George Washington University at a Glance
George Washington University, commonly known as GW or GWU, is a private research university located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1821 through an Act of Congress, the university was established with the vision of George Washington himself, who expressed his desire for a national university in the nation's capital. Today, GWU is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the Washington, D.C., area, enrolling approximately 26,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
The university's location in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House, the National Mall, and numerous government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations, gives it a unique advantage in terms of access to real-world learning opportunities, internships, and networking connections. This prime location is one of the university's most compelling features and a key factor in its appeal to students who are interested in politics, international affairs, public policy, and related fields.
Academic Programs and Strengths
George Washington University offers more than 200 programs of study across 14 schools and colleges. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in political science, international affairs, public policy, law, medicine, engineering, and business.
The Elliott School of International Affairs is one of the top international relations programs in the country. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in international affairs, with concentrations in areas such as security policy, international development, international economics, and regional studies. The school's faculty includes former ambassadors, government officials, and leading scholars, and its location in Washington provides students with unparalleled access to embassies, international organizations, and policy-making institutions.
The GW Law School is another standout program, consistently ranked among the top 25 law schools in the United States. The law school is particularly strong in areas such as intellectual property law, international law, government procurement law, and environmental law. Its proximity to the Supreme Court, Congress, and numerous federal agencies provides law students with exceptional opportunities for clerkships, externships, and networking.
The School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Milken Institute School of Public Health are highly regarded programs that train the next generation of physicians, researchers, and public health professionals. The GW Hospital, located on campus, serves as the primary teaching hospital and provides students with hands-on clinical experience in a major urban medical center.
The School of Engineering and Applied Science has grown significantly in recent years, offering programs in computer science, cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, and data analytics. The school benefits from partnerships with government agencies and defense contractors in the Washington area, providing students with research opportunities and career pathways in technology and national security.
Rankings and Reputation
George Washington University is widely recognized as a respected and competitive institution. Its rankings provide one measure of its academic quality and reputation, though rankings should always be considered in context alongside other factors.
In the U.S. News and World Report rankings, GWU typically ranks in the top 60 to 70 national universities. Specific programs often rank higher, with the Elliott School of International Affairs and the law school consistently appearing in the top 25 of their respective categories. The Milken Institute School of Public Health is also highly ranked, typically appearing in the top 15 to 20 public health programs nationally.
GWU's reputation is particularly strong in the fields of political science, international relations, and public policy, where its Washington location gives it a natural advantage. The university is often listed among the top schools for political science majors and is a popular choice for students who aspire to careers in government, diplomacy, and the nonprofit sector.
It is worth noting that GWU's overall ranking does not always reflect the strength of its individual programs. Students who are interested in the university's areas of strength, particularly international affairs, political science, law, and public health, will find that GWU offers an education that is competitive with many higher-ranked institutions.
Campus Life and Student Experience
GWU's campus experience is unique because it is integrated into the urban fabric of Washington, D.C. Unlike traditional college campuses with defined boundaries and open green spaces, GWU's campus is woven into the streets of Foggy Bottom and the Mount Vernon neighborhood, with academic buildings, residence halls, and student facilities situated alongside restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions.
This urban setting provides students with a cosmopolitan lifestyle and easy access to the cultural, professional, and social opportunities of the nation's capital. Students can walk to world-class museums, attend lectures by visiting heads of state and Nobel laureates, intern at the World Bank or State Department, and explore the diverse neighborhoods and dining scenes of Washington.
Student organizations and activities are abundant, with more than 400 registered student organizations covering interests ranging from politics and community service to arts, athletics, and cultural identity. The student government is particularly active and influential, reflecting the university's politically engaged culture.
Greek life is present but not dominant, with approximately 20 to 25 percent of undergraduate students participating in fraternities and sororities. Athletics compete at the Division I level in the Atlantic 10 Conference, with basketball being the most popular sport.
Housing at GWU is guaranteed for freshmen and sophomores, with most students living in university-owned residence halls during their first two years. Many upperclassmen choose to live off campus in apartments throughout the city, which can be expensive given Washington's high cost of living.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
One of the strongest selling points for George Washington University is the exceptional career outcomes enjoyed by its graduates. The university's location in Washington provides a significant advantage for job placement, particularly in government, policy, law, international development, and healthcare.
GWU's career services office, the Center for Career Services, provides comprehensive support including career counseling, resume and interview preparation, job and internship listings, career fairs, and networking events. The university's strong relationships with employers in the Washington area result in numerous on-campus recruiting opportunities.
The alumni network is extensive, with more than 300,000 graduates worldwide. GWU alumni hold prominent positions in government, including several members of Congress, senior government officials, ambassadors, and judges. The alumni network is particularly strong in Washington, where GWU graduates are well represented in government agencies, lobbying firms, think tanks, nonprofits, and media organizations.
Internship opportunities are a major advantage of attending GWU. The university's location makes it easy for students to secure internships with Congress, the White House, federal agencies, international organizations, media companies, and advocacy groups. Many students complete multiple internships during their time at GWU, building professional experience and connections that serve them well after graduation.
Cost and Financial Aid
George Washington University is one of the more expensive private universities in the country, with annual tuition and fees exceeding $60,000. When room and board, books, and personal expenses are added, the total cost of attendance can exceed $80,000 per year. This high cost is a significant consideration for prospective students and their families.
However, GWU provides substantial financial aid to help make the university accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university meets a significant portion of demonstrated financial need for admitted students and offers merit-based scholarships to academically talented applicants. Approximately 60 percent of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
It is important for prospective students to carefully evaluate the net cost of attendance after financial aid when comparing GWU to other institutions. The university's financial aid office can provide detailed information about available aid and help families understand their financing options.
Diversity and Inclusion
George Washington University prides itself on its diverse student body, which includes students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The university is committed to creating an inclusive campus community where students of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are welcomed and valued.
The Multicultural Student Services Center provides programming, resources, and support for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Cultural organizations, affinity groups, and student-led diversity initiatives contribute to a campus environment that celebrates difference and promotes intercultural understanding.
Pros and Cons Summary
The advantages of attending George Washington University include its exceptional location in Washington, D.C., strong programs in political science, international affairs, law, and public health, outstanding internship and career opportunities, a large and influential alumni network, and a diverse and cosmopolitan campus environment.
The disadvantages include the high cost of attendance, an urban campus that may not appeal to students seeking a traditional college experience, the high cost of living in Washington, and an overall ranking that does not always reflect the strength of its best programs.
Conclusion
George Washington University is a good school, particularly for students who are passionate about politics, international affairs, public policy, law, or public health and who want to study in the heart of the nation's capital. Its location, academic programs, career outcomes, and alumni network are among the best in the country for these fields. While the high cost of attendance and urban campus setting may not be ideal for every student, those who take full advantage of GWU's unique opportunities will find it to be an excellent investment in their education and future career.
