Georgetown University vs Harvard University

Georgetown University vs Harvard University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Harvard and Georgetown are top schools, albeit Harvard always ranks higher in most world systems. Harvard is ranked around 5th in QS World University Rankings 2026, while Georgetown is ranked around 285th. Times Higher Education places Harvard among the top 3 worldwide, while Georgetown generally falls between #200–#220, showing the latter has a solid but more niche reputation.

In subject rankings, Harvard is dominant in almost all major disciplines, such as Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Social Sciences & Management. Georgetown is strongest in Law, International Relations, Political Science, and Business, frequently in the top 20–30 in the country. While Harvard is dominant in depth and breadth, Georgetown is exceptionally strong in policy, diplomacy, and global affairs due to its location in Washington, D.C. and the Walsh School of Foreign Service.

General Information

Harvard, established in 1636, is the oldest American university and has about 30,386 students across various schools of law, business, medicine, and education. Georgetown, formed in 1789, is based in Washington, D.C., with about 20,392 students. Georgetown has a small, urban campus with a solid liberal arts core and specialized graduate professional schools in law, health, and public policy.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions are highly selective at both schools. Harvard accepts around 3%, whereas Georgetown accepts 13%. Harvard students generally possess stronger academic backgrounds, with average SATs of 1500–1580 compared to Georgetown's 1390–1550. Both schools are test-optional, and prioritize holistic review, considering leadership, service, and intellectual curiosity.

Impact & Facilities

Harvard has one of the world's largest research communities, with large-scale labs, institutes, and libraries to enable advanced research in a wide range of disciplines. Georgetown's strength is in law, health policy, and international affairs, with more than $376 million in sponsored research funding annually. While Harvard's facilities range across the sciences and humanities, Georgetown excels at policy-focused and multidisciplinary research, frequently linked to global institutions and think tanks.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition at Harvard is roughly $54,269/year, whereas Georgetown is more expensive at $64,896/year. Room and board are comparable, although Harvard has a lower average net price ($17,900 vs. $37,967) as well as more comprehensive grant aid ($64,942 vs. $46,729). Both schools cover 100% of demonstrated financial need, even among international students, but the packages at Harvard are larger.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

Harvard alumni have a median annual salary of $136,700 a decade after graduation, while Georgetown graduates have a median of approximately $118,900. Harvard has an influential and far-reaching network of alumni in business, law, medicine, and the academy, and Georgetown's is particularly robust in government, diplomacy, law, and international nonprofits. Both of these universities have graduation rates over 94%, and both of them have alumni that are recognized for leadership and impact, where Harvard provides more exposure and Georgetown leads in policy and international service.