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College comparison
Georgetown vs Washington & Lee
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Georgetown Washington, DC |  Washington & Lee Lexington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateGeorgetown University is more selective | 13% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1390–1550 | 1430–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,569 | 1,881 |
| Avg net price | $40,815 | $23,781 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Georgetown reports higher median earnings | $103,494 | $94,810 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 94% |
| Median debt | $15,500 | $19,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.9% | 0.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Georgetown vs Washington & Lee: how they compare
Two private universities, each offering a distinct path to a high-caliber education and strong outcomes, with the choice largely coming down to desired campus culture and setting.
By the numbers Georgetown and Washington and Lee are comparably selective, with acceptance rates of 13% and 14% respectively and similar SAT 25-75th percentile ranges (Georgetown: 1390–1550, W&L: 1430–1540). The primary financial divergence is in value: W&L’s lower average net price of $24k (vs. Georgetown’s $41k) drives a significantly higher earnings-to-cost multiplier of 4.0x compared to Georgetown’s 2.5x. Post-graduate earnings favor Georgetown, with a 10-year median of $103k versus W&L’s $95k. Georgetown also demonstrates a far higher economic-mobility rate (195% vs. 57%) and slightly more stable admissions with lower admit-rate volatility (37% vs. 54%). Both schools are financially healthy (DOE scores: 2.4/3 vs. 2.3/3) and graduate nearly all of their students (95% vs. 94%).
Where they overlap Both institutions provide a rigorous, liberal arts-infused education with high graduation rates and strong postgraduate outcomes, particularly in law, business, and public service. They attract high-achieving, academically driven students and maintain robust alumni networks.
How they differ The experience is defined by environment and social structure. Georgetown is located in Washington, D.C., offering an urban campus life largely independent of Greek organizations. Washington and Lee is a small college in a Virginia town, where the social scene has been historically influenced by Greek life. Culturally, W&L has a noted traditional and conservative-leaning reputation, while Georgetown’s culture is more politically diverse and oriented toward policy and global affairs.
Who each suits Georgetown suits the student seeking a politically engaged experience where the city itself is an extension of the classroom, ideal for those pursuing careers in government, international relations, or business. Washington and Lee is for the student who prefers a tight-knit, residential community with a strong honor code and a traditional collegiate social structure, offering deep faculty access and a focus on leadership within a more insular environment.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Georgetown University or Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
- Georgetown University is more selective: Georgetown University's acceptance rate is approximately 13% and Washington and Lee University's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Georgetown University vs Washington and Lee University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1390–1550 at Georgetown University and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.