George Washington University vs Georgetown University: which has better ROI?
Georgetown University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $163,260 in 3 years versus 3.4 years at George Washington University, on median earnings of $103,494 vs $90,873 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | George Washington University | Georgetown University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $36,586 | $40,815 |
| Total net cost | $146,344 | $163,260 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $90,873 | $103,494 |
| Median debt | $20,449 | $15,500 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $703,916 | $939,420 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, George Washington University or Georgetown University?
George Washington University, at $36,586 a year after aid versus $40,815 — a gap of $4,229 a year, or $16,916 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do George Washington University or Georgetown University graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates report a median $103,494 ten years after entry, $12,621 more than the $90,873 at George Washington University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, George Washington University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University: its completers carry a median $15,500 in federal loans versus $20,449 at George Washington University, a difference of $4,949. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
95% of students finish at Georgetown University, against 84% at George Washington University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.