Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs George Washington University
- Brigham Young Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 11
- George Washington Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While George Washington University achieves a higher graduation rate (85% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,586 compared to Brigham Young University's $15,564. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $21,022 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 20% more than Brigham Young University
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% of degrees); George Washington in Social Sciences (33%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick George Washington University over Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick Brigham Young University over George Washington University. Net price $15,564 vs $36,586.
Pick George Washington University over Brigham Young University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and George Washington University are close on paper, but George Washington University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
George Washington University is the harder admit. It takes 47% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 to 1,433.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Washington University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $21,022 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $20,449.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $84,088 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Brigham Young University to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Brigham Young University saves about $21,022 a year, yet George Washington University graduates earn $15,083 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, while George Washington University leans toward Social Sciences, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brigham Young University's enrollment of 32,952 far exceeds George Washington University's 11,182.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,586 runs well above Brigham Young University's $15,564.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,449, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Brigham Young holds onto its admits more tightly: 24% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. George Washington offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Brigham Young does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Rankings They Appear On
Brigham Young University is featured on the Best Colleges in Utah ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brigham Young's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while George Washington leads with Sociology (33%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while George Washington University concentrates in Social Sciences, Health Professions, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Brigham Young
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brigham Young University or George Washington University?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or George Washington University?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do Brigham Young University or George Washington University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or George Washington University?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 82%.
Brigham Young University vs George Washington University: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or George Washington University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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