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Cornell University vs Georgetown University

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

7.9% Cornell acceptance
12.2% Georgetown acceptance
$4,152 Cornell cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Cornell
Ithaca, New York
Private
Founded
1865
Enrollment
25,898
Setting
Rural
Georgetown
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Founded
1789
Enrollment
20,385
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgetown saves $764
Cornell
$65,204
Georgetown
$64,440
Acceptance Rate Cornell more selective
Cornell
7.9%
Georgetown
12.2%
Graduation Rate Same
Cornell
95%
Georgetown
95%
Avg SAT Score Cornell higher
Cornell
1520
Georgetown
1490
Starting Salary Cornell higher
Cornell
$83,100
Georgetown
$79,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Cornell Georgetown Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,204$64,440Georgetown
Tuition (In-State)$65,204$64,440Georgetown
Room & Board$17,590$19,392Cornell
Acceptance Rate7.9%12.2%Cornell
Graduation Rate95%95%Tie
Average SAT15201490Cornell
Student-Faculty Ratio9:111:1Cornell
Enrollment25,89820,385-
Avg Financial Aid$46,150$42,780Cornell
Starting Salary$83,100$79,600Cornell
Endowment$10.0B$4.7BCornell
Campus Size2,300 acres104 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | Georgetown = $164,208. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Cornell Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel Administration

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CornellRural
GeorgetownUrban
Campus Size
Cornell2,300 ac
Georgetown104 ac
Athletics
CornellNCAA D1
GeorgetownNCAA D1
Region
CornellNortheast
GeorgetownNortheast
Founded
Cornell1865
Georgetown1789
Enrollment
Cornell25,898
Georgetown20,385

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cornell or Georgetown harder to get into?+
Cornell is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.9% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or Georgetown?+
At sticker price, Cornell costs less over 4 years ($331,176 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while Georgetown offers $42,780/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and Georgetown?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 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 Cornell or Georgetown graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Cornell have a higher average starting salary ($83,100 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?+
Cornell has a 9:1 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 Cornell and Georgetown compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. Georgetown is in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with 104 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Georgetown in NCAA D1.