George Washington vs. Syracuse

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Syracuse based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 22,589 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Syracuse University is in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Syracuse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; Syracuse University 15:1.

George Washington vs. Syracuse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington or Syracuse? 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 George Washington University than Syracuse ($46,485 vs. $48,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 11.8% lower than at Syracuse University ($16,920 vs. $19,188).
• George Washington University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Syracuse (about $2,182 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $65,528.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at George Washington than at Syracuse University (about $2,182 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $65,528.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Syracuse University (78% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Washington University students is 3% larger than aid received by Syracuse University students ($37,500 vs. $36,417).

George Washington vs. Syracuse Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington or Syracuse? 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 Syracuse and George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 70 points higher than at Syracuse (1360).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Syracuse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Syracuse University 1270/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Syracuse University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Syracuse - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Syracuse Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Syracuse (3.69).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Syracuse (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 18.8% at Syracuse.

George Washington vs. Syracuse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Syracuse? 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 Syracuse University's (80%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Syracuse graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $65,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Washington University graduates have a $2,038 lower median loan debt than Syracuse graduates ($24,962 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, George Washington graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Syracuse graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More George Washington graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Syracuse students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.