UnisHub University Compass

George Washington University (GW) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About George Washington University

Set in the nation's capital, George Washington University blends campus life with city energy. And the city doubles as a classroom. It's known for strengths in public policy, international engagement, communication, business, health, and STEM. Teaching balances discussion-driven seminars with hands-on research, backed by libraries, studios, and labs, plus active advising, tutoring, wellness, and career guidance.

The culture feels driven but welcoming. Students dive into clubs, service projects, student media, performances, and intramurals, then slip into nearby museums and riverfront paths for a reset. Career prep leans practical, with a steady internship rhythm, mentoring, and employer events tied to D.C. networks. The local community adds embassies, think tanks, and lively neighborhoods. A small tradition endures too, with a campus statue many rub for luck. Notable alumni include Colin Powell and Kerry Washington.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20052, USA
Website
gwu.edu
Unit ID
131469

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
MSCHE
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Campus Setting
Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R1 (Very High Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$64,798
Tuition $64,508 + Fee $290
Out-of-State
$64,798
Tuition $64,508 + Fee $290
Student Profile
Total Students 25,568
Undergraduate 10,848
Graduate/Other 14,720
Male: 9,745 Female: 15,823
Applications
Total Applicants 27,094
Admitted 11,798
Enrolled 2,539
Acceptance: 43.5% Yield: 21.5%
Staff
Total Staff 6,423
Full-time 4,947
Part-time 1,476
Full-time: 77% Part-time: 23%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

George Washington University (GW) offers 193 degree programs across 26 major academic fields, graduating approximately 8,555 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (33 programs, 1,924 graduates), Social Sciences (13 programs, 1,388 graduates), Business (20 programs, 1,191 graduates), Law (7 programs, 759 graduates) and Computer & IT (10 programs, 733 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Health (33 programs, 1,924 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Public Health 530
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
51.2299
Registered Nursing 208
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
51.3801
Medicine 172
Doctorate (P)
51.1201
Health Administration and Management 117
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51.0701
Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology 103
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (P)
51.1005
Family Practice Nursing 83
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
51.3805
Clinical Research Coordination 70
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51.0719
Health and Medical Administration 67
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
51.0799
Physician Assistant 64
Master's
51.0912
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology 63
Bachelor's
Master's
51.0204
Geriatric Nursing 58
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
51.3821
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 47
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
51.3810
Pre-Medicine 45
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51.1102
Physical Therapy 43
Doctorate (P)
51.2308
International Public Health 36
Master's
Doctorate (R)
51.2210
Mental Health Counseling 28
Master's
51.1508
Public Health 28
Master's
51.2201
Environmental Health 23
Master's
51.2202
Nursing Practice 23
Master's
Doctorate (P)
51.3818
Art Therapy 22
Master's
51.2301
Public Health Education and Promotion 21
Master's
51.2207
Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions 16
Bachelor's
51.0999
Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing 12
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51.3815
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 11
Master's
51.2310
Medical Science 10
Doctorate (R)
51.1401
Hematology Technology 8
Master's
51.1003
Nursing Administration 4
Master's
51.3802
Blood Bank Technology 3
Master's
51.1001
Health Behavior 2
Doctorate (R)
51.2212
Occupational Therapy 2
Doctorate (P)
51.2306
Clinical Nutrition 2
Postbac Cert.
51.3102
Nurse Midwifery 2
Master's
51.3807
Clinical Pastoral Counseling 1
Postbac Cert.
51.1506
Social Sciences (13 programs, 1,388 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
International Relations 716
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
45.0901
Political Science and Government 310
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45.1001
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics 89
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45.0603
American Government and Politics 85
Postbac Cert.
Master's
45.1002
Economics 53
Bachelor's
45.0601
Anthropology 31
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45.0201
Geography 29
Bachelor's
Master's
45.0701
Sociology 24
Bachelor's
Master's
45.1101
Anthropology 15
Bachelor's
45.0202
Criminology 10
Master's
45.0401
International Economics 10
Master's
45.0605
Geographic Information Science and Cartography 10
Postbac Cert.
45.0702
Archaeology 6
Bachelor's
45.0301
Business (20 programs, 1,191 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 423
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
52.0201
Management Science 133
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.1301
Human Resources Management 109
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
52.1001
International Business and Trade 94
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.1101
Finance, General 87
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
52.0801
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 75
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.1399
Marketing Management 58
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.1401
Accounting 42
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0301
Organizational Behavior 33
Bachelor's
Master's
52.1003
Project Management 27
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0211
Human Resources Development 26
Postbac Cert.
52.1005
Nonprofit and Organizational Management 17
Postbac Cert.
52.0206
Organizational Leadership 14
Postbac Cert.
52.0213
Tourism and Travel Management 13
Master's
52.0903
Entrepreneurship Studies 12
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
52.0701
Public Finance 9
Postbac Cert.
52.0808
Information Resources Management 9
Postbac Cert.
52.1206
Investments and Securities 7
Postbac Cert.
52.0807
Real Estate 2
Bachelor's
52.1501
Business Administration 1
Bachelor's
52.0101
Law (7 programs, 759 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Law 551
Doctorate (P)
22.0101
Legal Research and Professional Studies 75
Master's
22.0299
Legal Assistant and Paralegal 43
Postbac Cert.
Master's
22.0302
International Law and Legal Studies 36
Master's
Doctorate (R)
22.0209
Advanced Legal Research and Studies 25
Master's
22.0201
Corporate and Securities Law 18
Master's
22.0205
Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law 11
Master's
22.0207
Computer & IT (10 programs, 733 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Computer Science 227
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
11.0701
Information Systems Security and Auditing 195
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (P)
11.1003
Data Modeling and Database Administration 131
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
11.0802
Information Science 71
Bachelor's
Master's
11.0401
Cloud Computing 43
Master's
11.0902
Data Processing Technology 21
Master's
11.0301
Artificial Intelligence 16
Postbac Cert.
11.0102
Computer and Information Sciences 15
Bachelor's
11.0101
Information Technology 11
Postbac Cert.
11.0103
Computer and Information Sciences, Other 3
Postbac Cert.
11.9999
Engineering (9 programs, 374 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Systems Engineering 96
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.2701
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 89
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.1001
Mechanical Engineering 69
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.1901
Biomedical Engineering 68
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0501
Civil Engineering 26
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0801
Computer Engineering 17
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0901
Telecommunications Engineering 4
Master's
14.1004
Engineering Science 4
Postbac Cert.
14.1301
General Engineering 1
Bachelor's
14.0101
Biological Sciences (16 programs, 331 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 81
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0101
Epidemiology 68
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.1309
Neuroscience 41
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
26.1501
Bioinformatics 32
Bachelor's
Master's
26.1103
Biomedical Sciences 20
Postbac Cert.
Master's
26.0102
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology 19
Bachelor's
Master's
26.0908
Molecular Biology 15
Postbac Cert.
Master's
26.0204
Infectious Disease and Global Health 13
Master's
26.0509
Evolutionary Biology 13
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.1303
Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology 10
Master's
26.0503
Biostatistics 6
Master's
26.1102
Microbiology 4
Master's
26.0502
Microbiology and Immunology 4
Doctorate (R)
26.0508
Genome Sciences and Genomics 2
Doctorate (R)
26.0807
Oncology and Cancer Biology 2
Doctorate (R)
26.0911
Neuropharmacology 1
Doctorate (R)
26.1003
Education (15 programs, 277 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
International and Comparative Education 57
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.0701
Educational Leadership and Administration 54
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0401
Education, General 49
Master's
13.9999
Higher Education Administration 27
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
13.0406
Special Education Teaching 19
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.1001
Curriculum and Instruction 18
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0301
School Counseling and Guidance 18
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.1101
Computer Teacher Education 10
Master's
13.1321
Elementary Education 9
Master's
13.1202
General Education 5
Doctorate (R)
13.0101
Instructional Technology 4
Postbac Cert.
13.0501
Early Childhood Special Education Teaching 3
Master's
13.1015
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 2
Postbac Cert.
13.1401
Special Education Administration 1
Master's
13.0402
Educational Assessment and Measurement 1
Postbac Cert.
13.0604
Psychology (8 programs, 270 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 125
Bachelor's
42.0101
Forensic Psychology 57
Master's
42.2812
Clinical Psychology 37
Master's
Doctorate (P)
42.2801
Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics 33
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
42.2701
Experimental Psychology 6
Bachelor's
Master's
42.2704
Experimental Psychology 5
Doctorate (R)
42.2799
Industrial-Organizational Psychology 4
Doctorate (R)
42.2804
Social Psychology 3
Doctorate (R)
42.2707
Communication (8 programs, 245 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Political Communication 91
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
09.0904
Publishing 49
Postbac Cert.
Master's
09.1001
Journalism 45
Bachelor's
09.0401
Communication and Media Studies 26
Bachelor's
Master's
09.0100
Public Relations and Image Management 12
Postbac Cert.
Master's
09.0902
Photojournalism 8
Bachelor's
Master's
09.0404
Health Communication 8
Master's
09.0905
Advertising 6
Postbac Cert.
09.0903

