Curious about how Georgetown University stacks up against other top schools? You’re in the right place. With so many rankings and application details out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but we’re here to make it simple.
In this post, we’ll break down Georgetown University’s national and global rankings, walk you through the application process, highlight other standout features, and answer some common questions. Plus, we’ll share practical tips to help strengthen your application to this highly respected university.
- How Does Georgetown University Rank Nationally and Globally?
- Georgetown University Application Process
- Other Georgetown University Rankings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
How Does Georgetown University Rank Nationally and Globally?
Understanding Georgetown’s rankings can give you a better idea of its academic reputation and the quality of education it offers. Let’s take a look at some of the most respected ranking sources:
U.S. News & World Report
When it comes to college rankings, you’ve probably heard a lot of names thrown around. But which ones matter? One of the most trusted sources is U.S. News & World Report. They evaluate schools based on academics, student outcomes, and faculty resources.
So, how does Georgetown measure up? Let’s take a look:
| Category | Ranking |
| National Universities | #22 (tie) |
| Best Value Schools | #50 |
| International Business | #3 |
| Economics | #26 (tie) |
| Writing in the Disciplines | #15 |
| Study Abroad | #5 |
| Service Learning | #10 (tie) |
| Best Colleges for Veterans | #33 |
| Best Undergraduate Teaching | #21 (tie) |
| Most Innovative Schools | #45 (tie) |
| Top Performers on Social Mobility | #167 (tie) |
Georgetown University ranks #50 in Best Value Schools, meaning you get a high-quality education worth the investment. But what does that investment look like? Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| Category | Cost |
| Full-Time Tuition (Per Semester) | $33,912.00 |
| Part-Time Tuition (Per Credit Hour) | $2,826.00 |
| Student Activity Fee (Per Semester) | $96.50 |
| Student Health Insurance (Per Year) | $3,885.00 |
Attending Georgetown comes with a price tag of $40,719.50. That might sound steep at first, but it’s important to know that Georgetown meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all eligible undergraduate students.
In other words, your ability to pay won’t impact your chances of admission. Financial aid packages can include grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans—making Georgetown far more affordable than the sticker price might suggest.
Times Higher Education
If you want a global perspective on college rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) is one of the most trusted sources. They evaluate universities worldwide based on teaching quality, research impact, and international reputation.
For 2025, Georgetown University is ranked 201–250 in THE’s World University Rankings. Here’s a quick breakdown of how Georgetown scores across key categories:
| Metric | Score |
| Teaching | 50.4 |
| Research Environment | 34.7 |
| Research Quality | 83.7 |
| Industry Income | 92.3 |
| International Outlook | 54.3 |
So, what do these numbers mean?
Georgetown shines in research quality, meaning you’ll learn from professors who are actively shaping their fields. The high industry income score suggests strong partnerships with businesses and organizations, which can lead to internship and job opportunities.
And with an international outlook score of 54.3, Georgetown has a global reach, making it a great choice if you’re interested in studying abroad or networking with students worldwide.
Here are a few ways Georgetown helps students like you get ahead:
- Global learning opportunities. With over 200 study abroad programs in 57 countries, you’ll immerse yourself in new cultures, make lifelong connections, and gain a global perspective that sets you apart. You could take a theology class in Georgetown’s stunning Villa Le Balze in Florence, perfect your Spanish while living with a host family, or dive into international politics in London. The Office of Global Education (OGE) helps with everything from choosing the right program to funding your trip, so all you have to do is decide where your next adventure will take you!
- McDonough School of Business. If you’re business-minded, McDonough offers top-tier programs, connections to industry leaders, and a dedicated career center to help land internships and jobs. You’ll get hands-on experience through case competitions, global consulting projects, and mentorship from successful alumni. Plus, with Georgetown’s prime location in Washington, D.C., you’ll have access to major companies, government agencies, and startups that can jumpstart your career.
- Research with impact. At Georgetown, faculty are teachers and researchers searching for new knowledge, and they invite you to join them in this process. You’ll learn methods and approaches firsthand, engaging in research under faculty supervision. And when you’re ready, you can dream up your questions, create your projects, and chart your path toward deeper understanding.
Georgetown could be the perfect fit for students who are looking for a university with strong research, industry connections, and global opportunities.
QS World University Rankings
If you’re curious how Georgetown ranks globally, the QS World University Rankings breaks it down by academic reputation, faculty quality, and career success.
As one of the top private universities in Washington, D.C., Georgetown is ranked #301 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, highlighting its strong academics, impressive career outcomes, and global connections.
Here’s a closer look at its scores:
| Category | Score |
| Overall | 36.3 |
| Academic Reputation | 29.3 |
| Citations per Faculty | 14 |
| Employment Outcomes | 90.9 |
| Employer Reputation | 41.9 |
| Faculty Student Ratio | 63 |
| International Faculty Ratio | 28 |
| International Research Network | 62.5 |
| International Student Ratio | 37.3 |
| Sustainability | 37 |
Georgetown’s employment outcomes score is one of its biggest strengths, meaning you’ll graduate ready to land top jobs.
