Georgetown University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~12%
- Middle 50% ACT: 34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1490
- Average GPA: 4.15
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This is a high reach. Georgetown’s admit rate and academic profile are elite, and they require test scores. Build a strong balanced list with financial safeties.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive for admission, but admission is still unpredictable. Focus heavily on essays, rigor, and fit—and don’t expect merit money to make this affordable.
- Well above the ranges: Even top students are not guaranteed admission here. Georgetown doesn’t use merit to “buy” students—so your leverage is limited compared to other elite schools.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Georgetown University at a Glance
Average Net Price
$39,433/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
9 opportunities
2 competitive · 4 hidden gem · 3 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-required
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Georgetown University (Read This First)
- There are very few merit scholarships—most aid is strictly need-based :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Georgetown is test-required—you must submit SAT or ACT scores
- The CSS Profile is required, which can significantly impact what your family is expected to pay
- They meet 100% of demonstrated need—but that number is based on their formula, not yours
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — Georgetown University is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 34; SAT: 1490.
Average net price? About $39,433/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Georgetown University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$71,338 |
$71,338 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$21,202 |
$21,202 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$92,540 |
$92,540 |
Average Federal Net Price: $39,433 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG): DC residents may receive up to
$2,500 per year when attending eligible private DC colleges like Georgetown.
Example: $71,338 tuition − $2,500 DCTAG =
$68,838 before other aid. Apply through OSSE. Some Georgetown scholarships also require the
CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for DCTAG?
Legal residents of Washington, DC who enroll at eligible institutions like Georgetown.
How much can it save?
Up to $2,500 per year at Georgetown. It can be combined with federal, state, and institutional aid (up to the full cost of attendance).
Is it automatic?
No. Students must submit the DCTAG application each year through OSSE and complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile as required.
Sources:
https://finaid.georgetown.edu/cost-of-attendance/
https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/applying/first-year-application/
https://bulletin.georgetown.edu/admissions/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?131496=
https://osse.dc.gov/publication/dctag-fast-facts-brochure
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Georgetown University does not offer automatic, GPA- or test-based merit scholarships. All institutional aid is determined by financial need, and admission alone does not trigger automatic awards. This distinguishes Georgetown from many public universities and some private peers.
This institution does not offer designated Automatic Merit scholarships at this time.
Note: Georgetown does not participate in National Merit, the Stamps Scholarship, or the QuestBridge National College Match for undergraduate merit aid.
Automatic Aid FAQ
Does Georgetown offer automatic scholarships based on GPA or test scores?
No. All Georgetown aid is based strictly on demonstrated financial need, determined through FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Does Georgetown superscore the SAT or ACT?
Yes for the SAT, no for the ACT. Georgetown does superscore the SAT, considering your highest section scores across test dates.
Can outside merit awards be stacked with need-based aid?
Outside scholarships generally reduce loans or work-study first and may only impact Georgetown grant aid if total aid exceeds need or as required by federal rules.
Sources (all official university):
Undergraduate Financial Aid Overview: https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/financial-aid/
Official Financial Aid Office: https://finaid.georgetown.edu/undergraduate-scholarships/
Financial Aid Policy Details: https://bulletin.georgetown.edu/financial-aid/
Outside Awards Policy: https://finaid.georgetown.edu/outside-benefits/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike many large public universities, Georgetown does not run a broad slate of competitive merit scholarships for undergraduates. The very limited university-level awards are either tied to financial need or are highly selective nominations, usually for top graduates of Jesuit high schools. Most families will not find major competitive merit opportunities here, as Georgetown relies primarily on need-based aid.
Automatic
1789 Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 (priority financial aid application deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides $3,000 per year in loan relief so that students receive less loan and more grant; award is part of the need-based package and stacks with other grants up to demonstrated need.
💡
Strategic Detail
Georgetown states that 1789 Scholarships are funded by donors to help enroll and retain top students and provide $3,000 per year in loan relief, with recipients also entering the Georgetown Scholars Program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming undergraduates with strong academic records and significant financial need, often first-generation or from high-impact backgrounds, selected by Admissions and Financial Aid and typically enrolled in the Georgetown Scholars Program.
