Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgetown University vs New York University
- Georgetown Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 9
- New York Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New York University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Georgetown University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,815 compared to New York University's $37,050 for in-state paths. Students who choose New York University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,509 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Georgetown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than New York University
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
New York
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,050, roughly $3,765 a year less
- 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?
Georgetown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (36% 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 Georgetown University over New York University. Median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick New York University over Georgetown University. Net price $37,050 vs $40,815.
Pick New York University over Georgetown University. THE World Rank #60 vs #164.
Pick New York University over Georgetown University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Georgetown University over New York University. 95% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgetown 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 Georgetown University takes 13%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,487 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, New York University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,050, about $3,765 a year below Georgetown University's $40,815. Graduates of Georgetown University also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,060 before any change in aid. Choosing New York University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Georgetown University graduates report median earnings of $103,494, compared with $82,509 at New York University. That is a 25% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgetown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 25% 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
Georgetown University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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 Georgetown University, it is 1.9%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
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 #164.
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 New York University to keep costs and debt down; pick Georgetown 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. New York University saves about $3,765 a year, yet Georgetown University graduates earn $20,985 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. New York University ranks higher globally (#60 vs #164), but Georgetown University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. Georgetown University concentrates enrollment in Legal Studies, 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 — Georgetown competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $15,500 at Georgetown University.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Georgetown University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Georgetown University's 7,569.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 44% at Georgetown — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Georgetown does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at New York, where only about 38% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
Georgetown University has a remarkable graduation rate of 95%, signaling strong student retention and success. This high rate indicates a supportive academic environment where most students complete their degrees on time, an essential factor for those considering their future careers.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility metrics are not available for Georgetown. However, the university's strong academic reputation suggests that graduates may have favorable outcomes in terms of career advancement and income, contributing positively to social mobility over time.
The net price of attendance at Georgetown is $40,815, with a median debt of $15,500 upon graduation. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $103,494 within ten years of completing their degree. Students who thrive here often pursue careers in social sciences, business, law, or health professions, benefiting from the university's strategic location in Washington, DC, which offers ample internship and job opportunities.
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
Georgetown University and New York University appear together in 4 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for Real Estate Finance, Georgetown University ranks #2 — Georgetown University outranks New York University by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Georgetown's top program is Sociology (36% 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 Georgetown) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgetown University is strongest in Legal Studies, Biology & Biomedical, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Georgetown University or New York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 13% at Georgetown University.
Which is more affordable, Georgetown University or New York University?
New York University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,050 after aid versus $40,815 at Georgetown University.
Do Georgetown University or New York University graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,494 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgetown University or New York University?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 88%.
Georgetown 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 1.9%.
Should you choose Georgetown University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New York University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Georgetown 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Georgetown and New York stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
