Georgetown University, a renowned institution of higher learning located in the heart of Washington, D.C., near the White House and the Potomac River, is the oldest Jesuit university in the United States, the alma mater of many U.S. presidents, and a “cradle of statesmen.” It comprises nine distinguished schools, including Georgetown College, the School of Foreign Service, the School of Business, and the Law School, and has an undergraduate enrollment of 7,833 students. Its Latin name, “Universitas Georgiopolitana,” originates from the 1815 Federal Charter of the United States and represents over two centuries of academic heritage. Fundamental Requirements for Earning an American University Diploma
Authoritative Rankings and Admissions Competitiveness
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Georgetown University is ranked 24th nationally and 13th in the U.S. for admissions competitiveness (acceptance rate). It is ranked 285th in the QS World University Rankings. Acceptance rate: 12%. Average high school GPA of incoming freshmen: 4.01; range: 1470–1560. It is one of the most selective universities in the United States.
Top Programs and Career Prospects
Georgetown University’s most popular programs include International Relations, Political Science and Government, and Finance. Its International Relations program is on par with those at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the UK; many graduates go on to hold leadership positions in U.S. diplomacy and major international organizations. Finance, Management, and Marketing are among the strengths of Georgetown University’s School of Business.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The average annual tuition for international undergraduate students at Georgetown University is approximately $67,824, while graduate tuition ranges from $61,200 to $67,184. The university offers need-based or merit-based scholarships and grants to eligible students, and some international students may qualify for financial assistance.
Basic Requirements for a Georgetown University Degree
An undergraduate degree requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credits, including core major courses, major-specific courses, and electives. Credits fulfilling the university’s core curriculum requirements include courses in the humanities, sciences, philosophy, writing, quantitative reasoning, social sciences, and theology. Major coursework credits include all required and elective courses specified by the student’s academic department. The cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0; however, the minimum GPA required for graduation from advanced or honors programs is higher than 2.0. Students must complete an undergraduate thesis or research project, as well as a second language course and a service internship.
