Is Johns Hopkins or UC Berkeley More Affordable for an Out-of-State Student?

For an out-of-state domestic student with demonstrated financial need, Johns Hopkins will often be more affordable after aid than UC Berkeley. Berkeley nonresidents are typically expected to cover the nonresident supplemental tuition themselves.

At Berkeley, an out-of-state student can use federal aid and outside scholarships, but should not expect the same level of UC grant support available to in-state students. The nonresident charge is added on top of Berkeley’s regular tuition, fees, housing, food, and personal expenses.

At Johns Hopkins, aid is determined through the school’s financial-aid process and can substantially reduce the published cost for families with financial need. Its aid policy is especially relevant for applicants whose finances place them well below the full cost of attendance.

For a family that will receive little or no need-based aid, compare the two schools’ current net price calculators carefully; Berkeley may be closer in price than expected, but it is not automatically the bargain for nonresidents. The most useful comparison is each school’s estimated net price, not its posted tuition, because Hopkins aid can change the outcome substantially.