American University (AU) is an esteemed private research university situated in Washington, D.C., within the metropolitan area of the U.S. capital. It is a mid-sized university with approximately 14,000 students. Admissions are selective and have an acceptance rate of roughly 47%. Some of the most popular majors are Political Science, International Relations, Business, and Communications. The six-year graduation rate is roughly 79%, and AU graduates have a median income of approximately INR 59,50,000 (ten years post-graduation, converted from ~$71,500).
Georgetown University (GU) is another prestigious private research university based in Washington, D.C., and is highly regarded for both its international reputation and Jesuit background. It's a mid-sized school with approximately 20,000 students. Admissions are competitive, and the acceptance rate is roughly 13%. Some of the most popular majors are Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Business, and Social Sciences. Georgetown has a strong six-year graduation rate of nearly 95%, with graduates earning a median salary of nearly INR 96,60,000 (tenth year after graduation, converted from ~$116,000).
| American University | Georgetown University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | - | 5.5 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 587 QS World University 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 285 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 582 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020 # 701 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 82 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 136 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2023 # 180 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 14 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -52 PG Programs -44 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -43 PG Programs -42 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 47.0 % | 13.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1180 TOEFL-80 | GMAT-680 IELTS-7 SAT-1380 TOEFL-100 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 25407 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 27786 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 33417 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 51300.40 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 59700 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 19750 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Ranks (2020): #111-120 | |
| application requirements | - | Supplemental applications are required, alumni interviews may also be conducted, three subject scores are preferred. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.1/10 Read 4 reviews | 6.3/10 Read 1 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 121 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 24 for Business by US News 2025 # 151 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 | IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -45717 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -59700 |
| application dates | Feb 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) | Oct 15, 2023 (Priority Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Dec 1, 2023 (Final Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Feb 15, 2024 (Priority Application Deadline For Summer Intake) Apr 15, 2024 (Final Application Deadline For Summer Intake) Apr 1, 2024 (Priority Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Jul 15, 2024 (Final Application Deadline For Fall Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | American University | Georgetown University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1893 | 1789 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 11:1 |
| Male:Female | 37% Male, 63% Female | 56% Male, 44% 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. | |
| Library | Total books collection- 3,115,408. Journals- 220,486. Films- 46,054. Primary Source Collections- 1000. The university has 10 libraries. | |
| 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. | |
| Hostel | #On campus - $15898 #Off campus (not with family) - $15898 #Off campus (with family) - $1621 | #Housing (On Campus & Off Campus) - $12736 |
| 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. | |
| 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% | |
| Weather |
American University vs Georgetown University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both universities are located in Washington, D.C., but Georgetown holds greater global prestige. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Georgetown University ranks around the 285th range, while American University (AU) falls closer to the 587th range. Georgetown is particularly strong in law, international relations, political science, business, and global health, while AU is best known for international service, communication, public affairs, and environmental policy. Both excel in programs tied to politics and diplomacy, but Georgetown typically dominates global rankings and reputation.
General Information
Georgetown University is a private Jesuit research university with about 20,000 students, combining rigorous academics with a strong Catholic intellectual tradition. American University, also private, has a smaller student body of about 14,000 students and emphasizes liberal arts, civic engagement, and international studies. Both campuses offer close access to U.S. political institutions, embassies, and global organizations, though Georgetown is generally considered the more elite institution.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Admissions are competitive at both, but Georgetown is far more selective, with an acceptance rate around 13%, admitting top-performing students worldwide. AU, while selective, admits about 47% of applicants, making it more accessible. Both universities value extracurricular involvement and global engagement, but Georgetown applicants face far tougher competition.
Research Impact & Facilities
Georgetown has extensive research centers in law, international affairs, medicine, business, and public policy, alongside the world-renowned Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS). AU also leverages its D.C. location with strengths in public affairs, communication, and international service, but on a smaller scale. Georgetown’s medical school and law school give it a broader research footprint, while AU focuses more tightly on policy and social impact research.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are private and expensive, with tuition ranging between USD 55,000–65,000 per year. Georgetown generally has higher tuition but offers substantial need-based financial aid. AU provides a mix of need-based and merit scholarships, which can make it more financially accessible for some students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Georgetown alumni have global influence in diplomacy, politics, business, and law, with graduates often securing positions in the U.S. State Department, international NGOs, Wall Street, and top law firms. AU alumni are also highly successful, particularly in media, advocacy, nonprofits, and public service, but Georgetown’s alumni network carries more international prestige. Overall, AU is excellent for hands-on D.C. experience, while Georgetown opens doors to global leadership roles.
