Head-to-head · 2026

St Joseph's 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.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

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At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: St Joseph's College Geelong is Catholic; The Geelong College is Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian).
  • Gender: St Joseph's College Geelong is boys; The Geelong College is co-educational.
  • The Geelong College offers boarding; St Joseph's College Geelong is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $30,440: St Joseph's College Geelong is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 55: The Geelong College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • The Geelong College is the older school (est. 1861 vs 1935).
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric St Joseph's College Geelong The Geelong College
City / suburbNewtown, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorCatholicUniting Church (formerly Presbyterian)
Genderboysco-educational
Year levelsYear 7 to Year 12ELC to Year 12
ICSEA10751130
Year 12 fee$8,100$38,540
Year 7 fee$8,100$30,172
BoardingDay schoolYes · $31,080/yr
Founded19351861
ReligionRoman Catholic (Edmund Rice Education Australia)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).

St Joseph's College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • Largest Catholic boys' school in regional Victoria
  • Christian Brothers / Edmund Rice Education Australia tradition
  • Includes Notebook Computer hire in tuition fee

Catholic boys school in Newtown, Geelong. Largest Catholic boys' school in regional Victoria

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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

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, St Joseph's College Geelong or The Geelong College?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Geelong College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Joseph's 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 St Joseph's College Geelong and The Geelong College?

St Joseph's College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $8,100 (Year 7: $8,100). 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 St Joseph's College Geelong vs The Geelong College?

St Joseph's College Geelong has an ICSEA score of 1075; 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, St Joseph's College Geelong or The Geelong College?

The Geelong College is the older school (founded 1861 vs 1935 for St Joseph's College Geelong).

Do St Joseph's College Geelong or The Geelong College offer boarding?

St Joseph's College Geelong: Day school only. The Geelong College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,080/yr.

Next step

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