What Verdica's 823 score means for Georgetown University
Georgetown University's composite score of 823 out of 850 places it in the "excellent" band (800–850), indicating strong performance across the measurable compliance and outcomes dimensions that Verdica tracks. This score reflects data from accreditation status, federal Title IV compliance records, and institutional data reported through IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System).
For prospective students, partners, or regulators, a score in this range signals that the institution has met or exceeded baseline standards in the areas Verdica monitors. The score does not represent an exhaustive audit of operations or student experience; rather, it reflects what publicly available regulatory data shows about the institution's standing. Readers should interpret this as one data point—a favorable one—within a broader due-diligence process.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation (820). This sub-score reflects Georgetown's standing with its regional and programmatic accreditors. A score of 820 indicates that the institution maintains active accreditation status without significant restrictions or unresolved compliance findings from accreditation bodies. In the education industry, accreditation status is a binary compliance gate: institutions either hold valid accreditation or they do not. A high score here means no pending accreditation warnings, sanctions, or loss-of-recognition actions are flagged in public records.
Student Outcomes (820). This dimension aggregates data typically drawn from IPEDS on graduation rates, retention, and employment-related metrics. A score of 820 suggests that Georgetown's reported outcomes—such as graduation rates and student completion metrics—fall within acceptable or above-average ranges for its peer category. The underlying data is institution-reported; Verdica does not verify accuracy but flags when reported metrics deviate significantly from sector norms or when disclosure gaps appear.
Compliance (830). This is the highest of Georgetown's three sub-scores. It reflects Title IV compliance status, which tracks whether the institution has unresolved financial aid violations, audit findings, or enforcement actions from the U.S. Department of Education. A score of 830 indicates clean or near-clean Title IV standing. This dimension captures issues such as misuse of federal student aid funds, failure to meet cash management requirements, or unresolved findings from program reviews conducted by ED's Office of Inspector General.
The three sub-scores are tightly clustered (820, 820, 830), indicating consistent strength across accreditation, outcomes reporting, and federal compliance—no obvious weak points in the data Verdica monitors.
What regulators in DC track for education providers
Georgetown operates under District of Columbia law and federal oversight by the U.S. Department of Education. Key regulatory touchpoints include:
Accreditation. Georgetown holds regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE periodically reviews institutional quality, governance, financial stability, and student support services. Loss of accreditation or placement on probation would significantly lower the Accreditation sub-score.
Title IV compliance. The Department of Education monitors whether institutions correctly administer federal student aid, including loans, grants, and work-study funds. Audits may identify cash management violations, inadequate default prevention, misreported enrollment data, or improper disbursements. Serious violations can result in loss of Title IV eligibility, a fatal outcome for most institutions.
IPEDS reporting. All accredited postsecondary institutions must file annual IPEDS data on enrollment, completion rates, faculty, finances, and student aid. Regulatory agencies use IPEDS to identify outliers or incomplete disclosures. Chronic misreporting can trigger ED investigations.
In DC's regulatory environment, education providers are also subject to the DC Higher Education Licensure Commission for institutional licensure, though regional accreditation typically supersedes this requirement for degree-granting institutions.
Bottom line
Georgetown's 823 score reflects excellent standing across the compliance and outcomes measures Verdica tracks. Anyone considering enrollment, partnership, or investment should cross-check accreditation status through MSCHE's website, review the institution's most recent financial audit (if applicable), and confirm current Title IV eligibility through the Federal Student Aid website before making a final decision.