George Washington University
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 84% graduation rate.
About This School
George Washington University is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia with approximately 11,182 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 47% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $36,586 per year. The graduation rate is 84%, 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
What This School Looks For
From the school's most recent Common Data Set (2018-19). What the admissions office actually weighs:
Early vs. Regular Decision
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 20% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (11,182 undergraduates).
In the Classroom & On Campus
Class size distribution
Source: George Washington University Common Data Set (2018-19).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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American University
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University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · Public
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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