Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Ignatius College Geelong vs The Geelong College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 11 June 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Saint Ignatius College Geelong is Catholic (Jesuit tradition); The Geelong College is Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian).
- The Geelong College offers boarding; Saint Ignatius College Geelong is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $31,240: Saint Ignatius College Geelong is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 73: The Geelong College draws from a more advantaged community.
- The Geelong College is the older school (est. 1861 vs 1997).
- Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Saint Ignatius College Geelong | The Geelong College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Drysdale, Geelong | Newtown, Geelong |
| Sector | Catholic (Jesuit tradition) | Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian) |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | Year 7 to Year 12 | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1057 | 1130 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,300 | $38,540 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,900 | $30,172 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $31,080/yr |
| Founded | 1997 | 1861 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Jesuit tradition) | Uniting Church in Australia (associated, not governed) |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Standout strengths
- ›Bellarine Peninsula Jesuit-tradition Catholic college
- ›Year 7 students purchase MacBook ($1,900) for use through to Year 12
- ›Years 8-12 charged at the same flat tuition rate
Catholic (Jesuit tradition) co-educational school in Drysdale, Geelong. Bellarine Peninsula Jesuit-tradition Catholic college
See full profile →The Geelong College
Standout strengths
- ›Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861
- ›Strong rowing tradition (Head of the River)
- ›Year 12 fees billed over three terms only
Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian) co-educational school in Newtown, Geelong. Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Saint Ignatius College Geelong or The Geelong College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Geelong College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Saint Ignatius College Geelong is more affordable. Both are in Geelong. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child – visit open days and talk to current parents.
What are the 2026 fees for Saint Ignatius College Geelong and The Geelong College?
Saint Ignatius College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,300 (Year 7: $6,900). The Geelong College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $38,540 (Year 7: $30,172). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Saint Ignatius College Geelong vs The Geelong College?
Saint Ignatius College Geelong has an ICSEA score of 1057; The Geelong College has 1130. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community – it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.
Which school is older, Saint Ignatius College Geelong or The Geelong College?
The Geelong College is the older school (founded 1861 vs 1997 for Saint Ignatius College Geelong).
Do Saint Ignatius College Geelong or The Geelong College offer boarding?
Saint Ignatius College Geelong: Day school only. The Geelong College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,080/yr.
Next step
Model the 6-year cost for either school
Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.
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