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