Georgia vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Georgia is the more selective of the two (37.7% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #201-300). Georgia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($69K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $31,688 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 Georgia for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Georgia is more selective (37.7% vs 73.9% acceptance); Georgia has a higher median SAT (1397 vs 1250).
Georgia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($69K vs $62K); Georgia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (89.7% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $31,688); Houston offers a larger average aid package ($16,450 vs $15,348).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgia | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 37.7% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 38.3% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1397 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 42,436 | 31,716 |
| International students | 7% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 89.7% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 94.3% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $31,688 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,348 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 73.2% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,890 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $70 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 43,146 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgia or Houston?
It's harder to get into Georgia. Georgia accepts 37.7% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Georgia or Houston graduates earn more?
Georgia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $69K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Georgia vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,688 per year at Georgia and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Georgia or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1397 at Georgia and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgia or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Georgia vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgia or Houston?
The average aid package is $15,348 at Georgia and $16,450 at Houston.
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