Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs Georgetown University
- Drexel Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 12
- Georgetown Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Drexel University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Georgetown University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 78%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,815 compared to Drexel University's $38,509. Students who choose Drexel University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,648 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Drexel
- Lower cost: Average net price of $38,509, roughly $2,306 a year less
Georgetown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, 22% more than Drexel University
- 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
- More selective: Admits 13% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #164
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% 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 Drexel University. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $84,648.
Pick Drexel University over Georgetown University. Net price $38,509 vs $40,815.
Pick Georgetown University over Drexel University. THE World Rank #164 vs #190.
Pick Georgetown University over Drexel University. 95% completion rate vs 78%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Drexel University and Georgetown University are close on paper, but Georgetown University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Drexel University takes 79%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,345 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, Drexel University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $38,509, about $2,306 a year below Georgetown University's $40,815. Graduates of Georgetown University also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $9,224 before any change in aid. Choosing Drexel 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 $84,648 at Drexel University. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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 78%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 17% 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Georgetown University sits higher, at #164 versus #190.
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 Drexel University to keep costs and debt down; pick Georgetown University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Drexel University saves about $2,306 a year, yet Georgetown University graduates earn $18,846 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Drexel University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Engineering, while Georgetown University leans toward Social Sciences, 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 $25,325, against $15,500 at Georgetown University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Drexel University has less business program depth, and Georgetown University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Drexel University's enrollment of 13,233 far exceeds Georgetown University's 7,569.
- Engineering-focused students: Drexel 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 7% at Drexel — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Drexel, where only about 35% 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) 4 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
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.
After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.
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
Drexel University and Georgetown University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs, Georgetown University ranks #2 — Georgetown University outranks Drexel University by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% 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 Drexel) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Georgetown).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Health Professions, Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts, while Georgetown University concentrates in Social Sciences, Legal Studies, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Drexel University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 79% at Drexel University.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or Georgetown University?
Drexel University is more affordable, with an average net price of $38,509 after aid versus $40,815 at Georgetown University.
Do Drexel University or Georgetown University graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,648 at Drexel University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 78%.
Should you choose Drexel University or Georgetown University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Drexel University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Georgetown University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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