Georgetown vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 12.9% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #201-300). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,017 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 Georgetown for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Northeastern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 12.9% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1487).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $93K); Georgetown has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.8% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,017); Georgetown offers a larger average aid package ($63,415 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgetown | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.9% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 43.9% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1487 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 26,822 | 98,425 |
| International students | 18% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $125K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $168K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 94.8% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 96.3% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $15,500 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,017 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $63,415 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $33,272 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,905 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgetown or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Georgetown accepts 12.9% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Georgetown or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Georgetown vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,017 per year at Georgetown and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Georgetown or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1487 at Georgetown and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgetown or Northeastern?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Georgetown vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgetown or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $63,415 at Georgetown and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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