George Washington University
About George Washington University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
George Washington University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House. It is known for its programs in international affairs, political science, public health, and law, with unmatched access to government and policy organizations.
Founded
1821
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Students
24,879
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
47.1%
Selective
Graduation Rate
84%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,710
Per year
Avg Net Price
$36,586
After financial aid
SAT Average
1433
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$90,873
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
47.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$80
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 5
George Washington University accepts 47.1% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1433 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1433/ 1600
ACT Scores
32/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
84% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.2%
4-Year Grad
77%
6-Year Grad
84%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
49.3%
$/Student
$24.5K
Class Size
Medium
77% graduate in 4 years, and 92.2% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,710
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,920
Books & Supplies
$1,450
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,856
After Financial Aid
$36,586
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,440
Receive Grants
15.8%
Take Loans
31.6%
The total cost of attendance runs about $83,856/yr, including $16,920 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $36,586.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at George Washington University fund their education.
While in School
15.8%
Get Grants
Free money
31.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$71,358
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,449
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,449. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends George Washington University.
Gender
63.7%
Female
36%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
11,182
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
13,697
Graduates
16.1%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 16.1% are first-generation college students. 7.2% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
11,182
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Foggy Bottom location steps from the White House
- +Unmatched access to government and policy internships
- +D.C. Metro right on campus
- +Incredibly diverse and internationally minded student body
Cons
- -D.C. cost of living is extremely high
- -No traditional campus feel, buildings blend into the city
- -Financial aid is not as generous as peers
- -Can feel more like a professional school than a college
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
George Washington University fields 13 varsity teams with 474 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Atlantic 10
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
474
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
35% / 65%
165
Men
309
Women
7
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of George Washington Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$90,873
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6International Relations and National Security Studies
$53K
511 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$52K
305 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$79K
272 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
156 grads
Public Health
$45K
129 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$68K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $72K six years out, climb to $75K by year eight, and reach $91K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about George Washington University
What is the acceptance rate at George Washington University?▾
How much does George Washington University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at George Washington University?▾
How much do George Washington University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.