Choosing the right college is a critical decision for students and their families. This comparison of Georgetown University and Lehigh University aims to help you better understand the similarities and differences between these prestigious institutions. We will examine various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes.
Georgetown Overview
Georgetown University, located in Washington D.C., is a private research university founded in 1789. Georgetown is renowned for its strong programs in international relations, government, and business. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, and students have access to a wealth of opportunities in the nation’s capital.
Georgetown Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attending Georgetown, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $77,000 per year. The university offers financial aid packages based on demonstrated need, and more than half of Georgetown students receive some form of financial assistance.
Georgetown Admissions
Admission to Georgetown is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 14%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1370 and 1530 or an ACT score between 31 and 34. Georgetown requires the submission of either the SAT or ACT, as well as the Georgetown Application, which includes essays and letters of recommendation.
Georgetown Degrees Offered
Georgetown offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields, including liberal arts, sciences, business administration, and nursing. The university also has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and encourages students to pursue minors and certificates in different areas.
Georgetown Academics
Georgetown has a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for small class sizes and personalized attention from professors. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong liberal arts foundation, and all students are required to take courses in theology, philosophy, and writing. Georgetown is particularly well-regarded for its School of Foreign Service and McDonough School of Business.
Georgetown Diversity
The student body at Georgetown is diverse, with students representing all 50 states and over 130 countries. The university is committed to promoting inclusivity and offers numerous resources for students of various backgrounds, including the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access.
Georgetown Students
Georgetown has a vibrant student life, with over 300 student-run clubs and organizations, including service organizations, cultural clubs, and performance groups. Students are also actively engaged in community service and participate in a variety of internship opportunities in Washington D.C.
Georgetown Campus
The Georgetown campus is located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C., offering a picturesque setting with easy access to the city’s cultural and political resources. The campus has a mix of historic and modern buildings and includes numerous green spaces for students to enjoy.
Georgetown Alumni
Notable Georgetown alumni include former President Bill Clinton, journalist Maria Shriver, and actor Bradley Cooper. The university’s strong alumni network provides valuable connections for students and graduates in various fields.
Georgetown Rankings
Georgetown consistently ranks among the top universities in the U.S., with U.S. News & World Report ranking it as the 23rd best national university in 2021. The university’s programs in international relations and business administration are particularly highly ranked.
Georgetown Outcomes
Graduates of Georgetown have a strong record of success, with a 93% six-year graduation rate and an average starting salary of $61,000. The university’s location in Washington D.C. provides numerous opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment.
Lehigh University Overview
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a private research university founded in 1865. Lehigh is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the arts and sciences. The university’s campus is situated on over 2,350 acres, offering a picturesque setting with modern facilities.
Lehigh Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attending Lehigh, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is approximately $72,000 per year. Lehigh offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid, with around 47% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Lehigh Admissions
Admission to Lehigh is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 22%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1240 and 1450 or an ACT score between 28 and 33. Lehigh accepts the Common Application and requires the submission of either the SAT or ACT, along with essays and letters of recommendation.
Lehigh Degrees Offered
Lehigh offers undergraduate degrees in over 100 fields, including engineering, business administration, and arts and sciences. The university also has a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies and students are encouraged to explore different areas through minors and certificate programs.
Lehigh Academics
Lehigh has a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, providing small class sizes and personalized attention from professors. The university’s curriculum is designed to blend theory and practice, encouraging students to apply their knowledge through research and real-world experiences.
Lehigh Diversity
Lehigh has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and offers various resources for students from different backgrounds, including the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Lehigh Students
Lehigh has a vibrant student life, with over 200 student-run clubs and organizations, including service organizations, cultural clubs, and performance groups. Students are also actively engaged in community service and have access to numerous internship opportunities in the region.
Lehigh Campus
Lehigh’s campus is situated on a mountainside overlooking Bethlehem, providing a beautiful setting with state-of-the-art facilities. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including an impressive library and recreation center.
Lehigh Alumni
Notable Lehigh alumni include billionaire investor Lee Iacocca, entrepreneur Roger Penske, and astronaut Terry Hart. The university’s alumni network offers valuable connections and resources for students and graduates in various industries.
Lehigh Rankings
Lehigh consistently ranks among the top universities in the U.S., with U.S. News & World Report ranking it as the 49th best national university in 2021. The university is particularly well-regarded for its engineering programs.
Lehigh Outcomes
Lehigh graduates have a strong record of success, with a 87% six-year graduation rate and an average starting salary of $62,000. The university’s emphasis on practical experience and strong alumni network support students in securing employment or pursuing further education after graduation.
Georgetown vs Lehigh Cost Comparison
While both Georgetown and Lehigh are private universities with similar costs, Georgetown’s total cost of attendance is slightly higher at approximately $77,000 per year compared to Lehigh’s $72,000 per year. However, both schools offer financial aid packages based on need and merit, with Georgetown providing financial assistance to over half of its students and Lehigh assisting around 47% of students.
Georgetown vs Lehigh Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Georgetown and Lehigh are competitive, with Georgetown having a lower acceptance rate of approximately 14% compared to Lehigh’s 22%. The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students are also slightly higher at Georgetown, indicating a higher degree of selectivity in the admissions process.
Georgetown vs Lehigh Academic Difficulty
Both Georgetown and Lehigh offer rigorous academic programs, with Georgetown’s curriculum focusing on a strong liberal arts foundation and Lehigh blending theory and practice. Georgetown has a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, while Lehigh’s ratio is 9:1, suggesting that students at Lehigh may receive slightly more personalized attention from faculty members.
Georgetown vs Lehigh Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both universities have strong outcomes, with Georgetown having a slightly higher six-year graduation rate at 93% compared to Lehigh’s 87%. The average starting salaries for graduates are similar, with Lehigh graduates earning $62,000 and Georgetown graduates earning $61,000. Both universities have strong alumni networks that provide valuable connections and support for graduates in various fields.
