Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgetown University vs University of Southern California
- Georgetown Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 9
- Southern California Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Southern California 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 Southern California's $32,740 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Southern California benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $92,498 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, 12% more than University of Southern California
- 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
Southern California
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,740, roughly $8,075 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 10% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #73
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgetown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (36% of degrees); Southern California in Business & Marketing (22%). 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 Southern California. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $92,498.
Pick University of Southern California over Georgetown University. Net price $32,740 vs $40,815.
Pick University of Southern California over Georgetown University. THE World Rank #73 vs #164.
Pick University of Southern California over Georgetown University. 3.9% 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 University of Southern California split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
University of Southern California is the harder admit. It takes 10% of applicants, while Georgetown University takes 13%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,487 to 1,495.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Southern California 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 Southern California comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,740, about $8,075 a year below Georgetown University's $40,815. Graduates of Georgetown University also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $18,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $32,300 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Southern California 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 $92,498 at University of Southern California. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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
University of Southern California does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.9%; at Georgetown University, it is 1.9%. University of Southern California also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Southern California 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 Southern California sits higher, at #73 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 Southern California 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 Southern California saves about $8,075 a year, yet Georgetown University graduates earn $10,996 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 Southern California ranks higher globally (#73 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 Southern California leans toward Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Southern California's $32,740.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,000, against $15,500 at Georgetown University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Southern California's enrollment of 20,443 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 40% at Southern California — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Southern California, where only about 45% 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 Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
The University of Southern California has an impressive graduation rate of 92%. This reflects the institution's strong commitment to student success and academic support. Students here are likely to find a community that encourages them to complete their degrees on time.
According to data from Opportunity Insights, while specific mobility metrics are not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are able to improve their economic prospects through education. Graduates from USC earn a median salary of $92,498 a decade after leaving, indicating a solid return on investment for their education.
The cost of attendance at USC is $32,740, with a median debt of $18,000 for those who borrow. This financial landscape makes it essential for prospective students to consider their funding options. Students who thrive at USC often have a clear focus on their career paths, particularly in fields like business, arts, and technology.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Southern California is featured on the Best Online Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Georgetown's top program is Sociology (36% of enrollment), while Southern California leads with Business Administration (22%).
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 Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgetown University is strongest in Legal Studies, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Southern California concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, 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 University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 13% at Georgetown University.
Which is more affordable, Georgetown University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,740 after aid versus $40,815 at Georgetown University.
Do Georgetown University or University of Southern California graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $92,498 at University of Southern California.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgetown University or University of Southern California?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 92%.
Georgetown University vs University of Southern California: which is better for social mobility?
University of Southern California is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.9% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Georgetown University or University of Southern California?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Southern California 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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