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