Georgetown University vs American 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 5.8 years at American University, on median earnings of $103,494 vs $77,370 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Georgetown University | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,815 | $41,943 |
| Total net cost | $163,260 | $167,772 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $103,494 | $77,370 |
| Median debt | $15,500 | $22,750 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 5.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $939,420 | $412,428 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown University or American University?
Georgetown University, at $40,815 a year after aid versus $41,943 — a gap of $1,128 a year, or $4,512 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Georgetown University or American University graduates earn more?
Georgetown University graduates report a median $103,494 ten years after entry, $26,124 more than the $77,370 at American 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, Georgetown University or American University?
Georgetown University: its completers carry a median $15,500 in federal loans versus $22,750 at American University, a difference of $7,250. 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 75% at American 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.