Southern california vs Georgetown — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 12.9% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #501-600). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $92K). Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
Choose Georgetown for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 12.9% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1487).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $92K); Georgetown has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.8% vs 91.8%).
Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $63,415).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 12.9% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 43.9% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1487 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 26,822 |
| International students | 27% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $103K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $125K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $168K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 94.8% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 96.3% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $15,500 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $68,017 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $63,415 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $33,272 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 19,905 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Georgetown?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Georgetown accepts 12.9%.
Do Southern california or Georgetown graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Georgetown?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $68,017 per year at Georgetown.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Georgetown?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1487 at Georgetown; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Georgetown?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #501-600 for Georgetown.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Georgetown?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $63,415 at Georgetown.
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