Political Science at Georgetown vs GWU: Which Degree Is Worth More in 2026?

The Quick Comparison

	Georgetown University	George Washington University
Type	Private	Private
Location	Washington, DC	Washington, DC
Median Salary	$0/yr	$0/yr
Annual Net Cost	$39,433/yr	$37,454/yr
4-Year Total Cost	$157,732	$149,816
Completion Rate	94%	85%
Value Score	7/100	6/100

Cost Breakdown

Georgetown University costs $39,433 per year after financial aid, totaling approximately $157,732 over four years. George Washington University comes in at $37,454 per year, or $149,816 total.

That's a difference of $7,916 over four years. George Washington University is the more affordable option.

Earnings After Graduation

Political Science graduates from Georgetown University earn a median of $0 per year within one year of graduation. Graduates from George Washington University earn $0.

Both programs produce graduates with similar earnings. Over a 10-year career, that difference compounds significantly.

The Verdict

Based on the Value Score — which factors in cost, earnings, break-even time, and completion rate — Georgetown University delivers better overall value for a Political Science degree.

However, the "right" choice depends on your specific financial situation, career goals, and personal fit. A school that's cheaper but has lower earnings might still be the better choice if you graduate debt-free, and a more expensive school might be worth it if it opens specific career doors in your field.

Use the links below to see the full scorecard for each program, or use the compare tool to add a third school to the mix.