Head-to-head · 2026
George Washington University vs Georgetown University
Compare average net price ($36,586 at George Washington University; $40,815 at Georgetown University), ROI score (6.21 vs 6.34), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($90,873 vs $103,494), and admissions selectivity (47.1% acceptance at George Washington University; 12.9% at Georgetown University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | George Washington University | Georgetown University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.21 | 6.34 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $36,586 ✓ | $40,815 |
| 4-year avg net price | $146,344 ✓ | $163,260 |
| In-state tuition | $67,710 | $68,017 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $67,710 | $68,017 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $90,873 | $103,494 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 47.1% | 12.9% |
| Graduation rate | 84% | 94.8% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 92.2% | 96.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $20,449 | $15,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 11,182 | 7,569 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1433 | 1487 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | George Washington University | Georgetown University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,440 | $5,064 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $17,292 | $12,155 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $22,080 | $18,329 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $28,100 | $26,459 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $55,337 ✓ | $57,403 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | George Washington University | Georgetown University |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies | 9.1% | 7.3% |
| Law | 6.1% | 8.6% |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | 1.7% | 8.9% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 6% | 4.5% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 3.9% | 5.9% |
| Political Science and Government | 5% | 4% |
| Public Health | 6.1% | 0.7% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 1.5% | 4.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
George Washington University reports the lower average net price by $4,229 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $16,916 difference over four years ($146,344 vs $163,260).
Georgetown University reports $12,621 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($103,494 vs $90,873). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 92.2% at George Washington University and 96.8% at Georgetown University. Median federal debt among completers is $20,449 vs $15,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
George Washington University vs Georgetown University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
George Washington University is cheaper — average net price $36,586 per year vs $40,815 at Georgetown University. The annual difference of $4,229 adds up to about $16,916 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Georgetown University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $103,494 vs $90,873 at George Washington University. The gap in the federal data is $12,621. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Georgetown University is more selective at 12.9% acceptance vs 47.1% at George Washington University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.