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at George Washington University (GW).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Recommendations
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1350 - 1500
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 680 - 750
Median: 720
Math 670 - 750
Median: 710
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
31 - 34
25th-75th percentile
English 32 - 35
Median: 34
Math 28 - 31
Median: 30

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$84,123
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$84,123
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$64,798
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$64,798
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$16,300
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,400
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$1,625
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$1,625
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$35,154
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$35,154
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

26%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$35,367
Avg. Loan
$10,130
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,166
Additional
Students with Any Grant
2,264
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
1,124
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
464
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$33,965
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

85%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
92%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$62,102 – $130,294
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$62,102 (25th %) $130,294 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $90,873
Median Salary After 6 Years
$71,607
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$90,873
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
80.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
87.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$20,449
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 73.8%
Middle 77.5%
High 84.2%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 81.7%
Independent 69.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about George Washington University (GW)

How much does it cost to attend George Washington University (GW)?

The annual tuition at George Washington University (GW) is $64,798 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $84,123 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $16,300 and books and supplies $1,400.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does George Washington University offer?

George Washington University (GW) offers 193 academic programs across 26 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (33 programs)
  • Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (13 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (20 programs)
  • Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice (7 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (10 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for George Washington University?

George Washington University (GW) has an 43.5% acceptance rate and a 21.5% yield rate, making it highly selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 27,094
  • Students admitted: 11,798
  • Students enrolled: 2,539

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at George Washington University?

George Washington University (GW) provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $35,367 and average loans of $10,130.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,440
  • State/Local grants: $2,536
  • Institutional grants: $33,965
  • Federal loans: $5,166

The university supports 2,264 students with grants and 1,124 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for George Washington University graduates?

George Washington University (GW) graduates earn a median salary of $71,607 after 6 years and $90,873 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $62,102 (25th percentile) to $130,294 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $137,200 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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