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Duke University vs Georgetown University

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

5.0% Duke acceptance
12.2% Georgetown acceptance
$6,360 Duke cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Duke
Durham, North Carolina
Private
Founded
1838
Enrollment
17,620
Setting
Suburban
Georgetown
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Founded
1789
Enrollment
20,385
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Duke saves $1,386
Duke
$63,054
Georgetown
$64,440
Acceptance Rate Duke more selective
Duke
5.0%
Georgetown
12.2%
Graduation Rate Duke higher
Duke
96%
Georgetown
95%
Avg SAT Score Duke higher
Duke
1530
Georgetown
1490
Starting Salary Duke higher
Duke
$85,400
Georgetown
$79,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Duke Georgetown Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$63,054$64,440Duke
Tuition (In-State)$63,054$64,440Duke
Room & Board$19,188$19,392Duke
Acceptance Rate5.0%12.2%Duke
Graduation Rate96%95%Duke
Average SAT15301490Duke
Student-Faculty Ratio6:111:1Duke
Enrollment17,62020,385-
Avg Financial Aid$52,350$42,780Duke
Starting Salary$85,400$79,600Duke
Endowment$12.1B$4.7BDuke
Campus Size8,709 acres104 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Duke
$328,968
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Duke = $119,568 | Georgetown = $164,208. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Duke Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyPublic PolicyEngineering

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
DukeSuburban
GeorgetownUrban
Campus Size
Duke8,709 ac
Georgetown104 ac
Athletics
DukeNCAA D1
GeorgetownNCAA D1
Region
DukeSouth
GeorgetownNortheast
Founded
Duke1838
Georgetown1789
Enrollment
Duke17,620
Georgetown20,385

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duke or Georgetown harder to get into?+
Duke is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Duke or Georgetown?+
At sticker price, Duke costs less over 4 years ($328,968 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Duke offers an average of $52,350/year in aid while Georgetown offers $42,780/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Duke and Georgetown?+
The average SAT score at Duke 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 Duke or Georgetown graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Duke have a higher average starting salary ($85,400 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?+
Duke has a 6:1 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 Duke and Georgetown compare for campus life?+
Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina (suburban setting) with a 8,709-acre campus. Georgetown is in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with 104 acres. Duke competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Georgetown in NCAA D1.