Northwestern vs Georgetown — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 12.9% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #501-600). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $89K). Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Georgetown for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 12.9% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1487).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 94.8%).
Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $63,415).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 12.9% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 43.9% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1487 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 26,822 |
| International students | 20% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $103K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $125K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $168K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 94.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96.3% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $15,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $68,017 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $63,415 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $33,272 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 19,905 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Georgetown?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Georgetown accepts 12.9%.
Do Northwestern or Georgetown graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Georgetown?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $68,017 per year at Georgetown.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Georgetown?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1487 at Georgetown; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Georgetown?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #501-600 for Georgetown.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Georgetown?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $63,415 at Georgetown.
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