Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Lafayette College
- George Washington Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 16
- Lafayette Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Lafayette College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $34,433 vs George Washington University's $36,586, Lafayette College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Lafayette College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Lafayette
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than George Washington University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,433, roughly $2,153 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $16,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 31% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Lafayette in Social Sciences (30%). 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 Lafayette College over George Washington University. Median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment vs $90,873.
Pick Lafayette College over George Washington University. Net price $34,433 vs $36,586.
Pick George Washington University over Lafayette College. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Lafayette College over George Washington University. 88% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Lafayette College are close on paper, but Lafayette College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Lafayette College is the harder admit. It takes 31% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,424.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lafayette College 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, Lafayette College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,433, about $2,153 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of Lafayette College also borrow less: median debt of $16,000, against $20,449.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $8,612 before any change in aid. Choosing Lafayette College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Lafayette College graduates report median earnings of $91,410, compared with $90,873 at George Washington University. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lafayette College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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.
Finishing the degree
Lafayette College graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Lafayette College, it is 1.6%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
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 Lafayette College to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Lafayette College is harder to get into, with a 31% admit rate, but George Washington University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Lafayette College leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,449, against $16,000 at Lafayette College.
- Engineering-focused students: Lafayette College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Lafayette College's 2,757.
- Business and consulting-track students: Lafayette College has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lafayette holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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
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.
Lafayette College
Easton, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of 31%, Lafayette College in Easton, PA, is an appealing choice for students who are ready to engage deeply with their education in a supportive community. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Studies, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts. The college’s emphasis on collaborative learning and hands-on experiences really stands out, making it a place where students can explore their passions while also preparing for their careers.
After graduation, Lafayette alumni can expect to earn an impressive average of $91,410 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure highlights the strong return on investment that a Lafayette education can offer. With a graduation rate of 88%, it’s clear that students are not just enrolling here; they’re succeeding. This high success rate indicates that the college is effectively supporting students in their academic journeys, and that many are moving on to thriving careers.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid is around $34,433, with a median debt load of $16,000 for graduates. This manageable debt level suggests that students can graduate with less financial burden, allowing them to focus on their careers and life after college. Lafayette tends to attract motivated individuals who are eager to make the most of their college experience, contributing to a vibrant campus culture where students thrive both academically and socially.
Rankings They Appear On
Lafayette College is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 33% of George Washington's student body and 30% of Lafayette's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Lafayette).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Lafayette College concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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.
George Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,433 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do George Washington University or Lafayette College graduates earn more?
Lafayette College graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,873 at George Washington University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 85%.
George Washington University vs Lafayette College: 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 1.6%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Lafayette College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Lafayette College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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