Skip to content

American University vs Georgetown University

American University is a private university in Washington, DC. Georgetown University is a private university in Washington, DC. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants and American University about 62%, making Georgetown University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $40,815 a year at Georgetown University after aid, and about $41,943 at American University. About 95% of students graduate at Georgetown University, compared with 77% at American University. Ten years after enrolling, Georgetown University alumni earn a median of about $103,494, against $77,370 for American University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

American University

Washington, DC · Private

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,266
7,569
Acceptance rate
62%
13%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1280–1460
1390–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
31–35
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,943
$40,815
Full cost / yr
$76,058
$88,741
In-state tuition
$58,771
$68,017
Out-of-state tuition
$58,771
$68,017
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,233
$5,064
$30k - $48k
$20,444
$12,155
$48k - $75k
$26,035
$18,329
$75k - $110k
$30,063
$26,459
Over $110k
$53,673
$57,403
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
95%
Freshman retention
88%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$61,328
$83,222
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,370
$103,494
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$15,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
10%
First-generation students
16%
16%
International students
5%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is American University or Georgetown University harder to get into?
Georgetown University is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 62% at American University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, American University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $40,815 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,943 at American University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at American University and Georgetown University?
Before aid, American University costs about $76,058 a year and Georgetown University about $88,741. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, American University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,064 there, against about $23,233 at American University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, American University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University is the larger of the two, with about 7,569 undergraduates against 7,266 at American University.
Does American University or Georgetown University have a better graduation rate?
Georgetown University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 77% at American University.
Do graduates of American University or Georgetown University earn more?
Georgetown University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,494 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,370 for American University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do American University and Georgetown University require SAT or ACT scores?
American University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Georgetown University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do American University and Georgetown University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1460 at American University and 1390–1550 at Georgetown University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school