US University · Ranked #22
Georgetown University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Georgetown University is a highly selective university that admits roughly 12% of applicants. Set in Washington, D.C. and ranked #22 nationally in our dataset, Georgetown attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
Georgetown, located in the nation's capital, is a premier university for international affairs, government, and public policy with strong Jesuit values.
This guide breaks down Georgetown's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Georgetown University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 12%
- SAT range
- 1390–1530
- Average GPA
- 3.88
- In-state
- $63,240
- Out-of-state
- $63,240
- Enrollment
- 7,900
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
How hard is it to get into Georgetown University?
An acceptance rate of 12% places Georgetown firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for Georgetown as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Georgetown typically score between 1390 and 1530 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1390 and a quarter above 1530. A score at or above 1530 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.88 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1460 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.88. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1390) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Georgetown Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 10
Georgetown offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 10. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 10.
Notable programs at Georgetown University
- International Relations — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Government — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Law — a strong pre-professional and graduate strength for this institution.
- Foreign Service — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
Georgetown is particularly known for International Relations, Government, Business, Law, and Foreign Service.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Georgetown University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Georgetown charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,240 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Georgetown University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Georgetown University?
- Georgetown University has an acceptance rate of 12%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for Georgetown as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for Georgetown University?
- Admitted students at Georgetown University typically score between 1390 and 1530 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1530 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1390 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Georgetown University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Georgetown University is approximately 3.88 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.88 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Georgetown University?
- Georgetown University's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 10. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Georgetown University a public or private university?
- Georgetown University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Georgetown University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Georgetown charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,240 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.