The George Washington University, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers students an education with a global impact. GW students put their knowledge in action through invaluable learning experiences in the classroom and across the capital region, community service to our neighbors, internships at organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small start-ups, and study abroad opportunities around the world.
As a comprehensive global research university, GW offers majors in business, engineering, fine arts, the humanities, international affairs, public health, and sciences through seven undergraduate schools and colleges. No matter your major, your education will be deeply connected to our location in D.C.
Our nearly 10,000 undergraduates actively engage the city and the world through hands-on learning experiences, where they study alongside faculty experts, policy leaders and extraordinary individuals in every discipline to shape global progress and define the issues that will shape the present and future. Our graduates are ready to change the world. Are you?
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
800 21st St NW
Washington, DC 20052
Experience College Life
The Hippo
Media and Public Affairs Building
Kogan Plaza
Gelman Library
Washington Monument
Freer Gallery of Art
Kennedy Center
National Air and Space Museum
Campus Tours
9:00am-5pm
2029946040
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
GW strives to recruit a diverse and inclusive class each and every year. We do this through our holistic review process, which takes into account not just overall grades, but also course rigor, essays, recommendation letters and extracurricular activities. This allows us to admit students who have the academic preparation, personal qualities and motivation to thrive in GW's dynamic environment.
GW has been test-optional since 2015, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores, because we believe that a student's performance throughout high school is the best indication of college readiness.
Overview
SAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Decision II — January 5
Regular — January 5
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
GW offers more than 75 undergraduate majors. In addition, students may choose to apply to a special academic program, including the Seven-Year B.A./M.D., University Honors, and Women's Leadership. Learn more about all of our programs at https://go.gwu.edu/specialinterest.
Majors and Degrees Offered
With more than 2,000 courses in over 75 majors for undergraduate students, GW offers a wide range of academic opportunities that result in a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Fine Arts. Our average class size is 29, and 65 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students. Browse all of our majors at
http://go.gwu.edu/gwmajors.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
European Studies/Civilization.
Latin American Studies.
Near and Middle Eastern Studies.
Women's Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biophysics.
Human/Medical Genetics.
Microbiology, General.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Business/Commerce, General.
Finance, General.
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Tourism and Travel Services Management.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Journalism, Other.
Journalism.
Political Communication.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
Information Science/Studies.
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ENGINEERING.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Civil Engineering, General.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering, General.
Mechanical Engineering.
Systems Engineering.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
Speech and Rhetorical Studies.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Russian Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.
Athletic Training/Trainer.
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
Blood Bank Technology Specialist.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.
Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.
Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other.
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
Hematology Technology/Technician.
Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN).
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
Public Health, Other.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Police Science.
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
General Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Mathematics, General.
Statistics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
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PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Jewish/Judaic Studies.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Human Services, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Archeology.
Economics, General.
Geography.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Dance, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Interior Design.
Music, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Students Say
Professors have "relevant and current experience in what they're teaching" (for instance, "a large number of history professors work for the Office of the Historian for the State Department") and are "extremely qualified." Where applicable, expect teachers to make the most of on-site learning: "I took a class called The Visual World of Shakespeare. We traveled to art museums and libraries across DC every Friday." For those looking to get even more hands-on, study abroad is a popular option that forty percent of students engage in. Professors also encourage students to pressure themselves less with acing an exam and more on the ability to "understand and ask questions about the material," and students have positively responded: "It's great having access to such experienced resources." In short, the emphasis is on the learning, not the frustration: "If someone is struggling with something, there will always be someone to talk to."
Degrees
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Terminal Associate
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Excerpt from Colleges That Create Futures
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Earning a GW degree is invaluable, but it takes an investment of time, effort and money. We believe that investment is within reach for every admitted student, and we leverage our resources to make it worthwhile.
Through scholarships and need-based aid, we aim to make a GW education an affordable and realistic option for every admitted student.
