Georgetown University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

Georgetown is one of the most prestigious—and expensive—private universities in the country. If you’re a parent wondering how families actually afford it, this guide breaks down the real numbers and the scholarship options in plain English. Be sure to also check our District of Columbia state aid guide for local programs that can lower costs alongside Georgetown’s own resources.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Georgetown University

Cost & Aid FAQ

Who qualifies for DCTAG?
Legal residents of Washington, DC who enroll at eligible institutions like Georgetown.

How much can it save?
At Georgetown, up to $2,500 per year. It stacks with federal, state, and institutional aid (subject to cost-of-attendance limits).

Is it automatic?
No. Families must submit the DCTAG application each year by OSSE’s deadlines, and complete federal/institutional aid forms as required.

✅ 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. Parents should know this upfront, since it differs from many public universities.

Note: Georgetown does not participate in National Merit, the Stamps Scholarship, or the QuestBridge National College Match programs.

Automatic Aid FAQ

Does Georgetown offer automatic scholarships based on GPA or test scores?
No. All Georgetown aid is based on demonstrated financial need, determined through the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Does Georgetown superscore the SAT or ACT?
Yes for the SAT and no for the ACT. Georgetown does superscore, meaning they consider your highest section scores across test dates when reviewing applications.

Can outside merit awards be stacked with Georgetown need-based aid?
Outside awards are applied to reduce unmet need or loan/work portions of the aid package. In most cases, they do not reduce Georgetown’s grant aid unless required by federal rules.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Unlike many large public universities, Georgetown does not run a broad slate of competitive merit scholarships. The few university-level awards that exist are either tied to financial need or are highly selective nominations for Jesuit high school graduates. Because Georgetown relies primarily on need-based aid, most families will not find major competitive merit opportunities here.

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. Its aid model is primarily need-based.

Are there any nomination-based scholarships?
Yes, limited programs like the Bellarmine and Ignatian scholarships are reserved for top graduates of Jesuit high schools. These replace loans and work-study for students with financial need but are not broad merit awards.

Should families spend time searching for Georgetown-specific competitive merit awards?
Not beyond the Jesuit-school programs. Instead, families should focus on Georgetown’s need-based process and apply widely for external scholarships.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Georgetown doesn’t offer traditional merit aid, but there are several smaller programs and fellowships that can quietly make a difference—especially for first-generation students, ROTC cadets, and those pursuing research or study abroad.

Disclaimer: Award ranges are based on the most recent published Georgetown or partner program data. Some donor-funded scholarships vary widely by criteria. ROTC benefits are set by the U.S. military and may change slightly year to year.

• Clubs and organizations at Georgetown (such as the Pep Band) do not provide institutional scholarships.
• Campus groups and Greek organizations may connect students to external scholarship opportunities, but these are not Georgetown-funded.

Hidden Gems FAQ

What is the Georgetown Scholars Program?
It’s a support network for first-gen and low-income students that provides mentorship, emergency grants, and community—not just dollars, but a safety net.

Can these awards stack with need-based aid?
Yes, most hidden gem scholarships are designed to supplement need-based packages rather than replace them.

How competitive are these?
They’re not GPA/test driven. Instead, selection is based on need, proposals, or participation in specific programs like ROTC or study abroad.

Does Georgetown work with QuestBridge?
No. An article from Georgetown’s student newspaper, The Hoya, reports that the Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA) passed a resolution in February 2024 urging Georgetown to join QuestBridge but indicates that, as of that time, Georgetown had not yet joined.

⭐ 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.

• 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.

🎖️ 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.

Available Honors & Cohort Programs

• Carroll Fellows Initiative (College of Arts & Sciences): Flagship honors cohort emphasizing research, intellectual exploration, and mentorship.
• Baker Scholars Program (CAS): Select sophomore-entry program combining academic achievement with immersive business and nonprofit exposure.
• School-Specific Departmental Honors: Options within the School of Foreign Service, McDonough School of Business, and Nursing for students completing advanced thesis or capstone work.

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.

📎 Official Links

• Georgetown University Homepage
• Scholarships & Financial Aid

Final Thoughts

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.

Back to top ↑