App Required
Maguire Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 (Georgetown financial aid priority deadline); May 1 (Maguire Foundation college scholars application)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Maguire awards provide last-dollar support after other grants and scholarships, helping to cover remaining unmet need; they stack with Georgetown’s institutional need-based aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete Georgetown’s admission and financial aid applications by the priority deadline, then submit the Maguire Foundation’s online college scholars application by May 1 to be considered as one of the institution’s nominated Maguire Scholars.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes financial need, academic performance, community service, and leadership among eligible regional applicants; scholars must continue to meet GPA and service expectations for renewal.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Georgetown describes the Maguire Scholars Program as funded by the Maguire Foundation to assist undergraduates with Georgetown scholarship need; the Foundation notes scholars must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, remain in good standing, and participate in community service.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A small number of Philadelphia-area or partner high school graduates who demonstrate financial need, solid academics, community service, and leadership, and who are selected jointly by their institution and the Maguire Foundation.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Competitive Aid FAQ
Does Georgetown offer full-ride or full-tuition competitive scholarships?
No. Georgetown does not offer full-ride or full-tuition competitive scholarships for undergraduates; all major awards are need-based or tied to special nomination.
Are there any nomination-based merit scholarships?
Yes, the Bellarmine and Ignatian Scholarships are for exceptional Jesuit high school graduates and are generally need-based in their effect, replacing loans/work but not serving as general merit awards.
Should families spend time searching for Georgetown-specific competitive merit awards?
Not beyond the programs above. Most funding is allocated through demonstrated financial need. Use the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and search for outside scholarships for added aid.
Sources (all official Georgetown and major program):
Georgetown Financial Aid: https://finaid.georgetown.edu/undergraduate-scholarships/
Georgetown Bulletin: https://bulletin.georgetown.edu/financial-aid/
Maguire Foundation: https://www.maguirefoundation.org/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Georgetown doesn’t offer traditional merit aid, but there are several programs and fellowships that can quietly make a difference—especially for first-generation students, ROTC cadets, veterans, and students pursuing research or study abroad.
Automatic
1789 Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 (priority financial aid application for first-years)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides $3,000 per year in additional grant aid intended to reduce loan portions of the aid package; stacks within a need-based package up to full demonstrated need.
💡
Strategic Detail
1789 Scholarships are donor-funded and are commonly paired with participation in the Georgetown Scholars Program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates in Georgetown’s highest-need bracket, often first-generation or from significantly under-resourced backgrounds, selected by Admissions and Financial Aid.
Automatic
Bellarmine & Ignatian Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 (financial aid priority deadline; nominations occur during the admission cycle)
✓ Renews (8 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
For students with financial need, these awards replace loans and work-study in their aid package; for students without need, a one-year $1,000 honorary scholarship is provided instead.
💡
Strategic Detail
This program appears both as a flagship nomination-based scholarship and here as a hidden-gem aid lever because the main impact is replacing loans and work expectations rather than adding new merit money.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Valedictorians and other top graduates of Jesuit high schools who are admitted to Georgetown and, in many cases, demonstrate financial need.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Donor-Funded Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 (priority financial aid application deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Named scholarships are integrated into the overall Georgetown Scholarship package to meet 100% of demonstrated need; they can replace general Georgetown grant funds but still count as need-based aid rather than additional merit money.
💡
Strategic Detail
Individual donor-funded awards include many named GU and NHS scholarships; amounts typically range from about $1,000 to $10,000 per year depending on fund and need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with financial need whose background, major, class year, or other characteristics align with specific endowed or annual scholarship criteria set by donors.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Georgetown Room & Board Grant (ROTC)
📅 Deadline: Aligned with national ROTC award timelines (e.g., Army by early March, Air Force by early December); institutional grant is finalized with the financial aid package.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Room and board grants are intended to supplement ROTC full-tuition awards so that housing and meal plan expenses are covered; they coordinate with other institutional and external aid within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Receive a full-tuition ROTC scholarship and enroll at Georgetown; the Financial Aid office then awards a room and board grant for eligible ROTC scholars as a supplement to federal ROTC funding.
Selection criteria: Awards are contingent on possessing a qualifying ROTC scholarship and maintaining satisfactory academic and ROTC standing.
💡
Strategic Detail
Details focusing on exact dollar caps for room and board grants are not fully itemized publicly; students should confirm current policy directly with Financial Aid and ROTC staff.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Georgetown undergraduates who hold full-tuition ROTC scholarships and meet institutional eligibility criteria for housing and meal support.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ROTC Scholarships (Army/Air Force)
📅 Deadline: Army: around March 4, 2026 for high school applicants; Air Force: around Dec 1, 2025 for high school scholarship boards
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
ROTC tuition or room-and-board scholarships with book and stipend benefits
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
National ROTC scholarships typically cover either full tuition and mandatory fees or a defined room-and-board amount, plus about $1,200 per year for books and a monthly stipend; Georgetown’s need-based grants may be adjusted when ROTC funding is applied but support can stack up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the appropriate service branch’s national ROTC scholarship program (Army or Air Force), list Georgetown as a school choice, complete medical and fitness qualifications, and then enroll in ROTC at Georgetown if selected.
