Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgetown University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Georgetown Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 18
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Georgetown University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 86%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,815 compared to Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's $32,875 for in-state paths. Students who choose Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $63,435 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Georgetown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, 63% more than Pennsylvania State 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
Pennsylvania State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,875, roughly $7,940 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgetown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (36% of degrees); Pennsylvania State in Business & Marketing (20%). 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 Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Georgetown University. Net price $32,875 vs $40,815.
Pick Georgetown University over Pennsylvania State University. 95% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgetown University and Pennsylvania State 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 Pennsylvania State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,487 to 1,337.
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, Pennsylvania State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,875, about $7,940 a year below Georgetown University's $40,815. Graduates of Georgetown University also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,760 before any change in aid. Choosing Pennsylvania State 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 $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 63% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 63% 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 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Pennsylvania State 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. Pennsylvania State University saves about $7,940 a year, yet Georgetown University graduates earn $40,059 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. Georgetown University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Legal Studies, while Pennsylvania State University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,815 runs well above Pennsylvania State University's $32,875.
- Engineering-focused students: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $15,500 at Georgetown University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 far exceeds Georgetown University's 7,569.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgetown holds onto its admits more tightly: 44% of admitted students enroll, versus 16% at Pennsylvania State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Pennsylvania State, where only about 34% 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
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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.
Rankings They Appear On
Georgetown University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus appear together in 3 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs, Georgetown University ranks #2 — Georgetown University outranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus by 19 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Georgetown's top program is Sociology (36% of enrollment), while Pennsylvania State leads with Business Administration (20%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Georgetown) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgetown University is strongest in Social Sciences, Legal Studies, Biology & Biomedical, while Pennsylvania State University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Communications. 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.
Georgetown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Georgetown University or Pennsylvania State University?
Georgetown University is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 61% at Pennsylvania State University.
Which is more affordable, Georgetown University or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,875 after aid versus $40,815 at Georgetown University.
Do Georgetown University or Pennsylvania State University graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgetown University or Pennsylvania State University?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 86%.
Should you choose Georgetown University or Pennsylvania State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Pennsylvania State 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Georgetown and Pennsylvania State stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
