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Georgetown University vs Rutgers University

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
68.0% Rutgers acceptance
$138,192 Rutgers 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
Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Rutgers saves $29,976
Georgetown
$64,440
Rutgers
$34,464
Acceptance Rate Georgetown more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
Rutgers
68.0%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
Georgetown
95%
Rutgers
82%
Avg SAT Score Georgetown higher
Georgetown
1490
Rutgers
1340
Starting Salary Georgetown higher
Georgetown
$79,600
Rutgers
$67,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown Rutgers Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$34,464Rutgers
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$16,499Rutgers
Room & Board$19,392$14,820Rutgers
Acceptance Rate12.2%68.0%Georgetown
Graduation Rate95%82%Georgetown
Average SAT14901340Georgetown
Student-Faculty Ratio11:116:1Georgetown
Enrollment20,38551,000-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$14,500Georgetown
Starting Salary$79,600$67,200Georgetown
Endowment$4.7B$2.0BGeorgetown
Campus Size104 acres2,685 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | Rutgers = $139,136. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
RutgersSuburban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
Rutgers2,685 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
RutgersNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
RutgersNortheast
Founded
Georgetown1789
Rutgers1766
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
Rutgers51,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or Rutgers harder to get into?+
Georgetown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 68.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or Rutgers?+
At sticker price, Rutgers costs less over 4 years ($197,136 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while Rutgers offers $14,500/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and Rutgers?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at Rutgers 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 Rutgers graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgetown have a higher average starting salary ($79,600 vs $67,200). 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 Rutgers has 16:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and Rutgers compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. Rutgers is in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with 2,685 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Rutgers in NCAA D1.