Georgia vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Georgia is the more selective of the two (37.7% vs 88.7% acceptance). Georgia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #501-600). Georgia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($69K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: 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 88.7% acceptance); Georgia has a higher median SAT (1397 vs 1204).
Georgia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($69K vs $63K); Georgia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (89.7% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $31,688); Iowa state offers a larger average aid package ($15,665 vs $15,348).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgia | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 37.7% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 38.3% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1397 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 42,436 | 23,095 |
| International students | 7% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 89.7% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 94.3% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $31,688 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,348 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 73.2% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,890 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $70 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 43,146 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgia or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Georgia. Georgia accepts 37.7% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Georgia or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Georgia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $69K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Georgia vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,688 per year at Georgia and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Georgia or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1397 at Georgia and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgia or Iowa state?
Georgia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Georgia vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgia or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $15,348 at Georgia and $15,665 at Iowa state.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern