The country's oldest Jesuit university, Georgetown is one of the more expensive schools in Money's rankings. But one reason for that — its location in Washington, D.C. — is also one of its biggest draws, especially for students interested in politics or international relations.
With a beautiful red brick campus overlooking the Potomac, Georgetown frequently welcomes Washington's elite to lecture or teach. Recent guests have included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Attorney General Eric Holder and former President Bill Clinton, who graduated from Georgetown. Other distinguished alumni include actor Bradley Cooper, comedian John Mulaney and Today show host Savannah Guthrie.
Roughly 4 in 10 students receive some form of grants or scholarships to help defray their costs. Georgetown's graduation rate is roughly 95%, and students post median earnings of roughly $102,000 a decade after they enrolled. Sports are a big part of campus life: The school touts that 1 in 10 undergraduates is a varsity athlete. Its revered basketball team has made it to the NCAA Final Four five times and clinched the championship once, in 1984.
In one of its more head-turning traditions, students can attend screenings of The Exorcist each Halloween — and then walk to sites on campus where the movie was filmed, including the "Exorcist stairs," where the movie's climax takes place.
Notes: Prices reflect in-state charges for public universities. Students who get merit grants are full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants. Graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students. Early career earnings are the median earnings for both graduates and non-completers, 10 years after they first enrolled.
Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s, Money/Witlytic calculations.
Georgetown University tuition and fees
Estimated cost and due date
Tuition and fees at Georgetown University come to a total of $68,511. You’ll also need to factor in room and board, books, and living expenses while enrolled.
The due date for Fall is August 17, 2023, but it's always a good idea to check the university's official calendar or your student portal for any changes. Late payments may incur extra fees.
Feeling overwhelmed by the cost? That’s understandable – college can be expensive, but there are a variety of financial aid sources you can access, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Here's a brief overview of the available options; for a more comprehensive step-by-step, read our How to Pay for College guide.
Exploring financial aid options at Georgetown University
Scholarships and grants
For undergraduates at Georgetown University, the average amount of grant aid received is $37,594, comprising funds from federal, state, local and college programs. Approximately 13% of Georgetown students are eligible for Pell Grants, which are specifically made available to individuals with lower incomes. To have access to Pell Grants and other forms of financial aid, students will need to fill out the FAFSA.
State grants
Most states have a program offering financial aid to their residents for college, but it is advisable to ensure that you are eligible for such financial aid before applying. In the District of Columbia, DCTAG is one of the programs available for local students.
University scholarships, aka institutional aid
At Georgetown University, 41% of freshmen are granted a scholarship. These awards have an average value of $32,880, and typically encompass two types of financial aid; need-based aid depends on a student's financial status, while merit-based aid is issued in light of such criteria as academic attainment, artistic aptitude and leadership traits.
External scholarships
Don't forget to search for external scholarships too. There are many local organizations that provide scholarships to assist students with college costs, and some scholarships have year-round deadlines so you can get funds after you've enrolled. Check out our guide on college grants and scholarships to find out more about the various types of gift aid.
Student loans
Federal student loans
Federal student loans are the most common way to finance educational expenses. These are loans provided by the government and have relatively low-interest rates, as well as flexible repayment options.
Private student loans
Private student loans are an alternate choice. Banks and credit unions are some of the private lenders that offer them. They can be used to cover the costs not taken care of by federal loans, but usually have higher interest rates and less flexible repayment plans.
How to pay tuition bills at Georgetown University
If you are awarded a loan, grant or scholarship, the funds will usually be sent directly to the university. You will need to cover any remaining balance. You can pay your tuition fees online at https://www.georgetown.edu/.
The data included in this page contains data published in university sites, government public records and other vetted sources as of June 23, 2023. Be advised to validate this information with the university registrar or financial office.
This content was created with the assistance of AI technology and has been reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Money's editorial staff.
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