Georgetown vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Georgetown is the more selective of the two (12.9% vs 16.8% acceptance). Virginia 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 $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
Choose Virginia for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Georgetown is more selective (12.9% vs 16.8% acceptance); Georgetown has a higher median SAT (1487 vs 1480).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 94.8%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $68,017); Georgetown offers a larger average aid package ($63,415 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgetown | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.9% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 43.9% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1487 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 26,822 | 58,951 |
| International students | 18% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $125K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $168K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 94.8% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.3% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $15,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,017 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $63,415 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $33,272 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,905 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgetown or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Georgetown. Georgetown accepts 12.9% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Georgetown or Virginia graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Georgetown vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,017 per year at Georgetown and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Georgetown or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1487 at Georgetown and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgetown or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Georgetown vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgetown or Virginia?
The average aid package is $63,415 at Georgetown and $37,123 at Virginia.
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