by Dave Best
Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private national university in the heart of our nation’s capital. An independent academic institution, GWU was chartered by the Congress of the United States in 1821. The University values a dynamic, student-focused community stimulated by cultural and intellectual diversity and built upon a foundation of integrity, creativity, and openness to the exploration of new ideas.
Academic
GW undergraduates study in more than 72 majors across the spectrum of business, engineering, international affairs, communications and media, sciences, math, social sciences, arts, languages and the humanities. At the graduate level, GW offers more than 200 programs. Although graduate students undertake their studies through one of GW’s ten colleges and schools, they have many opportunities for interdisciplinary study. offers 60 programs rooted in the liberal arts and sciences. Academic departments are humanities, sciences and mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The most popular majors at GW include International Relations, Political Science, Psychology and Business.
Social Life
The GW student body represents 50 states and 99 countries. All students live on campus for the first two years at GW. George Washington is home to 38 fraternities and sororities comprising almost 3,000 members. The Colonials compete in Division 1 athletics (but no football team) in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Environment
GW is in the Foggy Bottom section of D.C, near the State Department and approximately one mile from the museums and National Mall as well as the Washington Monument. GW’s 43 acre campus is urban.
And one more thing…
GW became test optional for the class of 2020. Unless you are applying to the accelerated BA/MD program, or are homeschooled, attended secondary schools without a grading scale, or are a recruited NCAA Division 1 athlete, you no longer need to submit test scores to GW.
By the Numbers
Undergraduate Population: 11,157
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Average ACT / SAT (new) scores: 27-31 / 1190-1380 (test optional)
Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
4-year graduation rate: 76%
US News Ranking: 56 National Universities (2017)
Tuition: $51,950 (2016-17)
