Cornell vs Georgetown — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 12.9% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($104K vs $103K). Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $69,314 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Georgetown for: lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 12.9% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1487).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $103K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 94.8%).
Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $69,314); Georgetown offers a larger average aid package ($63,415 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 12.9% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 43.9% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1487 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 26,822 |
| International students | 26% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $103K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $125K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $168K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 94.8% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 96.3% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $15,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $68,017 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $63,415 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $33,272 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 19,905 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Georgetown?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Georgetown accepts 12.9%.
Do Cornell or Georgetown graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $104K at Cornell and $103K at Georgetown.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Georgetown?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $68,017 per year at Georgetown.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Georgetown?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1487 at Georgetown; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Georgetown?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #501-600 for Georgetown.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Georgetown?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $63,415 at Georgetown.
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