Selection criteria: National ROTC boards consider academic achievement, leadership potential, physical fitness, and suitability for commissioning as an officer.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award structures follow national Army and Air Force ROTC guidelines; standard benefits include full tuition or room-and-board coverage, a book allowance, and a monthly subsistence stipend when contracted.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Cadets with strong academics, leadership, and physical fitness who are selected in national Army or Air Force ROTC board competitions.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP)
📅 Deadline: GSP invitations are sent with admission decisions; Necessity Fund micro-grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis.
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Micro-grants supplement the standard need-based aid package and do not reduce existing Georgetown scholarship or grant eligibility; awards are intended for one-time or short-term expenses.
💡
Strategic Detail
GSP’s Necessity Fund offers small micro-grants to cover expenses like medical co-pays, emergency travel, professional clothing, mental health costs, and other unforeseen needs; thousands of such grants are made annually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-generation and low-income undergraduates invited into GSP who remain active in the program and demonstrate unexpected or emergency financial needs during the year.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: All deadlines reflect the latest published national ROTC/partner timelines. Renewal is subject to ongoing eligibility and fund-specific criteria.
- First-gen, ROTC, and donor/aid-based opportunities use the university’s FAFSA/CSS Profile priority deadline: Feb 1 (for new admits).
- Pat Tillman Foundation and national ROTC programs use external calendar deadlines listed above.
Hidden Gems FAQ
Are all these awards automatic? No—most are awarded with your aid file, nominated by Admissions, or require a national ROTC/external application.
Are deadlines strict? Very. Submit FAFSA, CSS Profile, and ROTC/external applications by published dates to maximize eligibility.
Can these awards stack with need-based aid? Yes. Awards generally supplement or reduce loan/work portions within the cost of attendance.
Does Georgetown participate in QuestBridge? No; high-need students should use Georgetown’s internal deadlines and file requirements.
Sources (all official Georgetown or national partner):
Georgetown Financial Aid: https://finaid.georgetown.edu/undergraduate-scholarships/
Georgetown Bulletin: https://bulletin.georgetown.edu/financial-aid/
GSP: https://gsp.georgetown.edu/
ROTC: https://rotc.georgetown.edu/ • https://goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html • https://catalog.georgetowncollege.edu/air-force-rotc
Pat Tillman: https://veterans.georgetown.edu/pat-tillman-foundation/ • https://pattillmanfoundation.org/apply/
🎖️ Honors College
Georgetown does not have a single university-wide Honors College. Instead, it offers selective honors and fellowship-style cohorts within its schools. These programs are designed for highly motivated students who want smaller classes, mentorship, and research opportunities alongside Georgetown’s rigorous academics.
What a Typical Georgetown Honors Student Looks Like:
• GPA: 3.8+ in high school coursework (often top 5–10%)
• Strong AP/IB or advanced coursework background
• Demonstrated leadership or research interests
• Commitment to service, social impact, or professional exploration
Perks of Georgetown Honors Cohorts:
• Faculty mentorship and research guidance
• Small, seminar-style classes
• Access to alumni and professional networks
• Priority programming and leadership development
• Opportunities for thesis work or immersive field projects
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Baker Scholars Program (CAS)
📅 Deadline: January 29, noon ET (for second-semester sophomores)
Non-Renewable
🎓 Upperclassmen
📄
How to Apply
Second-semester sophomores submit a Baker Scholars application with resume and at least one recommendation by the stated January deadline; selected semi-finalists and finalists participate in interviews.
Selection criteria: Multi-stage selection emphasizing academic performance, leadership, interest in business and service, and interview performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Prestigious business-and-service-focused cohort offering mentoring, networking, and enrichment experiences rather than direct tuition discounts.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: College of Arts & Sciences sophomores with strong academics and a clear interest in business, leadership, and service.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Carroll Fellows Initiative (College of Arts & Sciences)
📅 Deadline: Early October (first-years); late summer (sophomore transfers)
Non-Renewable
🎓 Upperclassmen
📄
How to Apply
Submit a separate Carroll Fellows Initiative application as a first-year student in the College of Arts & Sciences or as a sophomore transfer, including materials specified by the program; selected applicants may be interviewed in the fall or late summer.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing academic promise, leadership, and readiness for intensive research and seminar work.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors-style cohort providing faculty mentorship, research guidance, and enhanced academic programming; not a tuition scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Motivated College of Arts & Sciences students with strong academics, leadership, and clear interest in research and advanced interdisciplinary study.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
School-Specific & Departmental Honors
📅 Deadline: Varies by department; examples include November in junior fall for Nursing and spring of junior year for SFS, MSB, and other programs.
