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Carnegie Mellon University vs Georgetown University

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

11.0% CMU acceptance
12.2% Georgetown acceptance
$17,848 CMU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

CMU
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1900
Enrollment
16,016
Setting
Urban
Georgetown
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Founded
1789
Enrollment
20,385
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition CMU saves $2,180
CMU
$62,260
Georgetown
$64,440
Acceptance Rate CMU more selective
CMU
11.0%
Georgetown
12.2%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
CMU
93%
Georgetown
95%
Avg SAT Score CMU higher
CMU
1530
Georgetown
1490
Starting Salary CMU higher
CMU
$97,200
Georgetown
$79,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric CMU Georgetown Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,260$64,440CMU
Tuition (In-State)$62,260$64,440CMU
Room & Board$17,110$19,392CMU
Acceptance Rate11.0%12.2%CMU
Graduation Rate93%95%Georgetown
Average SAT15301490CMU
Student-Faculty Ratio5:111:1CMU
Enrollment16,01620,385-
Avg Financial Aid$40,970$42,780Georgetown
Starting Salary$97,200$79,600CMU
Endowment$11.8B$4.7BCMU
Campus Size155 acres104 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

CMU
$317,480
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: CMU = $153,600 | Georgetown = $164,208. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

CMU Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessInformation SystemsMathematics

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CMUUrban
GeorgetownUrban
Campus Size
CMU155 ac
Georgetown104 ac
Athletics
CMUNCAA D3
GeorgetownNCAA D1
Region
CMUNortheast
GeorgetownNortheast
Founded
CMU1900
Georgetown1789
Enrollment
CMU16,016
Georgetown20,385

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is CMU or Georgetown harder to get into?+
CMU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.0% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, CMU or Georgetown?+
At sticker price, CMU costs less over 4 years ($317,480 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. CMU offers an average of $40,970/year in aid while Georgetown offers $42,780/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for CMU and Georgetown?+
The average SAT score at CMU is 1530 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 CMU or Georgetown graduates earn more?+
Graduates of CMU have a higher average starting salary ($97,200 vs $79,600). 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?+
CMU has a 5:1 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 CMU and Georgetown compare for campus life?+
CMU is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 155-acre campus. Georgetown is in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with 104 acres. CMU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Georgetown in NCAA D1.