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Georgetown University vs Vanderbilt University

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

12.2% Georgetown acceptance
5.6% Vanderbilt acceptance
$7,864 Vanderbilt 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
Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Founded
1873
Enrollment
14,015
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Vanderbilt saves $2,246
Georgetown
$64,440
Vanderbilt
$62,194
Acceptance Rate Vanderbilt more selective
Georgetown
12.2%
Vanderbilt
5.6%
Graduation Rate Georgetown higher
Georgetown
95%
Vanderbilt
93%
Avg SAT Score Vanderbilt higher
Georgetown
1490
Vanderbilt
1520
Starting Salary Georgetown higher
Georgetown
$79,600
Vanderbilt
$76,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgetown Vanderbilt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$64,440$62,194Vanderbilt
Tuition (In-State)$64,440$62,194Vanderbilt
Room & Board$19,392$19,672Georgetown
Acceptance Rate12.2%5.6%Vanderbilt
Graduation Rate95%93%Georgetown
Average SAT14901520Vanderbilt
Student-Faculty Ratio11:17:1Vanderbilt
Enrollment20,38514,015-
Avg Financial Aid$42,780$47,200Vanderbilt
Starting Salary$79,600$76,800Georgetown
Endowment$4.7B$10.9BVanderbilt
Campus Size104 acres330 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgetown
$335,328
4-year total (private)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgetown = $164,208 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgetown Top Majors

GovernmentInternational RelationsBusinessBiologyEconomics

Vanderbilt Top Majors

EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation

Campus & Student Life

Setting
GeorgetownUrban
VanderbiltUrban
Campus Size
Georgetown104 ac
Vanderbilt330 ac
Athletics
GeorgetownNCAA D1
VanderbiltNCAA D1
Region
GeorgetownNortheast
VanderbiltSouth
Founded
Georgetown1789
Vanderbilt1873
Enrollment
Georgetown20,385
Vanderbilt14,015

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
Vanderbilt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.6% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, Vanderbilt costs less over 4 years ($327,464 vs $335,328). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgetown offers an average of $42,780/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgetown and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at Georgetown is 1490 and at Vanderbilt it is 1520. 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 Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgetown have a higher average starting salary ($79,600 vs $76,800). 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 Vanderbilt has 7:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgetown and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
Georgetown is located in Washington, District of Columbia (urban setting) with a 104-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. Georgetown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.