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The Catholic University of America vs George Washington University

The Catholic University of America is a private university in Washington, DC, and George Washington University is a private university in Washington, DC. George Washington University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 47% of applicants against 83% at The Catholic University of America. The Catholic University of America is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $29,561 a year against $36,586 at George Washington University. About 85% of students graduate at George Washington University, compared with 80% at The Catholic University of America. Ten years after enrolling, George Washington University alumni earn a median of about $90,873, against $73,250 for The Catholic University of America.

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The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC · Private

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,154
11,182
Acceptance rate
83%
47%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1320
1350–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
31–34
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,561
$36,586
Full cost / yr
$75,481
$83,856
In-state tuition
$58,378
$67,710
Out-of-state tuition
$58,378
$67,710
Application fee
$0
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,358
$17,440
$30k - $48k
$17,895
$17,292
$48k - $75k
$24,723
$22,080
$75k - $110k
$28,295
$28,100
Over $110k
$37,651
$55,337
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
85%
Freshman retention
87%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$63,217
$71,607
Median earnings (10 yr)
$73,250
$90,873
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$20,449
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
16%
First-generation students
10%
16%
International students
3%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 5

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 The Catholic University of America or George Washington University harder to get into?
George Washington University is harder to get into. It admits about 47% of applicants, compared with 83% at The Catholic University of America. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, The Catholic University of America or George Washington University?
The Catholic University of America is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,561 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,586 at George Washington 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 The Catholic University of America and George Washington University?
Before aid, The Catholic University of America costs about $75,481 a year and George Washington University about $83,856. 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, The Catholic University of America or George Washington University?
The Catholic University of America. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,358 there, against about $17,440 at George Washington University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, The Catholic University of America or George Washington University?
George Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 11,182 undergraduates against 3,154 at The Catholic University of America.
Does The Catholic University of America or George Washington University have a better graduation rate?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 80% at The Catholic University of America.
Do graduates of The Catholic University of America or George Washington University earn more?
George Washington University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $90,873 ten years after enrolling, against about $73,250 for The Catholic University of America. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The Catholic University of America and George Washington University require SAT or ACT scores?
The Catholic University of America is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. George Washington University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do The Catholic University of America and George Washington University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1320 at The Catholic University of America and 1350–1500 at George Washington 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