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Georgetown University vs University of Pennsylvania

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
5.4% UPenn acceptance
$7,320 UPenn 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
UPenn
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1740
Enrollment
28,304
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UPenn saves $988
Georgetown
$64,440
UPenn
$63,452
Acceptance Rate UPenn more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
UPenn
5.4%
Graduation Rate UPenn higher
Georgetown
95%
UPenn
96%
Avg SAT Score UPenn higher
Georgetown
1490
UPenn
1530
Starting Salary UPenn higher
Georgetown
$79,600
UPenn
$92,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown UPenn Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$63,452UPenn
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$63,452UPenn
Room & Board$19,392$18,550UPenn
Acceptance Rate12.2%5.4%UPenn
Graduation Rate95%96%UPenn
Average SAT14901530UPenn
Student-Faculty Ratio11:16:1UPenn
Enrollment20,38528,304-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$54,060UPenn
Starting Salary$79,600$92,800UPenn
Endowment$4.7B$20.5BUPenn
Campus Size104 acres299 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | UPenn = $111,768. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

UPenn Top Majors

FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
UPennUrban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
UPenn299 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
UPennNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
UPennNortheast
Founded
Georgetown1789
UPenn1740
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
UPenn28,304

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or UPenn harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or UPenn?+
At sticker price, UPenn costs less over 4 years ($328,008 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while UPenn offers $54,060/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and UPenn?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at UPenn it is 1530. 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 UPenn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 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 UPenn has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and UPenn compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. UPenn is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 299 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UPenn in NCAA D1.