George Washington University

Overview

Acronyms: GWU

Founded: 1821

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #318

Rank in United States: #73

Motto: Deus Nobis Fiducia

Colours: Buff and blue

Mascot: George

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Established in 1821, the George Washington University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Washington (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), District of Columbia.

This institution also has a branch campus in Mount Vernon and Ashburn. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, George Washington University (GWU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

George Washington University (GWU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 203-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. GWU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

George Washington University's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.

Academic Details

George Washington University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Academic Structures

George Washington University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.

Programs Offered

Look through George Washington University's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.

How to apply to George Washington University

The standard application path for George Washington University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

1. 1
   Find a programme that fits your goals

   Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. George Washington University offers 306 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

2. 2
   Confirm you meet the requirements

   Each programme at George Washington University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Assemble your application package

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Submit your application

   Apply directly via George Washington University's online portal at www.gwu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Contact admissions and follow up

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (202) 994 1000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about George Washington University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about George Washington University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Alumni network strength of the United States's national leaders compounds over time. The peer-graduate networks at top institutions often outweigh academic differences in long-run career outcomes.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Beyond George Washington University, these universities also belong to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Students considering George Washington University often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.

Georgetown University

Washington · Private · Rank #356

Howard University

Washington · Private · Rank #1312

The Catholic University of America

Washington · Private · Rank #1363

American University

Washington · Private · Rank #1930

BA

Bay Atlantic University

Washington · Rank #3767

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Education & Teaching is taught at multiple universities across the United States — these alternatives to George Washington University are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

Universities Often Compared with George Washington University

Universities at a similar tier to George Washington University appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.

University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Buffalo · Public · Rank #321

Rice University

Houston · Private · Rank #315

Lee University

Cleveland · Private · Rank #314

University of South Florida

Tampa · Public · Rank #308

University of Kansas

Lawrence · Public · Rank #329