Johns Hopkins University offers several AI-powered tools to support productivity, learning, and research. This guide provides a comparative overview of three primary options: Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT (OpenAI), and Hopkins AI Lab. Each tool serves distinct purposes and includes unique features, access methods, and usage considerations.
While all of these tools are approved for use at WSE, if you are working with PHI data only Hopkins AI Lab and Copilot 365 are HIPPA-compliant
JHU's Guidelines for Responsible Use of AI outline the enterprise wide guidance in place to ensure these technologies are used safely, ethically, and in compliance with existing policies.
Free AI Tools
Paid AI Tools
Hopkins AI Lab
The Hopkins AI Lab offers members of Johns Hopkins community secure and easy access to Large Language Models (LLMs) from industry leaders including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta.
Developed by IT@JH, this secure environment mitigates security and privacy risks while allowing you to interact with LLMs.
- Security is a primary concern for The Lab. For this reason, it requires VPN or Hopkins network access. It is currently available by invitation only.
- More information can be found here: https://ailabsupport.it.jh.edu
Microsoft Copilot (Web Version)
Copilot on the web is free, is not HIPAA-compliant, and is not connected to your M365 apps or data.
- Uses web-based data and the latest large language models (like GPT-4o) to generate responses.
- Does not access your organization's internal data (emails, documents, meetings, etc.).
- Useful for general productivity, research, and task automation.
- Offers enterprise-grade security and compliance
*During our testing we found that Microsoft Copilot worked effectively with uploaded documents such as Word and Excel files.
Select Continue with Microsoft to login with your JHEDID and password.
After signing in select Work
You can now start chatting with CoPilot
ChatGPT
ChatGPT Edu is now officially available for Johns Hopkins Engineering full-time faculty and staff. If you are not WSE faculty or staff, you will need to speak with your divisional technical teams to explore available options. Before submitting an account request, please take a moment and read the resources on this page: https://engineering.jhu.edu/cmts/wse-chatgpt-edu-account-request-for-faculty-and-staff/
- WSE ChatGPT EDu cost $240 per license annually
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ChatGPT Edu is the enterprise version of ChatGPT but with advanced features and privacy controls specific to education. https://openai.com/chatgpt/education/
- Models & limits: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11165333-chatgpt-enterprise-models-limits
- After the form is submitted with your cost center, our team will send you an invite. You must login with your JHEDID@JH.EDU.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Copilot for M365 is available for $360/user/year. This version is HIPAA-compliant and connects with your M365 apps and data. Order from the Software Catalog.
*You must get approval and provide a cost center (full time faculty and staff Only)
- Uses your organization's internal data (emails, chats, documents, calendar, etc.) via Microsoft Graph to provide context-aware, work-grounded responses.
- Includes advanced features like:
- Copilot in-app experiences (e.g., summarizing emails in Outlook, generating slides in PowerPoint).
- Copilot Studio for building custom AI agents.
More information on CoPilot: https://it.johnshopkins.edu/ai/microsoft-copilot-for-m365/
If you have any questions you can reach out to us at cmtshelp@jhu.edu