Washington university vs Georgetown — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 12.9% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #501-600). Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,017 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 Washington university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
Choose Georgetown for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 12.9% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1487).
Georgetown graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($103K vs $86K); Georgetown has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.8% vs 94.3%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,017); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $63,415).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Georgetown |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 12.9% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 43.9% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1487 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 26,822 |
| International students | 27% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $103K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $125K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $168K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 94.8% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 96.3% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $68,017 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $63,415 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $33,272 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 19,905 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Georgetown?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Georgetown accepts 12.9%.
Do Washington university or Georgetown graduates earn more?
Georgetown graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $103K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Georgetown?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $68,017 per year at Georgetown.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Georgetown?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1487 at Georgetown; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Georgetown?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #501-600 for Georgetown.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Georgetown?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $63,415 at Georgetown.
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