George Washington vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare George Washington University in Washington, DC with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Washington University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

George Washington vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington or Muhlenberg College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Muhlenberg College than George Washington ($34,739 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 14% lower than at George Washington University ($14,548 vs. $16,920).
• George Washington University is 7.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $4,905 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.8% higher at George Washington than at Muhlenberg College (about $4,905 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at George Washington University (99% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 13.5% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($42,545 vs. $37,500).

George Washington vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington or Muhlenberg College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Muhlenberg College and George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 100 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than George Washington (47.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

George Washington vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Muhlenberg College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $16,800 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Washington University graduates have a $1,528 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($24,962 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, George Washington graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($258 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 82%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.