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Georgetown University vs Harvard University

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
3.2% Harvard acceptance
$16,656 Harvard cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgetown
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Founded
1789
Enrollment
20,385
Setting
Urban
Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Harvard saves $5,364
Georgetown
$64,440
Harvard
$59,076
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
Harvard
3.2%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Georgetown
95%
Harvard
97%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Georgetown
1490
Harvard
1550
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Georgetown
$79,600
Harvard
$95,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown Harvard Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$59,076Harvard
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$59,076Harvard
Room & Board$19,392$20,592Georgetown
Acceptance Rate12.2%3.2%Harvard
Graduation Rate95%97%Harvard
Average SAT14901550Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio11:15:1Harvard
Enrollment20,38531,345-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$60,157Harvard
Starting Salary$79,600$95,500Harvard
Endowment$4.7B$50.9BHarvard
Campus Size104 acres5,076 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | Harvard = $78,044. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
HarvardUrban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
Harvard5,076 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
HarvardNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
HarvardNortheast
Founded
Georgetown1789
Harvard1636
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
Harvard31,345

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or Harvard harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or Harvard?+
At sticker price, Harvard costs less over 4 years ($318,672 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while Harvard offers $60,157/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and Harvard?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at Harvard it is 1550. 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 Georgetown or Harvard graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 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?+
Georgetown has a 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Harvard has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and Harvard compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with 5,076 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Harvard in NCAA D1.