Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs New York University
- George Washington Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 9
- New York Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While New York University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,050 compared to George Washington University's $36,586. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Washington 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
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $464 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
New York
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #60
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). 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 New York University. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick George Washington University over New York University. Net price $36,586 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over George Washington University. THE World Rank #60 vs #95.
Pick New York University over George Washington University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick New York University 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 New York University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $464 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,856 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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
New York University 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
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at George Washington University, it is 2.2%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, New York University sits higher, at #60 versus #95.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Washington University to keep costs and debt down; pick New York 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
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. New York University ranks higher globally (#60 vs #95), but George Washington University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, while New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — George Washington competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds George Washington University's 11,182.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% 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) 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
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.
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
Rankings They Appear On
George Washington University and New York University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for Real Estate Finance, George Washington University ranks #4 — George Washington University outranks New York University by 2 positions.
Top Degree Programs
George Washington's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Health Professions, Psychology, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, Computer Science & IT. 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 New York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or New York University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do George Washington University or New York University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or New York University?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 85%.
George Washington University vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose George Washington University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York 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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