Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Which Top School Is Better?

Georgetown vs Notre Dame is one of the biggest college matchups out there if you’re aiming for a top-tier education. Both schools are competitive, respected, and packed with opportunities, so choosing between them really comes down to what you want in your college experience.

In this blog, you’ll see how these schools compare in acceptance rates, rankings, academics, campus life, tuition, and financial aid. If you’re a high school student trying to figure out which one fits your goals and personality best, this breakdown will help you make a smart and confident choice.

• Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Acceptance Rates
• Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Rankings
• Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Academics
• Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Campus Life
• Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Cost of Attendance
• Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Acceptance Rates

When you’re applying to college, one of the first factors you want to know is how hard it is to get in. The acceptance rate gives you a quick snapshot of how selective a school is. Let’s take a look at the Class of 2028 numbers from both Georgetown and Notre Dame:

In 2024, Notre Dame had 29,942 applicants this year and accepted 3,374 students, which puts its acceptance rate at 11.3%. Georgetown, on the other hand, had 26,131 applicants and also accepted 3,374 students, which gives it a slightly higher acceptance rate of 12.9%. So yes, Notre Dame is a bit more selective right now, but let’s dig a little deeper.

If you look at how things have changed over the last few years, you’ll see that both schools are becoming more competitive:

• At Georgetown, applications were at 26,638 in 2022, dropped a little to 25,485 in 2023, and rose again to 26,131 this year. Meanwhile, admission numbers stayed fairly stable: 3,257 in 2022, 3,334 in 2023, and 3,374 in 2024. That means Georgetown’s acceptance rate has hovered between 12.2% and 13%, making it consistently selective.
• At Notre Dame, the shift is more dramatic. In 2022, there were 26,509 applicants and 3,421 admits, for a 12.9% acceptance rate. In 2023, applications jumped to 28,353, but admissions only increased slightly to 3,510, dropping the acceptance rate to 12.4%. This year, applications hit 29,942, but the number of admits dropped back to 3,374, pushing the rate even lower to 11.3%.

So what does all of this mean for you? The numbers show that both schools are getting harder to get into, especially Notre Dame, which is admitting fewer students while more people apply. 

Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Rankings

Rankings are not everything, but they do help you see how schools are viewed nationally and internationally. They can also give you a sense of how each school performs in areas like academic reputation, faculty quality, and research impact.

Here’s how Georgetown and Notre Dame compare in the latest rankings from trusted sources:

Here’s a breakdown of the rankings and what they mean to prospective students:

U.S. News (National Rankings)

• Notre Dame: #18
• Georgetown: #24

U.S. News rankings primarily reflect undergraduate experience in the U.S., considering factors like graduation rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes. Notre Dame’s higher placement suggests a slightly stronger undergraduate profile, known for its cohesive campus culture and strong alumni network.

Takeaway: If you’re focused on undergraduate prestige within the U.S., Notre Dame holds a slight edge.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• Notre Dame: #196
• Georgetown: #201–250 range

THE rankings focus on global research output, teaching, and citations. While both Georgetown and Notre Dame fall outside the top 100 globally, they are competitive among U.S. private institutions of similar size. Notre Dame’s edge may reflect growing investment in research across sciences and engineering.

Takeaway: Both schools are globally respected, though not considered global research giants. Notre Dame scores slightly higher here.

QS World University Rankings

• Georgetown: #301
• Notre Dame: #316

QS emphasizes international reputation, employer perceptions, and academic visibility. Georgetown’s stronger global identity—especially in politics, law, and diplomacy—helps boost its standing. Its D.C. location and global alumni presence play a major role here.

Takeaway: Georgetown holds a stronger global brand, especially valuable for international careers or graduate school pathways.

Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Academics

Both Georgetown and Notre Dame give you a strong academic experience, but they do it in different ways. Your choice really depends on what you want to study and how you like to learn.

Georgetown academics

At Georgetown, you will get a well-rounded education, but here are some of programs that really shine:

• Political Science and Government
• International Relations
• Accounting and Finance
• Business
• English

Class sizes at Georgetown are small, with 63 percent of classes having fewer than 20 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1, so you will have plenty of chances to connect with professors, ask questions, and even join research projects as an undergrad.

Notre Dame academics

As for Notre Dame, here are five standout academic programs you should know about:

• Accountancy
• Marketing
• Engineering
• Political Science
• Mathematics

At Notre Dame, 62 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9 to 1, so you can count on having meaningful relationships with your professors and plenty of support along the way. 

Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Campus Life

Campus life shapes how you spend your time outside the classroom. Whether you want a city experience or a tight-knit community feel, these schools offer very different vibes.

Georgetown campus life

Georgetown is in Washington, D.C., so you get the energy of a big city right outside your dorm.

You can explore over 350 student clubs and take part in service projects, cultural shows, and political events. The school hosts 17 residence halls where you can live with students who share your passions and interests.

You will also love the food options both on and off campus. There are hundreds of restaurants nearby and lots of global cuisine to try. Campus safety is taken seriously, and security is on duty 24/7 to make sure students feel safe while living in the city.

Notre Dame campus life

Notre Dame feels more traditional with its classic college setting in South Bend, Indiana.

The campus is beautiful, full of Gothic-style buildings and peaceful green spaces. You’ll live in one of 32 residence halls that create a strong sense of community right away.