With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 63% of classes having fewer than 20 students, you’ll get plenty of personal attention and support from professors who know your name. Georgetown’s strong international research network allows you to collaborate with scholars worldwide and be part of groundbreaking projects.
Specifically:
- Employment outcomes. The McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown reported that 95% of its 2023 graduates were employed or had accepted job offers within six months of graduation. This high employment rate highlights the university’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and networks needed to secure meaningful employment promptly after completing their studies.
- International research network. Georgetown actively promotes global research partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with the London School of Economics (LSE). In March 2025, they launched a joint seed research fund to support international research projects addressing key global challenges. This initiative exemplifies Georgetown’s dedication to facilitating cross-border academic collaborations contributing to significant global advancements.
Georgetown University Application Process
Applying to Georgetown? Here’s a breakdown of everything you must submit and what each part means:
- Georgetown application. This is the first step! Georgetown has its application system (not Common App), so you must fill this out as soon as possible to start.
- Application supplement. After submitting the main application, you must complete a few more required forms. These help Georgetown learn more about your background, interests, and academic goals.
- Secondary school report. Your school counselor will send this report, which includes details about your academic performance and school environment and an official transcript of your grades. You don’t need to do much here; just make sure your counselor knows to send it!
- Teacher’s recommendation. You’ll need a letter from one of your teachers who knows you well. Pick someone who can talk about your strengths, work ethic, and personality, ideally from a subject related to what you want to study.
- Application fee. There’s a $75 fee to submit your application. If this is a financial challenge, fee waivers are available; just check with your counselor or Georgetown’s admissions office.
- SAT/ACT scores. Georgetown requires SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. A 1530 SAT or 35 ACT will put you in the top range if you want to stand out. Since there’s no strict cutoff, focus on getting your best possible score and submitting the one that strengthens your application the most.
Here is Georgetown’s application timeline:
| Application Step | Deadline |
| Early Action Application | November 1 |
| Early Action Results | December 15 |
| Regular Decision Application | January 10 |
| FAFSA & CSS Profile Deadline | February 1 |
| Regular Decision Results | April 1 |
| Reply Date for Admitted Students | May 1 |
Other Georgetown University Rankings
Georgetown University also shines in various other areas that might interest you:
#1 in Washington, D.C.
As the #1 university in Washington, D.C., Georgetown puts you at the heart of one of the most powerful cities in the world. Your campus is just steps from the White House, Capitol Hill, and top global organizations, giving you unmatched access to internships, networking, and career opportunities.
#1 in the District of Columbia
Georgetown also ranks #1 in the District of Columbia, making it the best school in the region. You’ll be part of a close-knit, prestigious community while still having the entire city as your extended campus filled with history, culture, and endless things to do.
#1 in foreign policy
If you’re passionate about global affairs, you’ll be excited to know that Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service is ranked #1 worldwide for its international relations programs. This opens doors for you to engage with global leaders, participate in international internships, and prepare for a career on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the acceptance rate for the Class of 2028?
The acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 12%. The competitive nature of the school’s admissions process highlights its high admission standards. You must demonstrate strong academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and exceptional personal qualities to be considered.
2. Does Georgetown give good financial aid?
If you’re worried about paying for college, Georgetown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for eligible undergrads. That means they’ll help ensure you can afford it through grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans if you get in. Unlike some schools, they don’t offer merit scholarships, so your financial aid is based on what your family can afford.
The key is submitting your FAFSA and CSS Profile on time (by February 1) to ensure you get the best possible aid package.
3. What’s so special about Georgetown’s location?
Georgetown is in Washington, D.C., which is a huge deal because it puts you in the center of politics, business, and international relations. Whether you want to intern at the White House, work with a nonprofit, or connect with top companies, D.C. has many opportunities.
4. What kind of student thrives at Georgetown?
A lot of Georgetown students are passionate about social justice, politics, and international affairs, but there’s also a strong business and STEM community. The school has a Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes service and ethics, so if you like the idea of using your education to have a real impact, you’ll feel at home here.
Takeaways
- Georgetown ranks #22 nationally, making it one of the top universities in the U.S. It is especially strong in international business and study abroad programs.
- On a global scale, Georgetown lands in the 201–250 range in the Times Higher Education rankings and #301 in the QS World University Rankings, showing its strong research and global connections.
- You must complete the Georgetown-specific application (not the Common App), submit your school report, teacher recommendation, and SAT/ACT scores, and pay a $75 fee.
- With an acceptance rate of about 12%, getting into Georgetown is competitive, so strong grades, test scores, and extracurriculars will boost your chances.
- Need help getting into Georgetown University? A college admissions expert can give you the edge to craft a standout application, improve your essays, and boost your chances of acceptance!
Eric Eng
About the author
Eric Eng, the Founder and CEO of AdmissionSight, graduated with a BA from Princeton University and has one of the highest track records in the industry of placing students into Ivy League schools and top 10 universities. He has been featured on the US News & World Report for his insights on college admissions.







