Georgetown Lawsuit Are Elite Universities Secretly Favoring Wealthy Applicants?

Is a seat at an elite university reserved for the wealthy? Georgetown University, long respected for its rigorous admissions process, is now facing allegations that wealth and family connections influenced who got accepted. Part of a broader class-action lawsuit targeting multiple top-tier schools, the claims challenge the integrity of “need-blind” admissions and expose potential favoritism for donors’ children. If proven true, these revelations could undermine trust in the fairness of the admissions process at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions.

What’s the Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit, initially filed in January 2022, accuses Georgetown, MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, Notre Dame, Cornell, and others of participating in a “price-fixing cartel.” The plaintiffs allege that these institutions secretly favored students from wealthy families to secure large donations, violating federal antitrust laws. The total damages sought? A staggering $685 million — an amount that could triple under U.S. antitrust regulations.

The universities were supposed to operate under “need-blind” policies, meaning a student’s financial background should not impact their chance of admission. Instead, the lawsuit claims that some applicants benefited from a backdoor system of influence, where family wealth tipped the scales in their favor.

Georgetown’s “President’s List” Controversy

At the heart of the allegations against Georgetown is a practice allegedly initiated by former President John J. DeGioia. According to the lawsuit, DeGioia maintained a “President’s List” of around 80 applicants per year. These students were reportedly identified not for their academic achievements but for their families’ history of significant donations to the university.

The most damning accusation? DeGioia allegedly annotated these lists with phrases like “Please admit,” often without reviewing applicants’ transcripts or essays. In one instance, a student initially deferred for admission was reportedly accepted after DeGioia engaged in months of communication with the applicant’s wealthy father, whom he met at an exclusive conference.

A “Price-Fixing Cartel”?

The lawsuit doesn’t stop at Georgetown. It accuses all universities involved — including MIT and the University of Pennsylvania — of collaborating through the now-disbanded 568 Presidents Group. This group, formed in the 1990s, aimed to standardize financial aid practices. However, the plaintiffs argue it was used to manipulate prices and reduce the financial aid given to students, effectively fixing the cost of attendance.

How the Georgetown Universities Are Responding

Georgetown and the other universities deny any wrongdoing. In a statement, Georgetown maintained that they do not consider applicant wealth in admissions decisions, stating:

“Georgetown does not knowingly solicit or accept gifts from individuals who have or may soon have a relative or person of close personal interest applying for admission.”

Similarly, MIT pushed back, saying they have no history of wealth favoritism and cited only one instance where a board member’s recommendation influenced an admission decision.

Georgetown Lawsuit Are Elite Universities Secretly Favoring Wealthy Applicants?

Students and Activists Demand Change

These revelations come amid growing student activism against legacy and donor-based admissions. At Georgetown, groups like Hoyas Against Legacy Admissions are pushing for reforms, arguing that admission should not be a “pay-to-play scheme.” A petition to end legacy preferences has gathered over 1,100 signatures and the support of 38 student groups.

What’s Next?

This lawsuit is part of a broader examination of fairness in college admissions. Earlier this year, ten universities — including Yale, Brown, and Columbia — settled similar allegations for $284 million. As the current litigation continues against Georgetown and others, the outcome could set a precedent for how universities balance financial contributions with fair admissions practices.

For prospective students and families, this case underscores the importance of transparency in the admissions process. Will these institutions be forced to change their ways? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the fight for equity in education is far from over.

What do you think about this controversy? Should legacy and donor-based admissions be abolished? Share your thoughts below!

FAQs

What Type of Law Is Georgetown Known For?

Georgetown University is renowned for its Law Center, which specializes in a variety of legal disciplines. Some of its most distinguished areas of focus include:

Constitutional Law

International Law
Tax Law
National Security Law

Human Rights Law

Georgetown Law is particularly celebrated for its clinical programs and its location in Washington, D.C., offering unparalleled opportunities for internships and clerkships with federal agencies, NGOs, and courts.

Is Georgetown Harder to Get Into Than Harvard?

No, Harvard University is generally more difficult to get into than Georgetown. Here are the latest acceptance rates:

Harvard University: Approximately 3.4%
Georgetown University: Approximately 12%

Both schools are highly selective, but Harvard’s acceptance rate is significantly lower, reflecting a more competitive admissions process.

Why Is Georgetown So Famous?

Georgetown University is famous for several reasons:

Prestigious Academics: Particularly known for its programs in law, international relations, and public policy.
Historic Campus: Founded in 1789, it’s the oldest Catholic and Jesuit-affiliated university in the U.S.

Location: Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering students unique access to political, legal, and international institutions.
Notable Alumni: Graduates include politicians, judges, and diplomats, such as Bill Clinton (42nd U.S. President), Iván Duque Márquez (former President of Colombia), and Laura Chinchilla (former President of Costa Rica).
Global Focus: Known for its School of Foreign Service (SFS), one of the world’s leading institutions for international affairs.

Is Georgetown an Ivy League School?

No, Georgetown is not officially an Ivy League school. The Ivy League consists of eight Northeastern schools:

Harvard
Yale

Princeton
Columbia
University of Pennsylvania

Brown
Dartmouth
Cornell

However, Georgetown is often considered a “Hidden Ivy” or a “Public Ivy” due to its prestige, rigorous academics, and selectivity.

What Are Georgetown’s Most Popular Majors?

Georgetown’s most popular majors include:

Political Science and Government

International Relations
Law
Finance and Economics

Healthcare Management
Biology and Pre-Med

How Much Does It Cost to Attend Georgetown?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance is:

Tuition: Approximately $64,000 per year
Total Cost (including room, board, and fees): Around $84,000 per year

Georgetown offers substantial financial aid, with around 40% of students receiving need-based assistance.

What Is Georgetown’s Campus Culture Like?

Georgetown has a diverse, vibrant student body and is known for its:

Commitment to Social Justice: Rooted in its Jesuit values, promoting service and ethical leadership.
Active Political Scene: Many students are engaged in political organizations, activism, and internships in D.C.

Global Community: With students from over 130 countries, the campus has a strong international presence.
Athletics: Known for the Georgetown Hoyas, particularly the men’s basketball team.

What Is Georgetown’s Ranking?

Georgetown consistently ranks among the top U.S. universities:

U.S. News & World Report (2024): Ranked #22 nationally.
Global Rankings: Often in the Top 100 worldwide.
Best Law Schools: Georgetown Law is ranked #14 in the U.S.

Does Georgetown Offer Study Abroad Programs?

Yes, Georgetown has over 100 study abroad programs in more than 40 countries, reflecting its strong emphasis on global education. Popular destinations include: