Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
George Washington University
Washington, DC
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
- George Washington Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 19
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers a significantly safer investment tier. While George Washington University achieves a higher graduation rate (85% vs 79%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,586 compared to Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689 for in-state paths. Students who choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $86,881 at ten years.
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, 5% more than Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Saint Joseph's
- Lower cost: Average net price of $29,689, roughly $6,897 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Saint Joseph's in Business & Marketing (39%). 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $86,881.
Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over George Washington University. Net price $29,689 vs $36,586.
Pick George Washington University over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. 85% completion rate vs 79%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,258.
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, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $29,689, about $6,897 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $25,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $27,588 before any change in aid. Choosing Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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 $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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
George Washington University graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 79%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia saves about $6,897 a year, yet George Washington University graduates earn $3,992 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. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,586 runs well above Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's 4,948.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,500, against $20,449 at George Washington University.
Full Data Breakdown
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.
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
George Washington University and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for Real Estate Finance, George Washington University ranks #4 — George Washington University outranks Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia by 3 positions.
Top Degree Programs
George Washington's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Saint Joseph's leads with Business Administration (39%).
George Washington
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Social Sciences, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates in 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is more affordable, with an average net price of $29,689 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do George Washington University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 79%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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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