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Last updated: August 12, 2026

The George Washington University (GWU)

United States · Washington, D.C.

The George Washington University (GWU)

Private School
United States
Country
Washington, D.C.
City
26000
Total Students
Private
Status
About the University

The George Washington University (GWU) overview

The George Washington University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Congress founded it by an Act in 1821, and it is the largest institution of higher education in the city. The university takes its name from the first president of the United States, George Washington. He called for a national university in the capital and kept championing that idea throughout his career. The university was founded 22 years after his death, by an Act of Congress on February 9, 1821.

It operated as Columbian College from 1821 to 1873, then as Columbian University from 1873 to 1904. Then came an agreement with the George Washington Memorial Association to build a campus in honor of the first U.S. president. Following that agreement, Columbian University was renamed The George Washington University in 1904. Over the years the university has become one of the finest in the United States. Today it offers higher education to more than 25,000 students.

They study across three campuses: the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus.

About the University

About The George Washington University (GWU)

The George Washington University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Congress founded it by an Act in 1821, and it is the largest institution of higher education in the city. The university takes its name from the first president of the United States, George Washington. He called for a national university in the capital and kept championing that idea throughout his career.

The university was founded 22 years after his death, by an Act of Congress on February 9, 1821. It operated as Columbian College from 1821 to 1873, then as Columbian University from 1873 to 1904. Then came an agreement with the George Washington Memorial Association to build a campus in honor of the first U.S. president. Following that agreement, Columbian University was renamed The George Washington University in 1904.

Over the years the university has become one of the finest in the United States. Today it offers higher education to more than 25,000 students. They study across three campuses: the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus.

City
Washington, D.C.
Country
United States
Type
Private
Number of Students
26000
#201
Times Universities
#362
QS World
#62
National Ranking
#201
Shanghai List
88%
Placement Rate
Faculties & Programs

The George Washington University (GWU) faculties and programs

113 results listed

Political Science (Public Policy Focus)

Undergraduate4 Years#20 Ranking
$69,780per year

Health Data Science, Pre-Medical Professions Concentration

Undergraduate4 Years#225 Ranking
$69,780per year

International Affairs, Africa Concentration

Undergraduate4 Years#301 Ranking
$69,780per year

Accountancy

Undergraduate4 Years#103 Ranking
$69,780per year

Africana Studies

Undergraduate4 Years#301 Ranking
$69,780per year

American Studies

Undergraduate4 Years#301 Ranking
$69,780per year

Anthropology

Undergraduate4 Years#134 Ranking
$69,780per year

Business, Business Economics and Public Policy Concentration

Undergraduate4 Years#125 Ranking
$69,780per year

Arabic Studies

Undergraduate4 Years#301 Ranking
$69,780per year

Archaeology

Undergraduate4 Years#154 Ranking
$69,780per year
Scholarship Opportunities

The George Washington University (GWU) scholarships and financial aid

The George Washington University offers various scholarship programs to international students. Keep in mind that these programs have limited funding and limited spots. Scholarships are awarded based on need and merit, and admission standards are high. If you want to apply, you can reach the relevant programs through the link below.

Scholarship Programs

The George Washington University (GWU) Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

Application Process

How to get into The George Washington University (GWU)

The George Washington University runs a preparatory program called "English for Academic Purposes (EAP)". It helps students entering their first year build their English language proficiency.

If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at The George Washington University, you must meet the following admission requirements.

  • Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
  • 4-Year High School Diploma
  • High GPA
  • Official transcripts showing the courses you took and the grades you received in grades 11 and 12
  • SAT or ACT Score
  • English Proficiency Certificate
    • An English proficiency certificate from a recognized exam such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test
  • Personal Statement & Essay

Academic qualifications from programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced Placement are not enough for direct admission. If you are enrolled in one of these programs, you may request course credit for the courses you have taken.

If you are applying to a graduate program at The George Washington University, you must meet the following admission requirements.

  • 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
  • High GPA
  • Official transcripts showing the courses you took and the grades you received throughout university
  • Relevant Work Experience
  • English Proficiency Certificate
    • An English proficiency certificate from a recognized exam such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic
  • GRE/GMAT scores may be required, depending on the specific admission requirements of the program you apply to.

Application Deadlines

OCAK2027
Application deadline
OCAK2027
Application deadline

* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the The George Washington University (GWU) application process.

Campus

Take a closer look at The George Washington University (GWU)

The George Washington University operates across 3 campuses: the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus. Foggy Bottom is the main campus, in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is home to most of the university's undergraduate and graduate programs, along with most administrative offices. The campus sits between the White House and the Potomac River. Its bounds are Pennsylvania Avenue to the north, Constitution Avenue to the south, 17th Street to the east, and 23rd Street to the west.

The Mount Vernon Campus is smaller and lies in the Foxhall neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is home to undergraduate student residence halls as well as academic and recreational facilities. It stands about 8 kilometers northwest of the main Foggy Bottom Campus. Whitehaven Parkway borders it to the north, Foxhall Road to the east, and Battery Kemble Park to the west. The Virginia Science and Technology Campus is in the Ashburn CDP area of Virginia, about 40 kilometers from the main Foggy Bottom Campus.

It is home to the university's graduate and professional education programs, as well as research centers and various institutes.

Campus Life

Student life at The George Washington University (GWU) campuses is lively and diverse, with a wide range of academic, social, and cultural opportunities. The university is home to more than 450 student clubs and organizations. They range from academic and professional groups to cultural and social clubs. You can join clubs that match your interests and meet like-minded people. Sports play a major role here, and the university has 27 varsity athletic teams, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

Its recreational facilities are extensive and include a fitness center, a swimming pool, and athletic fields. Museums and galleries sit across the Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, and Virginia Science and Technology Campuses. They include the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, the Textile Museum, and the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery. The university also hosts cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, performances, and film screenings. Washington, D.C. itself has destinations worth seeing.

Among them are the Lincoln Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, and the famous Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The Library of Congress and the National Air and Space Museum belong on that list too.

Student Profile
  • Colin Powell
  • Jackie Speier
  • Michael Chertoff
  • Elizabeth Warren
  • Bob Woodward
  • Steve Case
  • Michelle Lee
  • Robert Kimmitt
  • Robert McNamara
  • Kerry Washington
  • Melissa Harris-Perry
  • David Gregory
  • J. Edgar Hoover
  • Charles J. Pedersen
  • Esther Lederberg
  • David Baltimore

The George Washington University (GWU) Location

Washington, D.C., United States

The George Washington University (GWU) Contact

The George Washington University (GWU) Social Media

Follow the university on its official social media channels:

How to Get Into The George Washington University (GWU)

01

In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.

02

By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.

03

The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.

Why The George Washington University (GWU)?

Located in Washington, D.C., United States, The George Washington University (GWU) is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.

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