Iowa state vs Georgetown — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Georgetown is the more selective of the two (12.9% vs 88.7% acceptance). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Georgetown 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
Georgetown is more selective (12.9% vs 88.7% acceptance); Georgetown has a higher median SAT (1487 vs 1204).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $63K); Georgetown has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.8% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,017); Georgetown offers a larger average aid package ($63,415 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 12.9% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 43.9% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1487 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 26,822 |
| International students | 8% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $103K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $125K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $168K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 94.8% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 96.3% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $15,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $68,017 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $63,415 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $33,272 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 19,905 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Georgetown?
It's harder to get into Georgetown. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Georgetown accepts 12.9%.
Do Iowa state or Georgetown graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Georgetown?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $68,017 per year at Georgetown.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Georgetown?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1487 at Georgetown; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Georgetown?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $63,415 at Georgetown.
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