About

About George Washington University

policy and government focusresearch universityhealth sciences programsmoderately selective admissions

George Washington University is a private research university in Washington, DC, known for its policy and government focus, research university, and health sciences programs. With an acceptance rate of 49%, GW is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 2,941 students each year. GW is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1360–1480, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. GW offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $43,438 per year; the sticker price of $76,449 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

George Washington University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

49%
Overall Accept Rate
1420
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1360 – 1480 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to George Washington University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
GW's location in Washington, DC is a genuine academic resource, so use your essays to show how you plan to tap into that. Name specific agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, or congressional offices where you see yourself interning or doing research, because vague references to 'being in the nation's capital' will not stand out.
Essay Strategy
GW's Why Us essay rewards genuine program-level research, so go beyond the Elliott School or Milken Institute name drops and reference specific faculty, dual-degree options like the BA/MBA, or centers like the Institute for International Economic Policy that connect to your actual goals.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What George Washington University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$76k/yr$17.4k
30k-48k~$76k/yr$17.3k
48k-75k~$76k/yr$22.1k
75k-110k~$76k/yr$28.1k
110k+~$76k/yr$55.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

85%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$72k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
11,117
Undergrad Enrollment
George Washington University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch