<p>These three schools are quite different–not really comparable.</p>
<p>Hopkins is a top rated research university–both in the US and internationally. It is #1 in the US in research funding. While perhaps most famous for its programs in medicine, biological sciences, physics, public health, international studies, biomedical engineering, music and nursing–it has top rated programs thoughout the science, social sciences and humanities. It is a purely secular institution with no religious affiliation.</p>
<p>American is a middle range research university with a few strong programs–most notably in international studies and politics. Its biggest draw is its DC location. Most of its other programs are ok–but nothing special. It is pretty weak in the sciences. It is associated with the Methodist Church but, other than the fact that the campus is a dry one–that affiliation is hardly noticable.</p>
<p>Villanova is not a research university but a regional, master’s level university which focuses upon undergraduate education. Its academics are fine at the undergraduate level–but it is not particularly known for anything other than perhaps basketball.</p>
<p>There are reasons, such as finances, location and religion, that might lead someone to prefer one of these schools over the others. But they are not really comparable.</p>