Northwestern vs Georgia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 37.7% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #401-500). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $69K). Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 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, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Georgia for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 37.7% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1397).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $69K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 89.7%).
Georgia has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,688 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $15,348).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 37.7% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 38.3% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1397 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 42,436 |
| International students | 20% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $69K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 89.7% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 94.3% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $31,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $15,348 |
| % of need met | 100% | 73.2% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $20,890 |
| Application fee | $75 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 43,146 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Georgia?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Georgia accepts 37.7%.
Do Northwestern or Georgia graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $69K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Georgia?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $31,688 per year at Georgia.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Georgia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1397 at Georgia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Georgia?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #401-500 for Georgia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Georgia?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $15,348 at Georgia.
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