Northeastern vs Georgetown — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 12.9% acceptance). Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #501-600). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $93K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 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 Northeastern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
Choose Georgetown for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 12.9% acceptance); Northeastern has a higher median SAT (1497 vs 1487).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $93K); Georgetown has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.8% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $68,017); Georgetown offers a larger average aid package ($63,415 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 12.9% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 43.9% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1487 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 26,822 |
| International students | 37% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $103K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $125K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $168K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 94.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 96.3% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $15,500 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $68,017 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $63,415 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $33,272 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 19,905 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Georgetown?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Georgetown accepts 12.9%.
Do Northeastern or Georgetown graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $93K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Georgetown?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $68,017 per year at Georgetown.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Georgetown?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1487 at Georgetown; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Georgetown?
Northeastern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #501-600 for Georgetown.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Georgetown?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $63,415 at Georgetown.
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