Georgetown vs Boston university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 12.9% acceptance). Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #101-150). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $83K). Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $68,102 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Georgetown for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Boston university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 12.9% acceptance); Georgetown has a higher median SAT (1487 vs 1480).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $83K); Georgetown has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.8% vs 88.7%).
Georgetown has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,017 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $63,415).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgetown | Boston university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.9% | 11.1% |
| Yield rate | 43.9% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1487 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 26,822 | 76,776 |
| International students | 18% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $125K | $76K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $168K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 94.8% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 96.3% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $15,500 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,017 | $68,102 |
| Avg. aid package | $63,415 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $33,272 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 19,905 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgetown or Boston university?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Georgetown accepts 12.9% of applicants, while Boston university accepts 11.1%.
Do Georgetown or Boston university graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Georgetown vs Boston university?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,017 per year at Georgetown and $68,102 per year at Boston university.
What SAT score do you need for Georgetown or Boston university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1487 at Georgetown and 1480 at Boston university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgetown or Boston university?
Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Georgetown vs #101-150 for Boston university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgetown or Boston university?
The average aid package is $63,415 at Georgetown and $69,396 at Boston university.
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