At $39,433/yr net price, Georgetown University graduates earn $103,494/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $69,494/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,433 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $157,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $103,494/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$69,494/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 94.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,340/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,750/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,464/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,491/yr |
| $110,001+ | $57,166/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $127,040 | $98,440 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $119,805 | $162,286 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $118,650 | $97,008 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,876 | $127,131 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $98,847 | $43,099 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $97,367 | $40,837 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $96,183 | $74,347 |
| Statistics. | Master | $90,856 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $88,639 | $15,750 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $88,638 | $59,620 |
The Risk Factor
94.3% of students at Georgetown University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Georgetown delivers strong financial returns with median earnings exceeding $103,000 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for college graduates. The $39,433 annual net price creates a reasonable payback period given the earning power of most programs.
Business administration stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $127,040 in median earnings. Law graduates earn nearly $120,000, though the $162,286 debt load creates a more complex payback equation. Real estate offers solid returns at $98,847 with much lower debt at $43,099, making it one of the best risk-adjusted choices.
The nursing program presents a concerning financial picture with debt exceeding $127,000 for median earnings just over $100,000. You should carefully evaluate whether nursing at Georgetown makes sense compared to less expensive programs elsewhere.
Georgetown's location in Washington, DC provides strong access to government, consulting, and finance careers that justify the premium tuition for most majors. The 94% graduation rate and 97% retention rate indicate strong institutional support, reducing the risk of leaving without a degree.
Financial aid proves extremely limited with only 10% of students receiving aid. Merit scholarships are rare, so you should plan to pay close to full price unless your family qualifies for need-based assistance. The low median debt of $15,500 reflects that most families pay out of pocket rather than relying on loans.
Georgetown makes financial sense if you can afford the price tag and plan to pursue business, law, or careers leveraging DC connections. Look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid or plan to major in fields where Georgetown's premium does not translate to higher earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgetown University worth the high tuition cost?
Georgetown's graduates earn $103,494 annually after 10 years, which is strong but comes at a steep net price of $39,433 per year. The return depends heavily on your major - business and law programs show excellent earnings while other fields may not justify the cost.
What Georgetown University programs have the best ROI?
Business administration leads at $127,040 in median earnings, followed by law at $119,805. These programs can justify Georgetown's high costs, while graduates in lower-paying fields may struggle to see positive returns on their investment.
How much student debt do Georgetown University graduates typically have?
Georgetown graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is relatively low compared to the school's high costs. This suggests either strong financial aid or that many students come from wealthy families who can pay full price.
Does Georgetown University provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The net price of $39,433 is still quite high even after aid, meaning Georgetown remains expensive for most families. The low median debt suggests aid helps some students significantly, but many still face substantial costs.