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Georgetown University vs USC

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
9.2% USC acceptance
$9,160 Georgetown cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgetown
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Founded
1789
Enrollment
20,385
Setting
Urban
USC
Los Angeles, California
Private
Founded
1880
Enrollment
49,500
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgetown saves $2,200
Georgetown
$64,440
USC
$66,640
Acceptance Rate USC more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
USC
9.2%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
Georgetown
95%
USC
92%
Avg SAT Score Georgetown higher
Georgetown
1490
USC
1480
Starting Salary Georgetown higher
Georgetown
$79,600
USC
$78,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown USC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$66,640Georgetown
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$66,640Georgetown
Room & Board$19,392$19,482Georgetown
Acceptance Rate12.2%9.2%USC
Graduation Rate95%92%Georgetown
Average SAT14901480Georgetown
Student-Faculty Ratio11:19:1USC
Enrollment20,38549,500-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$42,360Georgetown
Starting Salary$79,600$78,900Georgetown
Endowment$4.7B$8.1BUSC
Campus Size104 acres229 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

USC Top Majors

BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
USCUrban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
USC229 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
USCNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
USCWest
Founded
Georgetown1789
USC1880
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
USC49,500

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or USC harder to get into?+
USC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 9.2% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or USC?+
At sticker price, Georgetown costs less over 4 years ($335,328 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and USC?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at USC it is 1480. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgetown or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgetown have a higher average starting salary ($79,600 vs $78,900). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgetown has a 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio while USC has 9:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and USC compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.