Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgetown University vs Providence College
- Georgetown Wins
- 33
- Tied
- 13
- Providence Wins
- 8
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Georgetown University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $40,815 vs Providence College's $48,523, 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
Georgetown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, 19% more than Providence College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,815, roughly $7,708 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
Providence
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgetown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (36% of degrees); Providence in Business & Marketing (42%). 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 Providence College. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $87,054.
Pick Georgetown University over Providence College. Net price $40,815 vs $48,523.
Pick Georgetown University over Providence College. 1.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Georgetown University over Providence College. 95% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgetown University and Providence College 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 Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,487 to 1,346.
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 $7,708 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Georgetown University also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $30,832 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 $87,054 at Providence College. That is a 19% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 19% 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 8% 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 Providence College, it is 0.9%. Georgetown University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 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.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Georgetown University concentrates enrollment in Legal Studies, while Providence College leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Georgetown University's enrollment of 7,569 far exceeds Providence College's 4,229.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,523 runs well above Georgetown University's $40,815.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $15,500 at Georgetown University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgetown holds onto its admits more tightly: 44% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at Providence — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Providence 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 Providence, where only about 58% 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
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.
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.
Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.
Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.
Rankings They Appear On
Georgetown University and Providence College appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Social Work, Georgetown University ranks #6 — Georgetown University outranks Providence College by 35 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Georgetown's top program is Sociology (36% of enrollment), while Providence leads with Business Administration (42%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Georgetown) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Providence).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgetown University is strongest in Legal Studies, while Providence College concentrates in Psychology. 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 Providence College?
Georgetown University is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Georgetown University or Providence College?
Georgetown University is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,815 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Georgetown University or Providence College graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,054 at Providence College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgetown University or Providence College?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 87%.
Georgetown University vs Providence College: which is better for social mobility?
Georgetown University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Georgetown University or Providence College?
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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