Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgetown University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Georgetown Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 16
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Georgetown University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,815 compared to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $69,020 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, 50% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- 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
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $24,037 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgetown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (36% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Georgetown University. Net price $16,778 vs $40,815.
Pick Georgetown University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 95% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgetown University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,487 to 1,362.
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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $24,037 a year below Georgetown University's $40,815. Graduates of Georgetown University also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $96,148 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 50% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 50% 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 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $24,037 a year, yet Georgetown University graduates earn $34,474 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Biology & Biomedical, 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $15,500 at Georgetown University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds Georgetown University's 7,569.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Minnesota-Twin Cities, where only about 42% 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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
Georgetown University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs, Georgetown University ranks #2 — Georgetown University outranks University of Minnesota-Twin Cities by 16 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Georgetown's top program is Sociology (36% of enrollment), while Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgetown University is strongest in Social Sciences, Legal Studies, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Georgetown University is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Georgetown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $40,815 at Georgetown University.
Do Georgetown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgetown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 85%.
Should you choose Georgetown University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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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