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Georgetown University vs Stanford University

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
3.6% Stanford acceptance
$8,716 Stanford 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
Stanford
Stanford, California
Private
Founded
1891
Enrollment
17,680
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Stanford saves $2,709
Georgetown
$64,440
Stanford
$61,731
Acceptance Rate Stanford more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
Stanford
3.6%
Graduation Rate Same
Georgetown
95%
Stanford
95%
Avg SAT Score Stanford higher
Georgetown
1490
Stanford
1550
Starting Salary Stanford higher
Georgetown
$79,600
Stanford
$95,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown Stanford Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$61,731Stanford
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$61,731Stanford
Room & Board$19,392$19,922Georgetown
Acceptance Rate12.2%3.6%Stanford
Graduation Rate95%95%Tie
Average SAT14901550Stanford
Student-Faculty Ratio11:15:1Stanford
Enrollment20,38517,680-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$60,070Stanford
Starting Salary$79,600$95,200Stanford
Endowment$4.7B$36.3BStanford
Campus Size104 acres8,180 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | Stanford = $86,332. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Stanford Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman Biology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
StanfordSuburban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
Stanford8,180 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
StanfordNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
StanfordWest
Founded
Georgetown1789
Stanford1891
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
Stanford17,680

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or Stanford harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or Stanford?+
At sticker price, Stanford costs less over 4 years ($326,612 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while Stanford offers $60,070/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and Stanford?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at Stanford it is 1550. 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 Stanford graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 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 Stanford has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and Stanford compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. Stanford is in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with 8,180 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Stanford in NCAA D1.