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George Washington University

Washington, DC·Private nonprofit·10,848 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $82,400 within 10 years; strong 85% graduation rate.

44%
Accept
10,848
Students
$37,454
Net Price
85%
Grad Rate
$82,400
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

George Washington University is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia with approximately 10,848 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 44% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $37,454 per year. The graduation rate is 85%, and the typical graduate earns $82,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

The George Washington University is a private federally-chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Originally named Columbian College, it was chartered in 1821 by the United States Congress and is the first university founded under Washington, D.C.'s jurisdiction. It is one of only six federally chartered universities in the United States.

Sitting in the heart of DC, this is a strong option for students drawn to politics, policy, international affairs, or any career where proximity to federal agencies and think tanks matters from day one. The numbers hold up well — an 85% graduation rate, 92% freshman retention, and median earnings of $82,400 a decade out suggest students are finishing and landing solid careers. The main concern is cost: at $37,454 average net price per year, it's a significant investment, so run your real financial aid numbers carefully before committing.

Founded
1821
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Social Sciences31%
Health Professions17%
Business & Marketing15%
Engineering5%
Biological Sciences5%
Psychology5%
Computer Science5%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Mikheil SaakashviliKolinda Grabar-KitarovićDavid LynchJacqueline Kennedy OnassisCourteney CoxAlec BaldwinSyngman RheeColin PowellLee Myung-bakJuan GuaidóCasey AffleckElizabeth Warren

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1433
Reading 75th %ile750
Math 75th %ile750

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite32

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,990
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,990
Avg Net Price
$37,454
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
85%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
92%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$82,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$58,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$82,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White49%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian15%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (10,848 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

George Washington University

1918 F Street, NW

Washington, DC 20052

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in District of Columbia

Browse all District of Columbia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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