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Georgetown University vs Michigan State University

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
83.0% MSU acceptance
$115,728 MSU 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
MSU
East Lansing, Michigan
Public
Founded
1855
Enrollment
51,316
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition MSU saves $21,750
Georgetown
$64,440
MSU
$42,690
Acceptance Rate Georgetown more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
MSU
83.0%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
Georgetown
95%
MSU
81%
Avg SAT Score Georgetown higher
Georgetown
1490
MSU
1210
Starting Salary Georgetown higher
Georgetown
$79,600
MSU
$60,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown MSU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$42,690MSU
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$14,926MSU
Room & Board$19,392$12,210MSU
Acceptance Rate12.2%83.0%Georgetown
Graduation Rate95%81%Georgetown
Average SAT14901210Georgetown
Student-Faculty Ratio11:117:1Georgetown
Enrollment20,38551,316-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$13,400Georgetown
Starting Salary$79,600$60,800Georgetown
Endowment$4.7B$4.3BGeorgetown
Campus Size104 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
MSU
$219,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | MSU = $166,000. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

MSU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringBiologyCommunicationPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
MSUSuburban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
MSU5,200 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
MSUNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
MSUMidwest
Founded
Georgetown1789
MSU1855
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
MSU51,316

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or MSU harder to get into?+
Georgetown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 83.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or MSU?+
At sticker price, MSU costs less over 4 years ($219,600 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while MSU offers $13,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and MSU?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at MSU it is 1210. 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 MSU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgetown have a higher average starting salary ($79,600 vs $60,800). 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 MSU has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and MSU compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. MSU is in East Lansing, Michigan (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and MSU in NCAA D1.