Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgetown University vs Stanford University
- Georgetown Wins
- 7
- Tied
- 10
- Stanford Wins
- 35
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stanford University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Georgetown University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 92%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,815 compared to Stanford University's $13,807 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stanford University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Georgetown
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 20% more than Georgetown University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,807, roughly $27,008 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #4
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgetown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (36% of degrees); Stanford in Computer Science & IT (21%). 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 Stanford University over Georgetown University. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $103,494.
Pick Stanford University over Georgetown University. Net price $13,807 vs $40,815.
Pick Stanford University over Georgetown University. THE World Rank #4 vs #164.
Pick Stanford University over Georgetown University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgetown University and Stanford University are close on paper, but Stanford University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Georgetown University takes 13%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,487 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stanford 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, Stanford University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,807, about $27,008 a year below Georgetown University's $40,815. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $15,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $108,032 before any change in aid. Choosing Stanford University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $103,494 at Georgetown University. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.15x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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.
Moving people up
Stanford University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Georgetown University, it is 1.9%. Stanford University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stanford 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, Stanford University sits higher, at #4 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 Stanford 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 Business & Marketing, Legal Studies, while Stanford University leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 Stanford University's $13,807.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,500, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Georgetown University's enrollment, and Stanford University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stanford University has less business program depth, and Georgetown University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stanford holds onto its admits more tightly: 80% of admitted students enroll, versus 44% at Georgetown — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Stanford, where only about 77% 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.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
Rankings They Appear On
Stanford University is featured on the Best Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Georgetown's top program is Sociology (36% of enrollment), while Stanford leads with Computer Science (21%).
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 Stanford).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgetown University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Legal Studies, Biology & Biomedical, while Stanford University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Georgetown University or Stanford University?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 13% at Georgetown University.
Which is more affordable, Georgetown University or Stanford University?
Stanford University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,807 after aid versus $40,815 at Georgetown University.
Do Georgetown University or Stanford University graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, versus $103,494 at Georgetown University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgetown University or Stanford University?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 92%.
Georgetown University vs Stanford University: which is better for social mobility?
Stanford University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Georgetown University or Stanford University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stanford 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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