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Georgetown University vs Princeton University

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
3.5% Princeton acceptance
$18,968 Princeton 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
Princeton
Princeton, New Jersey
Private
Founded
1746
Enrollment
8,478
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Princeton saves $4,730
Georgetown
$64,440
Princeton
$59,710
Acceptance Rate Princeton more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
Princeton
3.5%
Graduation Rate Princeton higher
Georgetown
95%
Princeton
97%
Avg SAT Score Princeton higher
Georgetown
1490
Princeton
1546
Starting Salary Princeton higher
Georgetown
$79,600
Princeton
$90,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown Princeton Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$59,710Princeton
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$59,710Princeton
Room & Board$19,392$19,380Princeton
Acceptance Rate12.2%3.5%Princeton
Graduation Rate95%97%Princeton
Average SAT14901546Princeton
Student-Faculty Ratio11:14:1Princeton
Enrollment20,3858,478-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$59,710Princeton
Starting Salary$79,600$90,100Princeton
Endowment$4.7B$35.8BPrinceton
Campus Size104 acres600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
Princeton
$316,360
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | Princeton = $77,520. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Princeton Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsPublic PolicyEngineeringHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
PrincetonSuburban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
Princeton600 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
PrincetonNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
PrincetonNortheast
Founded
Georgetown1789
Princeton1746
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
Princeton8,478

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or Princeton harder to get into?+
Princeton is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.5% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or Princeton?+
At sticker price, Princeton costs less over 4 years ($316,360 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while Princeton offers $59,710/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and Princeton?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at Princeton it is 1546. 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 Princeton graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Princeton have a higher average starting salary ($90,100 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 Princeton has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and Princeton compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. Princeton is in Princeton, New Jersey (suburban setting) with 600 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Princeton in NCAA D1.