In the heart of Washington, D.C., two prestigious universities stand out among many: Georgetown University and George Washington University. Both schools boast strong academic programs, renowned faculty, and diverse student populations while providing students with internship and job opportunities in the nation’s capital. In this article, we will compare and analyze various aspects of these universities to assist prospective students and their families in making an informed decision about which institution is the best fit for them.
Georgetown Overview
Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is a private, not-for-profit institution and the oldest Catholic university in the United States. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields of study, including liberal arts, business, law, and international relations. The university is known for its rigorous academics, extensive research opportunities, and strong commitment to social justice, encouraging students to engage in community service and global initiatives.
Georgetown Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Georgetown for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,784. The total estimated cost of attendance, including room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is approximately $81,758 per year. Georgetown offers need-based financial aid, scholarships, and grants to eligible students, with the average financial aid package totaling around $53,700.
Georgetown Admissions
Admission to Georgetown is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 14.5% for the class of 2025. Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2021-2022), letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Georgetown also requires an additional application supplement, which includes questions specific to the university and a short essay.
Georgetown Degrees Offered
Georgetown offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its four undergraduate schools and several graduate and professional schools. The undergraduate schools include Georgetown College, the School of Nursing & Health Studies, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business. Graduate programs are offered through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Medicine, and the Law Center, among others.
Georgetown Academics
Students at Georgetown have access to a rigorous academic curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. Faculty members are industry leaders and scholars, providing students with opportunities for research and mentorship. The average class size is 16, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring personalized attention to each student.
Georgetown Diversity
Georgetown University is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. The university has a student population representing all 50 states and over 130 countries, with approximately 45% of students identifying as a person of color. Georgetown also has various programs, organizations, and resources in place to support students from different backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.
Georgetown Students
Georgetown has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 7,513 students. Students are involved in various on-campus organizations, including clubs, intramural sports, and Greek life. Georgetown also prides itself on its commitment to service, with many students participating in volunteer programs and community initiatives throughout their college experience.
Georgetown Campus
Georgetown University’s campus is located in the historical Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with beautiful green spaces and scenic views of the Potomac River. Students have access to numerous on-campus amenities, such as state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, dining options, and athletic facilities.
Georgetown Alumni
Georgetown’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with notable graduates in various fields, including politics, business, entertainment, and academia. Some of Georgetown’s famous alumni include former President Bill Clinton, actor Bradley Cooper, and journalist Maria Shriver.
Georgetown Rankings
In the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Georgetown is ranked #23 among National Universities and #28 in Best Value Schools.
Georgetown Outcomes
Graduates of Georgetown University have a strong track record of success in their chosen fields. According to the university’s data, 95% of graduates are employed, pursuing further education, or participating in service programs within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Georgetown graduates is $61,000.
GW Overview
George Washington University, established in 1821, is a private, not-for-profit institution located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various fields, GW is known for its commitment to research, public service, and global engagement. The university is comprised of 14 schools and colleges, offering degrees in fields like law, medicine, business, arts and sciences, engineering, and international affairs.
GW Costs & Tuition
Tuition at GW for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,550. The total estimated cost of attendance, including room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is approximately $79,922 per year. GW offers need-based financial aid, scholarships, and grants to eligible students, with the average financial aid package totaling around $39,600.
GW Admissions
Admission to GW is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 39.9% for the class of 2025. Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (optional for 2021-2022), letters of recommendation, and personal essays. GW also has an optional application supplement, which includes questions specific to the university and a short essay.
GW Degrees Offered
GW offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its 14 schools and colleges. These include the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the Elliott School of International Affairs, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, among others. In addition, GW offers various interdisciplinary programs, allowing students to customize their education to their interests.
GW Academics
Students at GW have access to a challenging and diverse curriculum, with faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. The average class size is 17, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The university also offers numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs, enabling students to gain practical experience and global perspectives.
GW Diversity
George Washington University is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive community. The student body represents all 50 states and over 130 countries, with approximately 40% of students identifying as a person of color. GW has various programs, organizations, and resources in place to support students from different backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.
GW Students
GW has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 12,334 students. Students are involved in various on-campus organizations, including clubs, intramural sports, and Greek life. GW also emphasizes the importance of public service, with many students participating in volunteer programs and community initiatives throughout their college experience.
GW Campus
George Washington University’s campus is located in the vibrant Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C., just blocks away from the White House, the National Mall, and several Smithsonian museums. The urban campus offers a mix of historic and modern buildings, with numerous on-campus amenities, such as research facilities, libraries, dining options, and athletic facilities.
GW Alumni
GW’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with notable graduates in various fields, including politics, business, entertainment, and academia. Some of GW’s famous alumni include former Secretary of State Colin Powell, actress Kerry Washington, and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
GW Rankings
In the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, George Washington University is ranked #66 among National Universities and #72 in Best Value Schools.
GW Outcomes
Graduates of George Washington University have a strong track record of success in their chosen fields. According to the university’s data, 92% of graduates are employed, pursuing further education, or participating in service programs within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for GW graduates is $58,000.
Georgetown vs GW Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Georgetown and GW, there is a slight difference in tuition and total estimated cost of attendance. Georgetown’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,784, while GW’s tuition is $58,550. Including other expenses, the total estimated cost of attendance at Georgetown is $81,758 per year, compared to $79,922 at GW. Both universities offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and grants to eligible students. On average, Georgetown’s financial aid packages are larger, with an average of $53,700 compared to GW’s average of $39,600.
Georgetown vs GW Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both Georgetown and GW is competitive, but Georgetown’s acceptance rate is significantly lower at 14.5% for the class of 2025, compared to GW’s acceptance rate of 39.9%. Both universities have similar application requirements, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores (optional for 2021-2022), letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Georgetown has a required supplemental application, while GW’s supplemental application is optional.
Georgetown vs GW Academic Difficulty
Both Georgetown and GW are known for their rigorous academics, with challenging curricula and renowned faculty members. The average class sizes are similar, with Georgetown having an average class size of 16 and GW having an average class size of 17. The student-to-faculty ratios are also close, with Georgetown having a ratio of 11:1 and GW having a ratio of 13:1. Both universities offer extensive research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs for students.
Georgetown vs GW Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Georgetown and GW have strong outcomes, with high percentages of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Georgetown reports a 95% success rate, while GW reports a 92% success rate. The average starting salaries for graduates are also similar, with Georgetown graduates earning an average of $61,000 and GW graduates earning an average of $58,000. While the difference in outcomes is not drastic, Georgetown holds a slight edge in both success rate and average starting salary.
