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Last updated: May 31, 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 founded in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, by an Act of Congress in 1821. The largest institution of higher education in Washington, D.C., The George Washington University takes its name from the first president of the United States, George Washington, who advocated for the establishment of a national university in the capital and continued to champion this idea throughout his career.

The institution was established 22 years after his death, by an Act of Congress on February 9, 1821, and operated under the name Columbian College from 1821 to 1873, then as Columbian University from 1873 to 1904. Following an agreement with the George Washington Memorial Association to construct a campus in honor of the first U.S. president, Columbian University was renamed The George Washington University in 1904.

Having become one of the finest universities in the United States over the years, The George Washington University today provides higher education opportunities to more than 25,000 students 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 founded in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, by an Act of Congress in 1821. The largest institution of higher education in Washington, D.C., The George Washington University takes its name from the first president of the United States, George Washington, who advocated for the establishment of a national university in the capital and continued to champion this idea throughout his career.

The institution was established 22 years after his death, by an Act of Congress on February 9, 1821, and operated under the name Columbian College from 1821 to 1873, then as Columbian University from 1873 to 1904. Following an agreement with the George Washington Memorial Association to construct a campus in honor of the first U.S. president, Columbian University was renamed The George Washington University in 1904.

Having become one of the finest universities in the United States over the years, The George Washington University today provides higher education opportunities to more than 25,000 students 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

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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. The university's main campus, the Foggy Bottom Campus, is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and serves as the home for the majority of the university's undergraduate and graduate programs as well as most of its administrative offices.

The Foggy Bottom Campus is situated between the White House and the Potomac River, bounded by 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 a smaller campus located in the Foxhall neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and is home to undergraduate student residence halls as well as academic and recreational facilities.

The Mount Vernon Campus is located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of the main Foggy Bottom Campus, bordered by Whitehaven Parkway to the north, Foxhall Road to the east, and Battery Kemble Park to the west. Finally, the Virginia Science and Technology Campus is located in the Ashburn CDP area of Virginia, approximately 40 kilometers from the main Foggy Bottom Campus, and serves as 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 a vibrant environment with great diversity, offering students a wide variety of academic, social, and cultural opportunities. The university is home to more than 450 student clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and social clubs. Students can join clubs based on their interests and meet like-minded individuals. Sports play a major role at The George Washington University, which has 27 varsity athletic teams including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

The university also has extensive recreational facilities including a fitness center, swimming pool, and athletic fields. Across the Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, and Virginia Science and Technology Campuses, there are various museums and galleries such as the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, the Textile Museum, and the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery. The university also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, performances, and film screenings.

Additionally, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, the famous Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Library of Congress, and the National Air and Space Museum are among the must-see destinations in Washington, D.C.

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
Living

The George Washington University (GWU) cost of living

Achievements

The George Washington University (GWU) awards and achievements

  • 1 Başkanlık Özgürlük Madalyası Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 Liyakat Madalyası Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 Laetare Madalyası Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Ödülü Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 Ulusal Teknoloji ve İnovasyon Madalyası Ödülü Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 Başkanlık Vatandaşlık Madalyası Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 Long Leaf Pine Nişanı Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 Amerikan Hizmet Madalyası Sahibi Mezun
  • 2 Nobel Ödülü Sahibi Mezun
  • 1 Wolf Kimya Ödülü Sahibi Mezun
  • 2 Ulusal Bilim Madalyası Sahibi Mezun

The George Washington University (GWU) Frequently Asked Questions

The George Washington University (GWU) Location

Washington, D.C., United States

The George Washington University (GWU) Contact

The George Washington University (GWU) Social Media

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How to Get Into The George Washington University (GWU)

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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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