Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | Northwestern = $138,980. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Georgetown Top Majors
GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomicsNorthwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgetown or Northwestern harder to get into?+
Northwestern is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.0% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or Northwestern?+
At sticker price, Northwestern costs less over 4 years ($333,540 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while Northwestern offers $48,640/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and Northwestern?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at Northwestern it is 1520. 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 Northwestern graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 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 Northwestern has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and Northwestern compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. Northwestern is in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with 231 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Northwestern in NCAA D1.