Georgetown University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Georgetown’s need-based aid policies
- Limited merit-based awards and external scholarship options
- How Georgetown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~12%
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): 4.0 – 4.3
- Middle 50% SAT: 1420 – 1560
- Middle 50% ACT: 32 – 35
Source: Georgetown University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Georgetown University at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Georgetown University is one of the few highly selective schools that is need-blind for U.S. applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need—without loans for low-income families. While it offers very few merit-based scholarships, Georgetown’s aid packages are among the most generous for qualifying students.
Use this guide to understand how Georgetown structures its aid, how to maximize eligibility through the CSS Profile, and how to layer need-based awards with external scholarships or the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — Georgetown requires SAT or ACT scores for the 2025–26 cycle and permits superscoring.
What is the middle 50% GPA/SAT/ACT? GPA: 4.0–4.3 (weighted); SAT: 1420–1560; ACT: 32–35.
What’s the average net price? About $39,433 after grants and scholarships (latest College Scorecard/IPEDS year).
Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No — Georgetown is private; however, eligible D.C. residents can receive the D.C. TAG grant (up to $2,500 per year at private DC institutions) to reduce tuition.
https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/applying/first-year-application/
https://bulletin.georgetown.edu/admissions/
https://oads.georgetown.edu/commondataset/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?131496=
https://osse.dc.gov/publication/dctag-fast-facts-brochure
💰 Cost of Attendance at Georgetown University
| Expense (First-Year, Full-Time 12+ credits) | In-State (DC) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $71,338 | $71,338 |
| Housing & Meals | $21,202 | $21,202 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $92,540 | $92,540 |
Additional indirect expenses like books ($1,000), transportation ($780), personal costs ($2,132), and loan fees (~$40) are not included in the table because they aren’t paid directly to Georgetown but represent typical out-of-pocket costs.
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No automatic merit awards | N/A | All institutional undergraduate scholarships are based on demonstrated financial need through FAFSA and CSS Profile | N/A | N/A | Students with demonstrated financial need; no merit-only scholarships for undergraduates |
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine & Ignatian Scholarships | Loan/work replacement; $1,000 honoraries | Top graduates of Jesuit high schools (Bellarmine: ranked 1st; Ignatian: exceptional achievement) | No — all eligible applicants are considered; schools nominate as part of admissions process | Yes (if need continues) | Nominees from Jesuit high schools; aid/need reviewed annually | Feb 1 (priority financial aid/app) |
| 1789 Scholarship | $3,000/year (grant/loan relief) | Nominated based on high need, academic strength (selected by Admissions & Financial Aid) | No | Yes (renewed each year with need) | Top-need undergraduates, typically first-gen or high-impact backgrounds | Feb 1 (priority aid app) |
| Maguire Scholars Program | Varies; covers unmet need | Selected Philadelphia-area students meeting Maguire criteria | Yes (external app + GU aid file) | Yes (as long as eligible/need continues) | A few scholars each year, high-need and regional | May 1 (Maguire external form); Feb 1 (GU aid file) |
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.
Georgetown Financial Aid: https://finaid.georgetown.edu/undergraduate-scholarships/
Georgetown Bulletin: https://bulletin.georgetown.edu/financial-aid/
Maguire Foundation: https://www.maguirefoundation.org/
🎖️ 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.
• 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
• 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
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.
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.
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.
📎 Official Links
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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.