Emory vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 73.9% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #201-300). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $64,280 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 Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 73.9% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1250).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $62K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $64,280); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 31,716 |
| International students | 19% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Houston?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Emory or Houston graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or Houston?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Houston?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $16,450 at Houston.
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