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Georgetown University vs North Carolina 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
47.0% NC State acceptance
$159,560 NC State 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
NC State
Raleigh, North Carolina
Public
Founded
1887
Enrollment
38,058
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition NC State saves $33,182
Georgetown
$64,440
NC State
$31,258
Acceptance Rate Georgetown more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
NC State
47.0%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
Georgetown
95%
NC State
82%
Avg SAT Score Georgetown higher
Georgetown
1490
NC State
1360
Starting Salary Georgetown higher
Georgetown
$79,600
NC State
$67,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown NC State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$31,258NC State
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$9,125NC State
Room & Board$19,392$12,684NC State
Acceptance Rate12.2%47.0%Georgetown
Graduation Rate95%82%Georgetown
Average SAT14901360Georgetown
Student-Faculty Ratio11:114:1Georgetown
Enrollment20,38538,058-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$12,800Georgetown
Starting Salary$79,600$67,100Georgetown
Endowment$4.7B$1.8BGeorgetown
Campus Size104 acres2,110 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
NC State
$175,768
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | NC State = $124,568. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

NC State Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
NC StateUrban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
NC State2,110 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
NC StateNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
NC StateSouth
Founded
Georgetown1789
NC State1887
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
NC State38,058

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or NC State harder to get into?+
Georgetown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 47.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or NC State?+
At sticker price, NC State costs less over 4 years ($175,768 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while NC State offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and NC State?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at NC State it is 1360. 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 NC State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgetown have a higher average starting salary ($79,600 vs $67,100). 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 NC State has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and NC State compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. NC State is in Raleigh, North Carolina (urban setting) with 2,110 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NC State in NCAA D1.