Georgetown University is a private research university in Washington, D.C. It enrolls around 19,000 students, a large number of whom are international students. Georgetown is especially renowned for International Relations, Political Science, Law, Business, and Public Policy, with outstanding international awareness and a top-tier status. Admissions are highly competitive at the acceptance rate of 13%, and the graduation rate is about 95%. The alumni earn a median of about INR 85,00,000 (equivalent to $101,000) ten years post-graduation, which demonstrates the improving university elite career rates.
George Washington University (GWU) is another private research university based in Washington, D.C., with nearly 26,000 students. It boasts of Political Science, International Relations, Business, Law, and Public Health, leveraging its D.C. venue for career opportunities and internships with government, NGOs, and international organizations. Admissions are also competitive, with an acceptance rate of 44%. The graduation rate is about 82%, and median graduate salaries are about INR 68,00,000 (approximately $81,000) ten years after graduation.
| Georgetown University | George Washington University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.5 Out of 10 | 5.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 285 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 # 221 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 358 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 # 284 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 136 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2023 # 180 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 14 for Law by US News 2025 | # 74 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 176 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 31 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -43 PG Programs -42 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -71 PG Programs -67 |
| Acceptance Rate | 13.0 % | 44.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-680 IELTS-7 SAT-1380 TOEFL-100 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1280 TOEFL-99 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 51300.40 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 59700 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 19750 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 59780 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32250 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27500 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Ranks (2020): #111-120 | Engineering graduates earn an average pay of $123,238. Median salary of undergraduate programs is $50k. 96% of the students get employed or continue their education. |
| application requirements | Supplemental applications are required, alumni interviews may also be conducted, three subject scores are preferred. | Submit official transcripts Submit scores of standardized tests Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.3/10 Read 1 reviews | 6.7/10 Read 9 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 24 for Business by US News 2025 # 151 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 97 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 61 for Business by US News 2025 # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | #1362 Applicants # 275 Admissions # 20 % Acceptance Rate | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 | Duolingo - 110/160GRE - 314/340IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -54632 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Sep 8, 2025 (Early Action Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Jan 7, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Apr 1, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Oct 1, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) | Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Georgetown University | George Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1789 | 1821 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 11:1 | 12:1 |
| Male:Female | 56% Male, 44% Female | 40% Male, 60% Female |
| Location Facts | The university has 4 campuses in Washington DC located in neighborhood of Georgetown, Claredon and Virginia. The main campus is located on elevated site of Potomac River. | GW has three fully integrated campuses in the Washington, D.C. area. These are the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus |
| Library | Total books collection- 3,115,408. Journals- 220,486. Films- 46,054. Primary Source Collections- 1000. The university has 10 libraries. | Libraries that are part of the university includes the flagship Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library on the main campus in Foggy Bottom, Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon Campus in Northwest DC. |
| Campus Life | The university has 350 clubs and organizations, 17 UG residence, and explore over 2,000 dining places in D.C. There are 5 outdoor spaces on-campus helping in unwinding. There are 15 coffee shops within 10 blocks of the university. You can also serve the D.C community by volunteering. There are also various sports teams to join and wellness activities to indulge in. | Living at GW grants you the rare opportunity to encounter a variety of new cultural experiences while learning and interning at world-class institutions. Residence hall life is an essential aspect of your college experience, and some of your lifelong friends will first be your neighbors and roommates. During your time at GW, you’ll likely find fellow students who share your interests. Whether it's leadership, politics, arts and culture, athletics or service that moves you, GW students engage in more than 450 clubs and student organizations on campus. Pursuing your passions and sharing your diversity plays an integral role in building our community. University's open dining plan provides flexibility and personalization, offering you the opportunity to use yours at more than 80 dining and grocery partners on or near the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses, and around the city. |
| Hostel | #Housing (On Campus & Off Campus) - $12736 | #On campus - $13000 #Off campus (not with family) - $13000 #Off campus (with family) - $1500 |
| Famous Alumni | Antonin Scalia (former associate justice of Supreme Court of US), Chris Sacca (investor), Bradley Cooper (actor), Dick Durbin (US Senator), Robert Gates (former US secretary of defense), Saad Hariri (former PM Lebanon), Robert Lighthizer (US trade representative), Lisa Murkowski (US Senator), etc. | Derek Curtis Bok, President of Harvard University Lee Kun-Hee, Chairman of Samsung Group |
| City Life | Washington is home to 170 embassies, 2000 world-class restaurants, 17 attractions like museums, zoo, etc, and 34 national parks and monuments. D.C is home to a number of recruiters ranging from marketing, finance, biological sciences, and others. The unemployment rate for June 2020 is 8.6% | The Washington, D.C., metro area has the perks of a large urban area. It's serviced by an extensive public transit system and is home to plenty of restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks and other cultural sites. Meanwhile, each neighborhood in the district and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community. Living in the district is expensive. The median home sale price is significantly higher than the national median. Your cost of living also depends on where in the metro area's four quadrants you choose to live. |
| Weather |
Georgetown University vs George Washington University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Georgetown University: Ranked 285 in QS World University Rankings 2026, Georgetown has very high international reputation worldwide in international relations, political science, law, business, and economics. Its Walsh School of Foreign Service is world-famous, and the Georgetown Law program is a top US one.
George Washington University (GWU): Ranked 358 in QS 2026, GWU is strong in international affairs, law, political science, public policy, business, and health sciences. It is particularly noted in the Elliott School of International Affairs and GW Law.
General Information
Georgetown University: A private Washington, D.C., research university with some 19,000 students. Georgetown offers a small, very competitive campus experience with immediate access to government and international institutions.
GWU: Similarly a private research university in Washington, D.C., with some 26,000 students. Larger than Georgetown, GWU specializes in professional programs, research, and federal agency and international institution relationships.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Georgetown: Extremely selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 13%, highly competitive in international relations, business, and law programs.
GWU: Moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of about 44%, slightly easier to get in but still good programs in law, policy, and business.
Research Impact & Facilities
Georgetown: R1 (Very High Research Activity), with significant research in politics, international affairs, business, and law. Access to think tanks, embassies, and global organizations is available on campus.
GWU: Also an R1, GWU excels in policy, law, international affairs, cybersecurity, and health sciences, with research centers integrated with federal and international agencies.
Cost & Financial Aid
Georgetown: The fee is ~USD $63,000–$65,000/year, with ample merit and need-based aid, including foreign student assistance.
GWU: The fee is similar at ~USD $65,000/year, with merit and need-based assistance, a bit more forthcoming than Georgetown due to its higher acceptance rate.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Georgetown: Politically, diplomatically, in international organizations, in law and finance, graduates excel. Its network is strong globally, especially in government and international affairs.
GWU: Graduates excel in law, politics, business, cybersecurity, and public policy because of the location in D.C. Alumni do well in federal government, NGOs, and international organizations, but Georgetown tends to score higher in global influence.
