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Boston University vs Georgetown University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

11.3% BU acceptance
12.2% Georgetown acceptance
$2,424 Georgetown cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

BU
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1839
Enrollment
37,110
Setting
Urban
Georgetown
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Founded
1789
Enrollment
20,385
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgetown saves $728
BU
$65,168
Georgetown
$64,440
Acceptance Rate BU more selective
BU
11.3%
Georgetown
12.2%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
BU
89%
Georgetown
95%
Avg SAT Score Georgetown higher
BU
1450
Georgetown
1490
Starting Salary Georgetown higher
BU
$72,300
Georgetown
$79,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric BU Georgetown Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,168$64,440Georgetown
Tuition (In-State)$65,168$64,440Georgetown
Room & Board$19,270$19,392BU
Acceptance Rate11.3%12.2%BU
Graduation Rate89%95%Georgetown
Average SAT14501490Georgetown
Student-Faculty Ratio10:111:1BU
Enrollment37,11020,385-
Avg Financial Aid$38,100$42,780Georgetown
Starting Salary$72,300$79,600Georgetown
Endowment$3.7B$4.7BGeorgetown
Campus Size136 acres104 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

BU
$337,752
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: BU = $185,352 | Georgetown = $164,208. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

BU Top Majors

BusinessCommunicationEngineeringBiologyComputer Science

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BUUrban
GeorgetownUrban
Campus Size
BU136 ac
Georgetown104 ac
Athletics
BUNCAA D1
GeorgetownNCAA D1
Region
BUNortheast
GeorgetownNortheast
Founded
BU1839
Georgetown1789
Enrollment
BU37,110
Georgetown20,385

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BU or Georgetown harder to get into?+
BU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.3% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, BU or Georgetown?+
At sticker price, Georgetown costs less over 4 years ($335,328 vs $337,752). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. BU offers an average of $38,100/year in aid while Georgetown offers $42,780/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for BU and Georgetown?+
The average SAT score at BU is 1450 and at Georgetown it is 1490. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do BU or Georgetown graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgetown have a higher average starting salary ($79,600 vs $72,300). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
BU has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Georgetown has 11:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do BU and Georgetown compare for campus life?+
BU is located in Boston, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 136-acre campus. Georgetown is in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with 104 acres. BU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Georgetown in NCAA D1.