Georgetown vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 12.9% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #62). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $92K). Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $72,097 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, higher retention.
Choose Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 12.9% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1487).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $92K); Georgetown has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.8% vs 91.8%).
Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $63,415).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgetown | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | — | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.9% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 43.9% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1487 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 26,822 | 82,027 |
| International students | 18% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $125K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $168K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 94.8% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.3% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $15,500 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,017 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $63,415 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $33,272 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 19,905 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgetown or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Georgetown accepts 12.9% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Georgetown or Southern california graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Georgetown vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,017 per year at Georgetown and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Georgetown or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1487 at Georgetown and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgetown or Southern california?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Georgetown vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgetown or Southern california?
The average aid package is $63,415 at Georgetown and $71,169 at Southern california.
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