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
📄
How to Apply
Apply or be nominated to school or departmental honors (such as College, SFS, MSB, or Nursing honors) during junior year, following each unit’s GPA, course, and proposal requirements and internal deadlines.
Selection criteria: Selection based on GPA, rigor of completed coursework, quality of proposed honors work, and faculty or departmental review.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes College, SFS, MSB, and Nursing honors options; these confer academic distinction and often require a senior thesis or capstone but do not provide additional tuition funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Juniors and seniors in good standing who meet GPA thresholds (often 3.5+), complete advanced coursework, and submit approved thesis or project proposals.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Available Honors & Cohort Programs
| Program |
Eligibility |
Application/Selection |
Deadline |
| Carroll Fellows Initiative (College of Arts & Sciences) |
First-years or sophomore transfers in the College; strong academics, leadership, research interest |
Separate application and interview; typically fall term for first-years, late summer for soph transfers |
Early October (first-years); late summer (transfers) |
| Baker Scholars Program (CAS) |
Second-semester sophomores with strong academics and business/service interest |
Extensive application, résumé, one rec letter; semi-finalist/finalist interview rounds |
January 29, noon ET |
| School-Specific & Departmental Honors |
Juniors/seniors in good standing, often 3.5+ GPA |
Application or nomination to departmental/program honors |
Varies by department; November (Nursing junior fall); spring (SFS/MSB/Health junior year) |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Honors programs at Georgetown require separate applications or invitations, usually based on academic distinction and fit with the program’s mission.
Does joining an honors cohort add time to your degree?
No. These programs are designed to integrate with a student’s four-year plan.
Are there scholarships tied to honors?
No. Georgetown’s honors cohorts focus on enrichment, not tuition discounts. Need-based scholarships remain separate through OSFA.
When should students apply?
Most programs accept applications during freshman or sophomore year. Families should check deadlines on each school’s site to avoid missing opportunities.
Sources (all official Georgetown):
Carroll Fellows: https://college.georgetown.edu/honors-and-research/carroll-fellows-initiative/
Baker Scholars: https://bakerscholars.georgetown.edu/apply/
College, SFS, MSB, and Nursing Honors: https://bulletin.georgetown.edu/college/#honorstext
Nursing Honors: https://nursing.georgetown.edu/academics/honors-program/
⭐ College Specialty
Georgetown is best known for preparing students who want to make an impact on the world. Its location in Washington, DC gives undergraduates unmatched access to government, policy, and global institutions. Families should know that many programs here are ranked among the best in the nation, and the university’s reputation opens doors well beyond the classroom.
Signature Program: The Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) — founded in 1919, it is widely considered the #1 undergraduate program in international relations in the United States (Foreign Policy Magazine, 2023).
Note: Georgetown is classified as a private R1 Research University, the highest research category in the Carnegie Classification.
- Political Science & Government: Consistently ranked among the top programs nationwide, leveraging DC internships and faculty connections.
- McDonough School of Business: Undergraduate program ranked top 20 nationally (U.S. News & World Report, 2024), with 96% job placement and $100k+ average starting salary.
- Law & Public Policy Pipeline: Georgetown Law is ranked #14 nationally (U.S. News, 2024), and undergraduates benefit from pre-law advising and research centers tied directly to legal and policy studies.
- Health Studies & Nursing: Georgetown’s School of Nursing & Health Studies is recognized for its strong clinical placements and health policy emphasis, tied closely to DC’s major hospitals and federal agencies.
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Georgetown’s scholarships look very different from what you’ll find at big state schools. Instead of automatic merit, Georgetown leans on a strong commitment to meet 100% of demonstrated need and pairs that with smaller hidden-gem opportunities like GSP, 1789 Scholarships, and ROTC benefits. For families—especially first-gen or DC residents—the key is understanding how the need-based process works, filing the FAFSA and CSS Profile on time, and then layering in programs like ROTC or donor-funded fellowships. The result can be a pathway that makes one of the nation’s most prestigious private universities financially realistic.
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