Key takeaways
The Georgetown University Common Data Set is a yearly report that schools like Georgetown publish. It is widely used across colleges and universities to standardize how institutional data is reported and compared. Understanding the Georgetown Common Data Set (CDS) is crucial for prospective applicants as it provides a comprehensive overview of admissions statistics and student life. This data not only helps in evaluating your fit for the university but also aids in making informed decisions throughout the application process.
- Georgetown's acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 is 12%, compared to 8% at NYU and 7% at Northwestern (Georgetown University, 2023).
- The CDS highlights the importance of GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities in the admissions process, guiding applicants on what to focus on.
- The average financial aid award at Georgetown is approximately $50,000, which is competitive compared to other top universities (Georgetown University, 2023).
- Utilizing the CDS alongside insights from current students can enhance your application strategy and help articulate your reasons for choosing Georgetown.
Contents
Before you submit your Georgetown application, take time to check the numbers. The Georgetown Common Data Set (CDS) shows more than just GPA and admit rates. Here’s what you need to know about it.
What is the Georgetown Common Data Set?
The Common Data Set is a yearly report that schools like Georgetown publish. Think of it as the original data behind rankings and college guides.
How is the Georgetown Common Data Set Collected?
“It’s kind of a pain to gain each of these data sets yourself, so I made it for you by graphing the emphasis each T25 college places on aspects of an application. 3 represents “very important”, 2 represents “important”, 1 represents “considered”, and 0 represents “not considered”
Georgetown’s CDS is built using verified data from internal sources like financial aid reports. The info is reviewed for accuracy before being posted on the OADS website.
Since the CDS follows national standards, terms like “first-time, full-time undergraduates” mean the same at every school. That way, students and families can fairly compare colleges.
How to Access the Georgetown Common Data Set?
Just follow these steps:
- Go to the Georgetown OADS website
- Scroll to Common Data Set Reports
- Click the year you want (like 2023-2024)
- The PDF will open—you can read it online or download it
Many students specifically look for the Georgetown University Common Data Set 2024-2025 PDF to access the most recent admissions statistics and financial aid data.
What Statistics Are Included in the Georgetown Common Data Set?
Here’s a breakdown of the main categories and what you’ll find inside each:
| CDS Section | What It Covers? |
| General Information | Institutional overview, contact info, Carnegie classification |
| Enrollment & Persistence | Total headcount, full-time vs. part-time, retention and graduation rates |
| First-Time, First-Year Admissions | Application numbers, admit rates, test score ranges, factors in admission |
| Transfer Admissions | Transfer application stats, credit policies, acceptance rates |
| Academic Offerings | Degree programs, special study options (e.g. honors, study abroad) |
| Student Life | Housing, activities, campus safety, religious affiliation |
| Annual Expenses | Tuition, fees, room and board, estimated cost of attendance |
| Financial Aid | Number of students receiving aid, average packages, need-based vs. merit |
| Instructional Faculty & Class Size | Student-faculty ratio, class size breakdown |
| Degrees Conferred | Most popular majors, number of degrees awarded by category |
What Data Sets Are Available for Georgetown University?
“In our advising work at Legacy Online School, we often guide students to use these reports to evaluate factors such as admission trends and financial aid distribution, since this data provides a clearer picture of what to expect beyond marketing materials”
Here’s an overview of the major data sets currently available:
| Data Set Type | Description |
| Common Data Set | Standardized stats on admissions, enrollment, aid, faculty, degrees |
| Enrollment Reports | Headcount by college, major, class year, gender, and more |
| Admissions Statistics | Application and acceptance rates by college and program |
| Retention and Graduation Rates | Year-to-year retention and 4-/6-year graduation trends |
| Financial Aid Reports | Aid awarded by type, need-based vs. merit, total disbursed |
| Degrees Conferred | Number of degrees awarded by program and level |
| Course and Credit Hour Reports | Instructional activity by school, level, and course type |
| Faculty and Staff Profiles | Breakdown by rank, gender, tenure status, department |
| Student Credit Hours (SCH) | Credit hour production across departments and time periods |
| Fact Book | High-level summary of all core stats across the university |
How to Utilize Georgetown’s Data Sets for Research?
Students often refer to the Georgetown CDS when comparing admissions trends and financial aid data. Here’s how different types of researchers can use Georgetown’s data sets:
| Research Goal | Recommended Data Set(s) | Use Case Example |
| Analyze admissions competitiveness | Common Data Set, Admissions Statistics | Compare admit rates by program, gender, or year |
| Track enrollment trends | Enrollment Reports, Fact Book | Visualize growth in specific majors or demographic shifts |
| Study financial access and aid equity | Financial Aid Reports, Common Data Set | Evaluate how much aid is awarded and to whom |
| Explore student outcomes | Graduation & Retention Rates, Degrees Conferred | Study completion patterns across schools and cohorts |
| Evaluate instructional trends | Course & Credit Hour Reports, Faculty Profiles | Research faculty load or course type distribution over time |
Comparing Georgetown’s Data Sets with Other Colleges
Since most schools follow the same Common Data Set format, comparing the Common Data Set Georgetown with other universities is straightforward. Here’s how Georgetown stacks up against other competitive schools using standardized CDS metrics:
| Metric (Class of 2027) | Georgetown | NYU | Boston College | Northwestern |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 8% | 15% | 7% |
| Middle 50% SAT Range | 1410-1560 | 1450-1570 | 1430-1540 | 1460-1560 |
| Percent in Top 10% of HS Class | 85% | 90% | 88% | 95% |
| Undergrad Enrollment | ~7,600 | ~29,000 | ~9,500 | ~8,500 |
| Financial Aid Award (Avg.) | ~$50,000 | ~$49,000 | ~$46,000 | ~$55,000 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 | 9:1 | 11:1 | 6:1 |
Why Are Statistics Important for Prospective Applicants?
“Stats don’t define you in the sense that they won’t guarantee anything. That being said, they are a gauge of where you might end up. It can give you a rough estimate”
College stats help you make smart choices—not guesses. Here’s why they matter:
- Compare your GPA and test scores to a school’s middle 50% to know if it’s a reach or safety
- Know what counts: The Common Data Set (CDS) shows what schools like Georgetown care about—GPA, essays, activities, etc.
- See how selective a school is, sometimes by major or residency
- Use the CDS and Net Price Calculator to estimate what you’ll actually pay—not just the sticker price
- Look beyond admission: Class sizes, faculty access, and graduation rates show what life is like after you get in
Legacy Online School helps students use this data to apply smarter and find schools that truly fit.
The Legacy Strategy: Cracking the Georgetown “Holistic Code” in 2026
First, look at what is “very important.” At Georgetown, GPA and class rank are key, but personal qualities and the interview also matter a lot. Almost all students have an interview, so you should take it seriously.
Second, understand testing. In 2026, many schools are test-optional, but Georgetown still expects SAT or ACT scores. If your score is in the middle range (about 1410-1560), you should submit it. A good score supports your GPA and shows your academic level, especially if your school grading system is different.
Third, consider financial aid. Georgetown is need-blind for U.S. students, and many families receive strong support. The average financial aid package can be around $50,000. This means the university may be more affordable than it seems, even compared to some public schools.
Expert takeaway: use data to understand where you stand, but focus on your personal story to stand out. Students who show real motivation and a desire to help others often have better chances, even if their scores are not the highest.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: Georgetown University, Reddit
