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Georgetown University vs Purdue University

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
53.0% Purdue acceptance
$173,672 Purdue 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
Purdue
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Founded
1869
Enrollment
51,344
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Purdue saves $35,646
Georgetown
$64,440
Purdue
$28,794
Acceptance Rate Georgetown more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
Purdue
53.0%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
Georgetown
95%
Purdue
83%
Avg SAT Score Georgetown higher
Georgetown
1490
Purdue
1340
Starting Salary Georgetown higher
Georgetown
$79,600
Purdue
$70,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown Purdue Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$28,794Purdue
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$9,992Purdue
Room & Board$19,392$11,620Purdue
Acceptance Rate12.2%53.0%Georgetown
Graduation Rate95%83%Georgetown
Average SAT14901340Georgetown
Student-Faculty Ratio11:114:1Georgetown
Enrollment20,38551,344-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$13,510Georgetown
Starting Salary$79,600$70,100Georgetown
Endowment$4.7B$3.8BGeorgetown
Campus Size104 acres2,468 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
Purdue
$161,656
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | Purdue = $107,616. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Purdue Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
PurdueSuburban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
Purdue2,468 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
PurdueNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
PurdueMidwest
Founded
Georgetown1789
Purdue1869
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
Purdue51,344

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or Purdue harder to get into?+
Georgetown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 53.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or Purdue?+
At sticker price, Purdue costs less over 4 years ($161,656 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while Purdue offers $13,510/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and Purdue?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at Purdue it is 1340. 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 Purdue graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgetown have a higher average starting salary ($79,600 vs $70,100). 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 Purdue has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and Purdue compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. Purdue is in West Lafayette, Indiana (suburban setting) with 2,468 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Purdue in NCAA D1.