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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at George Washington University typically score between 1350 and 1500 on the SAT, with a median of 1433. The middle 50% range breaks down to 670-750 on SAT Math and 680-750 on SAT Verbal, indicating strong performance across both sections. The SAT midpoint of 1433 represents exceptional performance nationally, placing admitted students among the highest we track. ACT scores range from 31 to 34 with a median of 32, again reflecting exceptional academic preparation. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1378, George Washington University attracts students scoring 55 points higher on average. These test score ranges indicate that most admitted students demonstrate exceptional academic ability, though students scoring somewhat below the 25th percentile (1350 SAT, 31 ACT) should not automatically assume exclusion. The university's holistic admission process considers factors beyond test scores, including essays, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated interest in the university's programs and location. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, recognizing that scores below 1300 SAT or 29 ACT place applicants at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically disqualifying.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
George Washington University enrolls 14.8% Pell-eligible students and 16.1% first-generation students, indicating the university serves a student body with limited representation from lower-income families. These shares are below national averages and reflect the university's position as a selective private institution. Transfer students comprise 19.2% of the student body, suggesting the university provides pathways for students seeking to join the community after starting elsewhere. The student composition indicates that while the majority of enrolled students come from middle and upper-income families, the university does maintain some economic diversity within its student body. The relatively small share of first-generation students suggests that most enrolled students have family experience navigating higher education. Students from lower-income families should note the 14.8% Pell share when assessing fit, recognizing they would join a minority population but one that is present on campus. First-generation students should know that 16.1% of enrolled students share their background, providing peer support and understanding. Transfer applicants should note the substantial 19.2% transfer enrollment, indicating the university welcomes students who begin their higher education journey elsewhere and can provide appropriate support systems for this transition.
Given George Washington University's 43.5% acceptance rate and exceptional test score expectations, most applicants should treat this as a competitive target rather than a safety school. The alternatives below provide similar career outcomes through different paths.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
George Washington University demonstrates strong retention and completion outcomes for enrolled students. 91.9% of freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 81.3%, indicating above-average student satisfaction and institutional support. The six-year graduation rate reaches 85.2%, significantly exceeding the peer median of 63.5% and reflecting the university's effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 74.5%, creating a 10.7 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap suggests some additional challenges for lower-income students, though the absolute completion rate for Pell students remains reasonably strong. The difference between overall and Pell completion rates is meaningful but not unusual for selective private universities. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, with retention and graduation rates well above national averages. Lower-income students should weigh the 10.7 point Pell gap when considering this institution, recognizing that while outcomes remain positive, they face somewhat greater completion challenges than their higher-income peers. The combination of high retention and graduation rates indicates that admitted students typically find the academic environment manageable and the institutional support systems effective.
Similar quality tier in Southeast (#8575 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Similar quality tier (#5422 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#9633 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#10684 ranked)
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools