Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgetown University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Georgetown Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 11
- North Carolina Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
53 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, 43% more than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
North Carolina
- Lower cost: Average net price of $11,655, roughly $29,160 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #30
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgetown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (36% of degrees); North Carolina in Biology & Biomedical (15%). 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $72,200.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Georgetown University. Net price $11,655 vs $40,815.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Georgetown University. THE World Rank #30 vs #164.
Pick Georgetown University over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 1.9% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgetown University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill takes 15%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,487 to 1,439.
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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $11,655, about $29,160 a year below Georgetown University's $40,815. Graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $15,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $116,640 before any change in aid. Choosing University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That is a 43% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 43% 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
Georgetown University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it is 1.2%. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sits higher, at #30 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to keep costs and debt down; pick Georgetown University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill saves about $29,160 a year, yet Georgetown University graduates earn $31,294 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks higher globally (#30 vs #164), but Georgetown University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Georgetown University concentrates enrollment in Legal Studies, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leans toward Biology & Biomedical. 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has less business program depth, and Georgetown University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's enrollment of 20,752 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 0% at North Carolina — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at North Carolina, where only about 69% 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) 5 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.
When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.
Rankings They Appear On
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is featured on the Best Large Universities ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Georgetown's top program is Sociology (36% of enrollment), while North Carolina leads with Biology (15%).
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 North Carolina).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgetown University is strongest in Legal Studies, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concentrates in Computer Science & IT. 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Georgetown University is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 15% at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which is more affordable, Georgetown University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more affordable, with an average net price of $11,655 after aid versus $40,815 at Georgetown University.
Do Georgetown University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgetown University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 92%.
Georgetown University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: which is better for social mobility?
Georgetown University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Georgetown University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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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