Syracuse University vs George Washington University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Syracuse University and George Washington University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Syracuse University vs George Washington University at a glance
Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and George Washington University 47.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $43,336 at Syracuse University and $35,760 at George Washington University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.5% and 82.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and George Washington University 47.1%, so Syracuse University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $43,336 a year at Syracuse University and $35,760 at George Washington University; George Washington University costs $7,576 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $21,872 at Syracuse University and $19,440 at George Washington University.
- 80.5% of students graduate within six years at Syracuse University, against 82.5% at George Washington University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $85,054 for Syracuse University and $96,691 for George Washington University; George Washington University is $11,637 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Syracuse University and $19,857 at George Washington University.
- Syracuse University enrolls 15,477 students (midsize city) and George Washington University 11,182 (large city).
Side by side
Syracuse University and George Washington University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Syracuse University | George Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% | 47.1% |
| Applicants | 39,682 | 27,236 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1270–1440 | 1350–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $43,336 | $35,760 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,429 | $70,170 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,429 | $70,170 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,852 | $87,253 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $21,872 | $19,440 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $21,339 | $17,768 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,499 | $21,338 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $33,983 | $28,010 |
| Over $110,000 | $60,127 | $52,577 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.5% | 82.5% |
| First-year retention | 90.1% | 92.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $85,054 | $96,691 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $19,857 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $226 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 15,477 | 11,182 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Syracuse, NY | Washington, DC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Syracuse University reports 83 bachelor's programs and George Washington University 83; 55 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Syracuse University vs George Washington University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Syracuse University or George Washington University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and George Washington University admits 47.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Syracuse University 1270–1440; George Washington University 1350–1500.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or George Washington University?
George Washington University has the lower average net price after grants: $43,336 a year at Syracuse University against $35,760 at George Washington University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $21,872 and $19,440. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Syracuse University or George Washington University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more at the median: $85,054 ten years after entry for Syracuse University and $96,691 for George Washington University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $19,857.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Syracuse University or George Washington University?
George Washington University does: 80.5% of Syracuse University students graduate within six years, against 82.5% at George Washington University.
How big are Syracuse University and George Washington University?
Syracuse University has 15,477 students in Syracuse, NY and George Washington University has 11,182 students in Washington, DC.