With over 500 student clubs, you will never run out of organizations to join. There are concerts, Masses, football games, and traditions that bring everyone together. Campus dining includes 28 spots to eat, and the university focuses on supporting your well-being in every part of student life.

Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Cost of Attendance

Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a college, especially when you’re comparing top schools. Here’s a look at the cost of attending each school:

Georgetown ($71,136 total):

• $35,568 per semester for full-time tuition
• $101 student activity fee per semester ($202 total for the year)
• $4,350 annual student health insurance fee (required unless waived)

Notre Dame ($67,607 total):

• $67,100 for full-time tuition
• $250 technology fee (annual)
• $150 health center access fee (annual)
• $95 student activity fee (annual)

Notre Dame’s overall fixed cost is $3,529 lower than Georgetown’s. While both schools are expensive, understanding where your money goes can help you make a more informed decision. 

Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Worried about how to pay for college? You are definitely not alone. Let’s look at how Georgetown and Notre Dame help students afford a top-tier education.

Georgetown financial aid and scholarships

Georgetown meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need, primarily through need-based scholarships. Each year, hundreds of students receive financial aid packages that include scholarships, small loans, and work-study jobs. If you qualify, your award can be anywhere from $1,000 to more than $60,000 per year.

Most scholarships at Georgetown do not require a separate application. You just need to submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile. There are a few competitive merit-based scholarships, but most aid is based on your family’s financial situation.

Types of aid at Georgetown:

• 1789 Scholarships
• Georgetown Athletics Grants-in-Aid
• John Carroll Scholarships
• GU Incentive Scholarships
• The Baker Trust Scholarship Program
• The President’s Scholarship for District of Columbia Students
• The Robert Bellarmine and Ignatian Scholarship Programs
• Named Undergraduate GU & NHS Scholarships
• Penner Family Experiences Award

Notre Dame financial aid and scholarships

Notre Dame also promises to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need, and their financial aid offers include no loans. That means you can graduate without the stress of student debt if you qualify. In fact, the median need-based scholarship for first-year students is about $63,500.

Notre Dame has a mix of need-based and merit-based aid, so if you have strong grades and extracurriculars, you might qualify for a merit scholarship too. About 25% of first-year students receive some kind of merit aid, and some awards cover full tuition.

Types of aid at Notre Dame:

• Need-Based Grants and Scholarships
• Merit-Based Scholarships
• Student Employment Opportunities
• Federal and Private Student Loans
• Veteran Benefits and ROTC Scholarships
• Aid for International Students (Need-Blind Admissions)

Georgetown vs Notre Dame: Final Verdict

So, which school is better? That depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

• Georgetown is a top choice if you want to study politics, law, or international affairs and live in Washington, D.C., where you’ll find incredible internship and networking opportunities. The school offers small classes and intense academics, but there are fewer merit scholarships, and the urban environment might feel hectic. If you love real-world learning and want to be where national decisions happen, Georgetown gives you that edge.
• Notre Dame stands out for its strong programs in business, STEM, and liberal arts, and offers more merit scholarships and generous financial aid with no required loans. The campus community is grounded in faith and tradition, with tons of events and activities that bring people together. You may not have as much access to internships during the school year, and the campus is more isolated, but you’ll find a supportive and meaningful college experience.

If you’re focused on global impact, political science, or law, Georgetown’s location and academics make it a better choice. If you value a mission-driven college life, strong merit aid, and a broader range of majors like engineering and business, Notre Dame is a stronger fit.

In the end, both schools are outstanding. Choose the one that matches your goals, values, and preferred campus vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it harder to get into Georgetown or Notre Dame?

Right now, Notre Dame is harder to get into than Georgetown. Notre Dame had 29,942 applicants and accepted 3,374 students this year, for an 11.3% acceptance rate. Georgetown had 26,131 applicants and also accepted 3,374 students, giving it a 12.9% acceptance rate. 

2. Which school is more affordable: Georgetown or Notre Dame?

Notre Dame costs slightly less than Georgetown, with annual tuition around $67,607 compared to Georgetown’s $71,136.

But what really matters is the financial aid, and Notre Dame gives more merit scholarships and meets full need without loans, which could save you thousands in the long run. Georgetown also meets 100% of need but includes loans in its packages, so you should compare your award letters carefully if cost is a significant factor.

3. Between Georgetown and Notre Dame, which school is better overall?

That really depends on what you want to study and the kind of college experience you’re looking for.

Georgetown is better for international relations, law, and political science, especially with its D.C. location and networking access. Notre Dame is stronger if you’re interested in engineering, business, or a faith-based and close-knit college environment with generous merit aid and no-loan financial packages.

Takeaways

• You’ll face tough competition at both schools, but Notre Dame has become slightly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 11.3% compared to Georgetown’s 12.9%.
• You’ll probably love Georgetown if you’re into politics or global issues and want to be right in the middle of Washington, D.C.
• If you want a close community, strong business or engineering programs, and less student debt, you’ll feel more at home at Notre Dame.
• You should choose the school that fits your goals and vibe because both are amazing in different ways.
• Do you want to improve your chances at Georgetown or Notre Dame? Start early, craft a standout application, and team up with a college admissions expert who knows what top schools are looking for.