When considering higher education, students often face the challenge of choosing between prestigious institutions. In this comparison, we will examine Georgetown University and Princeton University, two highly-regarded schools. We will explore their respective costs, admissions processes, degrees offered, academic experiences, diversity, students, campuses, alumni, rankings, and outcomes to help prospective students make an informed decision.
Georgetown University Overview
Georgetown University, established in 1789, is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. With a rich history and strong Jesuit traditions, Georgetown offers a unique blend of academic rigor, global perspective, and a commitment to social justice. The university consists of four undergraduate schools, three graduate and professional schools, and various research centers.
Georgetown University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance (COA) for Georgetown University for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $79,000, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and other miscellaneous expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with Georgetown promising to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Georgetown University Admissions
Admissions at Georgetown University are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 15%. The university employs a holistic review process, taking into account factors such as academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT for admission, along with three SAT Subject Tests, or AP/IB scores.
Georgetown University Degrees Offered
Georgetown offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across its four undergraduate schools and three graduate/professional schools. The undergraduate schools include Georgetown College, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, the McDonough School of Business, and the School of Foreign Service. Graduate and professional schools include the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Law Center, and the School of Medicine.
Georgetown University Academics
With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 27, Georgetown University offers a high-quality education with personalized attention. The university is renowned for its programs in international relations, business, and public policy, but also offers strong programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Georgetown University Diversity
Georgetown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The undergraduate student body is made up of approximately 51% female and 49% male students, with 37% of students identifying as people of color. International students represent around 12% of the student population, with over 130 countries represented.
Georgetown University Students
Georgetown University is home to approximately 7,000 undergraduate and 10,000 graduate/professional students. The vibrant student community participates in over 200 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and service organizations. Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., also provides ample opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and networking.
Georgetown University Campus
Georgetown’s historic campus spans 104 acres and boasts a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The university’s facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, and athletic facilities. Georgetown also provides on-campus housing options, dining services, and a variety of campus resources, such as the Dahlgren Memorial Library and the Healey Family Student Center.
Georgetown University Alumni
Notable Georgetown alumni include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, journalist Maria Shriver, and actor Bradley Cooper. Georgetown’s strong alumni network offers graduates valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and career support.
Georgetown University Rankings
Georgetown University consistently ranks among the top national universities. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Georgetown was ranked #23 among National Universities and #19 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Georgetown University Outcomes
Georgetown graduates enjoy strong outcomes in terms of employment, graduate school placements, and starting salaries. According to the university’s 2020 First Destination survey, 92% of graduates were employed, attending graduate school, participating in a fellowship or service program, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.
Princeton University Overview
Founded in 1746, Princeton University is a private, Ivy League research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. Known for its rigorous academic programs and stunning campus, Princeton offers an exceptional education in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, and the humanities. The university is organized into the undergraduate College, the Graduate School, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Princeton University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance (COA) at Princeton University is approximately $77,500. This includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and miscellaneous expenses. Princeton is committed to making education affordable, with a financial aid program that covers 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships, without requiring loans.
Princeton University Admissions
Admissions to Princeton University are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 6%. The university evaluates applicants using a holistic approach, considering factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Princeton requires either the SAT or ACT for admission but has made standardized testing optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
Princeton University Degrees Offered
Princeton offers undergraduate degrees through its College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, along with graduate degrees through its Graduate School. The university offers over 50 areas of concentration for undergraduates, as well as various interdisciplinary certificate programs and joint degree programs with other institutions.
Princeton University Academics
With a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of fewer than 20 students, Princeton provides an intimate and personalized educational experience. The university is renowned for its programs in the sciences, engineering, and humanities, as well as its commitment to undergraduate research and independent work.
Princeton University Diversity
Princeton University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The undergraduate student body consists of approximately 49% female and 51% male students, with 45% of students identifying as people of color. International students make up around 12% of the student population, representing over 100 countries.
Princeton University Students
Princeton enrolls approximately 5,400 undergraduate and 2,900 graduate students. The active student community participates in over 300 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and service organizations. The university’s residential college system fosters a sense of community and provides students with academic and social support.
Princeton University Campus
Princeton’s picturesque 600-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, research, and athletics. The university offers on-campus housing options, dining services, and various campus resources, such as the Firestone Library and the Frist Campus Center.
Princeton University Alumni
Prominent Princeton alumni include former U.S. Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The extensive alumni network provides graduates with valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and career support.
Princeton University Rankings
Princeton University consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Princeton was ranked #1 among National Universities and #1 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Princeton University Outcomes
Princeton graduates enjoy impressive outcomes, with a high rate of employment, prestigious graduate school placements, and competitive starting salaries. According to the university’s 2020 Post-Graduation survey, 91% of graduates were employed, attending graduate school, participating in a fellowship or service program, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.
Georgetown vs Princeton Cost Comparison
Both Georgetown and Princeton Universities have similar estimated costs of attendance (COA) for the 2021-2022 academic year, with Georgetown at approximately $79,000 and Princeton at approximately $77,500. However, both institutions are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Notably, Princeton’s financial aid program does not include loans, making it potentially more affordable for students with significant financial need.
Georgetown vs Princeton Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Georgetown and Princeton Universities are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 15% and 6%, respectively. Both institutions use a holistic approach when evaluating applications, considering factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. While both universities typically require either the SAT or ACT for admission, Princeton has made standardized testing optional for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
Georgetown vs Princeton Academic Difficulty
Both Georgetown and Princeton Universities are known for their rigorous academic programs and commitment to providing an exceptional education. Georgetown’s average class size is 27 with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, while Princeton’s average class size is fewer than 20 students with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Both institutions offer undergraduate research opportunities and personalized attention from faculty, but Princeton’s smaller class sizes and lower student-to-faculty ratio may provide an even more intimate learning environment.
Georgetown vs Princeton Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Georgetown and Princeton Universities enjoy strong outcomes in terms of employment, graduate school placements, and starting salaries. According to each institution’s most recent post-graduation surveys, 92% of Georgetown graduates and 91% of Princeton graduates were employed, attending graduate school, participating in a fellowship or service program, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation. While both universities provide impressive outcomes for their graduates, the specific opportunities and career paths may vary based on individual interests, degree programs, and alumni connections.
