George Washington vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

Compare George Washington University in Washington, DC with SUNY at Purchase College in Purchase, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Washington University is larger than Purchase College based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); SUNY at Purchase College is in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; SUNY at Purchase College 12:1.

George Washington vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington or Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than George Washington ($18,211 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 2.9% lower than at George Washington University ($16,436 vs. $16,920).
• George Washington University is 656.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $58,757 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 252.6% higher at George Washington than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $48,507 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at SUNY at Purchase College (78% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Washington University students is 259.5% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($37,500 vs. $10,432).

George Washington vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington or Purchase 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 Purchase College and George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 150 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than George Washington (47.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

George Washington vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Purchase 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).

• George Washington University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $40,300 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY at Purchase College graduates have a $2,462 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, Purchase College graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More George Washington graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 65%)

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.