Deciding on the right college is a significant life decision that can shape your future. In this article, we will be comparing two prestigious universities in the United States: Georgia Tech and Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). We will analyze key aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes to help you determine which institution might be the best fit for you.
Georgia Tech Overview
Georgia Tech, also known as the Georgia Institute of Technology, is a public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1885, Georgia Tech has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its six colleges, which provide a rigorous and innovative learning environment for its students.
Georgia Tech Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, Georgia Tech has a lower cost of attendance compared to private universities. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state students is approximately $27,970, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $49,070. These figures include tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with over 60% of Georgia Tech students receiving some form of financial aid.
Georgia Tech Admissions
Admission to Georgia Tech is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 23%. Applicants are evaluated on various factors, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The middle 50% range for SAT scores of admitted students is 1390-1530, while the ACT range is 31-34.
Georgia Tech Degrees Offered
Georgia Tech offers more than 130 majors and minors through its six colleges:
- College of Computing
- College of Design
- College of Engineering
- College of Sciences
- Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
- Scheller College of Business
The most popular majors at Georgia Tech include Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Business, and Physical Sciences.
Georgia Tech Academics
The university is renowned for its strong engineering and technology programs, with a focus on innovative research and hands-on learning. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, as well as opportunities to engage in projects and internships with industry partners. The student-faculty ratio at Georgia Tech is 20:1, and around 40% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
Georgia Tech Diversity
Georgia Tech has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university is committed to promoting an inclusive environment, with various programs and initiatives in place to support diversity and inclusion.
Georgia Tech Students
Around 16,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students attend Georgia Tech. The university provides a vibrant campus life, with over 400 student organizations and numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Georgia Tech Campus
The 400-acre campus is located in the heart of Atlanta, offering students access to a thriving city with abundant opportunities for internships, jobs, and entertainment. The campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Georgia Tech Alumni
Georgia Tech has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, astronaut John Young, and numerous technology and business leaders.
Georgia Tech Rankings
Georgia Tech is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, Georgia Tech ranks #8 in Best Public Universities and #35 in National Universities for 2022.
Georgia Tech Outcomes
Graduates of Georgia Tech are well-prepared for successful careers in various industries. The university boasts a strong job placement rate, with 95% of graduates either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Georgia Tech alumni is around $71,000.
WUSTL Overview
Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) is a private research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1853, WUSTL has a reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its seven schools, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and research collaborations.
WUSTL Costs & Tuition
As a private university, WUSTL has a higher cost of attendance than public institutions like Georgia Tech. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance is approximately $78,150. This figure includes tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. WUSTL is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, with over half of undergraduates receiving financial aid.
WUSTL Admissions
Admission to WUSTL is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. Similar to Georgia Tech, applicants are evaluated based on high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The middle 50% range for SAT scores of admitted students is 1480-1560, while the ACT range is 33-35.
WUSTL Degrees Offered
WUSTL offers a wide range of majors and minors through its seven schools:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- McKelvey School of Engineering
- Olin Business School
- Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
- School of Medicine
- Brown School (Social Work)
- School of Law
Popular majors at WUSTL include Social Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Business, and Visual and Performing Arts.
WUSTL Academics
WUSTL is known for its strong liberal arts education and emphasis on research and collaboration. With a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, students can expect small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. Approximately 61% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
WUSTL Diversity
The university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 80 countries. Various programs and initiatives support an inclusive campus environment.
WUSTL Students
WUSTL has around 8,000 undergraduate students and 6,600 graduate students. A vibrant campus life includes over 500 student organizations and numerous events and activities throughout the year.
WUSTL Campus
The picturesque 169-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. The campus is located in a residential area of St. Louis, providing students with opportunities to explore the city’s cultural, entertainment, and professional offerings.
WUSTL Alumni
Notable WUSTL alumni include author Tennessee Williams, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Arthur Holly Compton, and former U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton.
WUSTL Rankings
WUSTL is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, WUSTL ranks #14 in National Universities and #16 in Best Value Schools for 2022.
WUSTL Outcomes
WUSTL graduates are well-prepared for success in various fields. Approximately 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for WUSTL alumni is around $62,000.
Georgia Tech vs WUSTL Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Georgia Tech and WUSTL, it’s important to consider the difference in tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state students at Georgia Tech. In-state students at Georgia Tech can expect to pay significantly less than those attending WUSTL, with an estimated cost of attendance of $27,970 compared to WUSTL’s $78,150. For out-of-state students, the cost difference is less pronounced, with an estimated cost of attendance of $49,070 at Georgia Tech.
Both universities offer financial aid to eligible students, with WUSTL committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. It’s essential to research and compare financial aid options when considering the overall cost of attendance.
Georgia Tech vs WUSTL Admissions Difficulty
Both Georgia Tech and WUSTL have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 23% and 16% respectively. While WUSTL has a slightly lower acceptance rate, indicating a more competitive admissions process, both institutions require strong academic records, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and personal statements for successful admission.
Georgia Tech vs WUSTL Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor at both Georgia Tech and WUSTL is high, with challenging coursework and a focus on research and innovation. Georgia Tech is known for its strong STEM programs, while WUSTL has a more diverse range of offerings, including strong liberal arts and professional programs.
Student-faculty ratios at both institutions are favorable, with Georgia Tech at 20:1 and WUSTL at 7:1, indicating smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from faculty.
Georgia Tech vs WUSTL Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Georgia Tech and WUSTL have strong post-graduation outcomes, with 95% of graduates from each institution either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Georgia Tech alumni is slightly higher at $71,000 compared to WUSTL’s $62,000.
Ultimately, the best choice between Georgia Tech and WUSTL depends on your individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. Both universities offer exceptional educational experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
