George Washington University

George Washington University admits 43.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the selective category, requiring above-average academic credentials for competitive consideration.

The peer median admission rate of 69.4% highlights that George Washington University is significantly more selective than typical private universities, accepting 25.8 percentage points fewer applicants than peer institutions. This level of selectivity means that academically strong students still face meaningful uncertainty in the admission process, though the odds are considerably better than at the most elite institutions.

Students should approach George Washington University as a target school if their academic profile aligns with admitted student characteristics, while recognizing that admission is not guaranteed even for well-qualified candidates. The combination of Washington D.C. location and strong career outcomes likely drives high application volume relative to available seats.

For this reason, students considering George Washington University should build comprehensive college lists that include schools with higher acceptance rates but comparable career preparation and geographic advantages. The sections below provide specific guidance on academic expectations and alternative schools that deliver similar outcomes with different admission profiles.

George Washington University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,727 annually, including $64,990 in tuition, $16,300 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $37,454 after financial aid, representing savings of $43,273 from the sticker price.

This net price places the university above the peer median of $33,531 by $3,923, indicating higher costs than similar private institutions. The financial aid system provides meaningful support, reducing costs by more than half for the average student.

Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $21,396 for families earning under $30,000 to $53,974 for families earning over $110,000. This represents a $32,578 gap between the lowest and highest income tiers, reflecting the university's progressive aid structure that concentrates support toward lower-income families.

The cost structure aligns with George Washington University's position as a selective private university in an expensive metropolitan area, where both educational costs and living expenses exceed national averages.

George Washington University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth across the post-graduation trajectory. Median earnings rise from $71,607 six years after enrollment to $78,974 at eight years and $90,873 at ten years, representing 26.9% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on substantial cohort sizes of 1,602 graduates at six years, 1,537 at eight years, and 1,738 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $8,058 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing George Washington University in the 22nd percentile for earnings uplift.

However, the absolute earnings level ranks at the 97th percentile, indicating strong labor market outcomes regardless of the value-added measurement. Low-income graduates earn $95,600, ranking among the top 5% nationally and demonstrating the university's ability to generate strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds despite limited enrollment of this population.

Approximately 25.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting the university's role in preparing students for advanced education pathways.

George Washington University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. International Business ranks #1 nationally, graduating 132 students with median earnings of $101,930 and a perfect value score of 100.0.

Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #16 nationally, producing 153 graduates earning $101,012. International Relations ranks #5 nationally and represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 538 students annually with median earnings of $68,447.

American Government and Politics ranks #15 nationally, graduating 311 students with earnings of $72,844. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #80 nationally but maintains strong enrollment with 303 graduates earning $79,066.

Engineering programs include Artificial Intelligence (#27 nationally), Bioengineering (#18 nationally), and Mechanical Engineering (#31 nationally), demonstrating the university's strength across business, policy, health, and technical fields that align with Washington D.C.'s professional landscape.