Head-to-Head Comparison
Case Western Reserve University vs Georgetown University
- Case Western Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 12
- Georgetown Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Georgetown University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $40,815 vs Case Western Reserve University's $41,190, Georgetown University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Georgetown University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Case Western
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #65
Georgetown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, 18% more than Case Western Reserve University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,815, roughly $375 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 13% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Case Western graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Georgetown in Social Sciences (36%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Georgetown University over Case Western Reserve University. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $87,989.
Pick Georgetown University over Case Western Reserve University. Net price $40,815 vs $41,190.
Pick Case Western Reserve University over Georgetown University. THE World Rank #65 vs #164.
Pick Georgetown University over Case Western Reserve University. 1.9% mobility rate vs 1.8%.
Pick Georgetown University over Case Western Reserve University. 95% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Case Western Reserve University and Georgetown University are close on paper, but Georgetown University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Georgetown University is the harder admit. It takes 13% of applicants, while Case Western Reserve University takes 37%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,513 to 1,487.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Georgetown University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Georgetown University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $40,815, about $375 a year below Case Western Reserve University's $41,190. Graduates of Georgetown University also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $24,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,500 before any change in aid. Choosing Georgetown University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Georgetown University graduates report median earnings of $103,494, compared with $87,989 at Case Western Reserve University. That is a 18% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Georgetown University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Georgetown University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at Case Western Reserve University, it is 1.8%. Case Western Reserve University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Georgetown University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Case Western Reserve University sits higher, at #65 versus #164.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Georgetown University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Case Western Reserve University ranks higher globally (#65 vs #164), but Georgetown University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Case Western Reserve University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Georgetown University leans toward Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Legal Studies. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,000, against $15,500 at Georgetown University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Case Western Reserve University has less business program depth, and Georgetown University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Case Western Reserve University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgetown holds onto its admits more tightly: 44% of admitted students enroll, versus 12% at Case Western — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Case Western offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Georgetown does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Case Western, where only about 67% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 6,500 students and a 37% acceptance rate, Case Western Reserve University attracts those who are serious about their education and future. Here, students dive into strong programs in Engineering, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, and Business. The 87% graduation rate speaks volumes about the supportive environment that enables students to succeed academically and professionally.
Looking ahead, the earning potential for graduates is promising, with a ten-year median income of about $87,989. That’s a significant number, especially when we think about what it means for students entering the workforce. It’s not just about the degree but also how well it translates into financial stability and career advancement. While the school has an 18% Pell Grant rate, indicating that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, the return on investment seems solid based on those earnings.
When considering the financial aspects, the net price after aid hovers around $41,190, which can feel daunting. However, the median debt for graduates is $24,000, suggesting that many students manage to graduate with a reasonable debt load. Those who thrive at Case Western tend to be motivated, goal-oriented individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and take advantage of the university's resources. This school seems like a good fit for students who are prepared to dive into a challenging academic environment while keeping an eye on their future careers.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
Georgetown University has a remarkable graduation rate of 95%, signaling strong student retention and success. This high rate indicates a supportive academic environment where most students complete their degrees on time, an essential factor for those considering their future careers.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility metrics are not available for Georgetown. However, the university's strong academic reputation suggests that graduates may have favorable outcomes in terms of career advancement and income, contributing positively to social mobility over time.
The net price of attendance at Georgetown is $40,815, with a median debt of $15,500 upon graduation. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $103,494 within ten years of completing their degree. Students who thrive here often pursue careers in social sciences, business, law, or health professions, benefiting from the university's strategic location in Washington, DC, which offers ample internship and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Case Western Reserve University is featured on the Best Online Colleges in Ohio ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Case Western's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Georgetown leads with Sociology (36%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Case Western) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Georgetown).
The two schools feed different job markets. Case Western Reserve University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Health Professions, while Georgetown University concentrates in Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Legal Studies. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Case Western Reserve University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 37% at Case Western Reserve University.
Which is more affordable, Case Western Reserve University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,815 after aid versus $41,190 at Case Western Reserve University.
Do Case Western Reserve University or Georgetown University graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,989 at Case Western Reserve University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Case Western Reserve University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 87%.
Case Western Reserve University vs Georgetown University: which is better for social mobility?
Georgetown University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 1.8%.
Should you choose Case Western Reserve University or Georgetown University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Georgetown University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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