similarly, students who graduate from Johns Hopkins University are highly sought after by employers due to the university’s emphasis on research and innovation. The university’s strong ties to the medical field also provide graduates with excellent opportunities in healthcare and related industries.

Furthermore, both Lehigh and Johns Hopkins offer extensive career services and resources to their graduates, including job fairs, networking events, and alumni mentorship programs. These resources help graduates to connect with potential employers and navigate the job market successfully.

Additionally, both universities have strong internship programs, which provide students with valuable hands-on experience and often lead to full-time job offers after graduation. Overall, graduates of Lehigh and Johns Hopkins are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen careers and make significant contributions to their respective industries.

Student Body: Demographics and Diversity at Lehigh and Johns Hopkins

The student body at Lehigh University is predominantly white, with around 70% of students identifying as Caucasian. The university has made efforts to increase diversity in recent years, with initiatives aimed at recruiting students from underrepresented groups.

Johns Hopkins University is more diverse, with around 30% of students identifying as minorities. The university has a reputation for attracting students from around the world, with a large international student population.

Lehigh University has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 5,000 students, while Johns Hopkins University has a larger undergraduate enrollment of around 6,000 students. Both universities have a relatively small student-to-faculty ratio, with Lehigh having a ratio of 9:1 and Johns Hopkins having a ratio of 7:1. This allows for more personalized attention and interaction between students and faculty.

In terms of gender, both universities have a fairly even split between male and female students. Lehigh has a slightly higher percentage of male students at 54%, while Johns Hopkins has a slightly higher percentage of female students at 52%.

Both universities also have a significant number of students who identify as LGBTQ+, with Lehigh having a dedicated LGBTQ+ center on campus and Johns Hopkins offering resources and support through their LGBTQ Life office.

Notable Alumni from Lehigh and Johns Hopkins Universities

Lehigh University has a long list of notable alumni, including Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler, and Richard R. Schrock, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. Johns Hopkins University’s notable alumni include Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City, and Woodrow Wilson, former President of the United States.

In addition to these famous alumni, Lehigh University has also produced notable figures in the world of sports. Darian Cruz, a Lehigh wrestling alum, won the NCAA championship in 2017. Additionally, former NFL player and current ESPN analyst, Matt Millen, also attended Lehigh University.

Johns Hopkins University has a strong reputation for producing successful medical professionals. Dr. Ben Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon and former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is a Johns Hopkins alum. Another notable alum is Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician, and anthropologist who co-founded the international health organization, Partners In Health.

Admissions Criteria for Entering Students at Lehigh versus Johns Hopkins

Lehigh University and Johns Hopkins University have highly selective admission processes, with only a small percentage of applicants being accepted each year. For undergraduate programs, Lehigh University requires SAT/ACT scores, high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Close up of students smiling at the camera.

Johns Hopkins University requires SAT/ACT scores, high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Both universities also consider extracurricular activities, work experience, and essays when evaluating applicants.

However, there are some differences in the admissions criteria between the two universities. Lehigh University places a greater emphasis on demonstrated interest, such as campus visits and interviews, while Johns Hopkins University does not consider demonstrated interest in its admissions process. Additionally, Johns Hopkins University requires applicants to submit two SAT Subject Test scores, while Lehigh University does not have this requirement.

It is also important to note that both universities have holistic admissions processes, meaning that they consider each applicant as a whole person, rather than just their academic achievements. This means that factors such as personal background, challenges overcome, and unique talents or experiences can also play a role in the admissions decision.

Campus Culture: Comparing the Social Atmosphere at Lehigh and Johns Hopkins

The campus culture at Lehigh University is focused on community and social events, with a wide range of student organizations and activities. The university is known for its vibrant Greek life, and many students participate in fraternity and sorority activities.

Group of students working together and talking.

Johns Hopkins University’s campus culture is more focused on research and innovation. The university is not known for its social scene, and students often prioritize their academic and research work over extracurricular activities.

However, despite the differences in social atmosphere, both Lehigh and Johns Hopkins offer a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in community service and outreach. Lehigh’s Center for Community Engagement and Johns Hopkins’ Center for Social Concern both provide resources and support for students interested in making a positive impact in their local and global communities.

Additionally, both universities have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Lehigh’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and Johns Hopkins’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds and offer programming and resources to promote understanding and respect among different groups on campus.

Future Prospects: Which University Offers Better Job Opportunities?

Both Lehigh University and Johns Hopkins University offer excellent job prospects for their graduates. Students who graduate from Lehigh University and Johns Hopkins University are highly valued by employers due to their strong academic backgrounds and the prestige associated with these institutions. Ultimately, job opportunities depend on a range of factors, including the student’s major, experience, and networking skills.

However, it is worth noting that Johns Hopkins University has a particularly strong reputation in the fields of medicine, public health, and biomedical research. Graduates from these programs often have access to top-tier job opportunities in these industries, with many going on to work for prestigious organizations such as the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On the other hand, Lehigh University has a strong focus on engineering and business, with graduates from these programs often finding success in fields such as finance, consulting, and technology.

Which is Better Suited to Your Needs: A Final Verdict on the Rivalry between Lehigh and Johns Hopkins

In conclusion, both Lehigh University and Johns Hopkins University have a lot to offer students who are looking for a high-quality education. Lehigh University is known for its vibrant campus culture and strong engineering programs, while Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its cutting-edge scientific research and exceptional medical school.

Ultimately, selecting an educational institution is a highly individualized decision that hinges on the unique needs and priorities of each student. These factors may include academic interests, social inclinations, and financial considerations.

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