GW also invests more than $185 million in financial aid, which is awarded to 70 percent of the incoming first-year class.
We believe that your investment in GW will pay dividends for the rest of your life.
For up-to-date information on costs, visit https://go.gwu.edu/cost.
Tuition $56,845
Fees $440
Room and Board $14,360
For up-to-date information on costs, visit https://go.gwu.edu/cost.
Financial Aid
All applicants for admission are automatically considered for scholarships (with the exception of special programs which may require a separate application). Need-based aid is determined by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. For more information, visit http://financialaid.gwu.edu.
Dates
Required Forms
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Our nearly 10,000 undergraduate students come from all across the U.S. and more than 130 countries. They are driven to succeed and make the best of the plentiful opportunities available to them at GW and in DC. Our dining plan allows students the chance to explore the many international cuisines available around the District or to buy groceries to make a meal in their residence hall. GW requires students to live on campus for their first 3 years, giving them solid footing for life after graduation.
GW students participate in more than 450 clubs, organizations and community groups. Student-produced events provide a chance to build community, enjoy entertainment, and explore a variety of cultures. Roughly a third of the student body participates in Greek Life, which includes social, professional and honorary chapters. Club sports and intramural teams supplement GW's 20 NCAA Division I athletic teams.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
GW maintains two fully integrated campuses in Washington, D.C., with residence halls and classrooms located on both and free shuttle service provided. Through these two different learning environments, students have the ability to create a college experience that is uniquely their own.
Our Foggy Bottom campus is blocks from the major landmarks that make Washington one of the most recognizable cities in the world. Our students can study on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, jog to the Washington Monument or take a stroll to the White House and Kennedy Center.
Our Mount Vernon campus, just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown, offers a residential liberal arts campus experience while still providing all the opportunities of D.C. Many of GW's living and learning communities and GW Athletic fields are located on this campus.
Explore both campuses at http://go.gwu.edu/youvisit.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
GW is full of world-class facilities, such as Gelman Library, at the heart of campus, the Smith Center, home of GW Athletics, Lisner Auditorium, which hosts performances and lectures to enrich our community, and the Science and Engineering Hall, full of highly specialized lab facilities. Learn more about our facilities at http://virtualtour.gwu.edu.
Off-Campus Opportunities
What distinguishes a GW education is the way we consistently put knowledge in action through research, internship and service opportunities for students in all academic areas.
Our students have access to innovative facilities and faculty to support their research in all subjects. Students and faculty have worked together on topics including food waste in D.C. public schools, cholesterol transport in HIV and Tangier disease, and how personality affects purchasing.
GW also excels at helping students land internships in the nation's capital and beyond. GW students gain invaluable professional experience and often even security clearance during internships at the White House, U.S. Department of State, Folger Shakespeare Library and NPR, just to name a few.
In addition, we encourage students to give back on the local, national and international levels through university-wide community service, including Welcome Day of Service and Alternative Spring Breaks. That dedication to service continues after graduation, as GW is a top-ranked Peace Corps feeder among medium-sized schools.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Students Say
Students do acknowledge that "housing and dining are amazing," and point to intramural sports, clubs (more than 400 organizations, all told), and the Greek scene, but at least during the week, the focus is on how "academics are a big part of daily life," so much so that "people go to internships as frequently as they go to class." That can be seen in the more technical clubs-"a really great opportunity to learn in a more hands-on and practical way"-as well as in the number of students actively working, whether that's for the school, through an internship, or professionally. One student describes how a short-term gig "creating a new branding identity and set of materials for their yearly gala" wound up leading to a full summer job. These on-the-go students benefit from the GW SafeRide, a free cab service between academic buildings and residence halls at night. The final consensus is that "being in Foggy Bottom is a unique professional and academic experience that you cannot receive at any other institution."
Special Needs Admissions
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Soccer
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Water Polo
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Gymnastics
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
Water Polo
Student Services
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered
Navy ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered
Sustainability
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2024.
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/