Is Georgetown or Rutgers more affordable for undergraduate tuition and total cost?

Rutgers is typically far more affordable than Georgetown for undergraduate tuition and total cost, especially for New Jersey residents. Rutgers charges a lower public-university rate for in-state students, while Georgetown’s private-university tuition is substantially higher for all students. Even for nonresidents, Rutgers’ published cost is often below Georgetown’s before financial aid is considered.

Rutgers has separate in-state and out-of-state pricing, so New Jersey residency can create major savings. Georgetown does not offer an in-state tuition rate, and its tuition and required fees are at the higher end of private-college costs.

Living expenses also tend to favor Rutgers, although the exact gap depends on campus and housing choice. Georgetown is in Washington, D.C., where on-campus and off-campus housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses can be costly. Rutgers students may face different costs at New Brunswick, Newark, or Camden, but New Jersey residents who can commute from home can reduce the total substantially.

The important exception is need-based financial aid. Compare each school’s official net price calculator using the same family financial information, then include travel, health insurance, books, and the cost of moving or commuting.