George Washington University
Washington, DC
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About George Washington University
Forge your future in Washington, D.C. at a federally-chartered research powerhouse.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., George Washington University (GW) stands as a prominent private, federally-chartered research institution. Renowned for its "Very High Research Activity" (R1 classification), GW offers an unparalleled educational experience, deeply integrated into the political, cultural, and intellectual life of the nation's capital. With its campuses spread across Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon, students are just steps away from government institutions, global organizations, and a myriad of internship and career opportunities, making it a significant feeder for the U.S. diplomatic corps.
GW's rich history traces back to the vision of President George Washington himself, who in his last will and testament, sought to endow a university in the new capital. Officially chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1821 as Columbian College, it is the first university founded under D.C.'s jurisdiction and one of only six federally chartered universities in the United States. Throughout its journey, evolving through various names to eventually become George Washington University in 1904, the institution has consistently pursued its mission to educate promising students and contribute to national discourse, with notable figures like James Monroe and John Quincy Adams among its early benefactors.
Academically, GW offers a diverse array of degree programs across 71 disciplines, supported by a substantial $2.8 billion endowment and $227 million in externally funded research. Its prestigious schools, such as the Elliott School of International Affairs, consistently rank among the best globally, preparing students for leadership in an interconnected world. From its historic Columbian College of Arts and Sciences to pioneering fields like theoretical physics, where the Big Bang theory was developed, GW fosters a dynamic environment for discovery and learning. The university's commitment to engagement extends to hosting numerous political events, enriching the student experience with direct exposure to global issues.
Student life at GW is characterized by its urban setting, offering unique opportunities for civic engagement and a diverse student body of 24,500. While the main campus thrives in Foggy Bottom, the integrated Mount Vernon Campus provides a complementary experience. GW's athletic teams, the George Washington Revolutionaries, compete in NCAA Division I, further contributing to a vibrant campus community that leverages its extraordinary D.C. location for both academic rigor and real-world impact.
Key Highlights
- ✦One of only six federally-chartered universities in the U.S., founded in 1821 by Congressional Charter in Washington, D.C.
- ✦Classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity" with $227 million in externally funded research (2023-2024).
- ✦A top feeder school for the U.S. diplomatic corps, with over 1,100 alumni in the Foreign Service.
- ✦Home to the Elliott School of International Affairs, ranked 7th globally for its graduate program and 8th for undergraduate (Foreign Policy magazine).
- ✦Boasts a robust $2.8 billion endowment (2024) and a diverse student body of 24,500.
- ✦Pioneering research contributions, including the development of the Big Bang theory and the invention of the bazooka at its School of Engineering.
- ✦Its Law School is the oldest in D.C., and its Medical School is the 11th-oldest in the nation and first established in the capital.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
11 notable schools within George Washington University
School of Media and Public Affairs
The first in the nation to offer a bachelor's degree in Political Communication, boasting a faculty of CNN correspondents, journalists, and political analysts.
Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
One of the oldest arts education institutions in the United States, housed in the historic Corcoran Gallery of Art facing the White House.
School of Business
Established in 1928, its undergraduate business program was ranked 42nd nationally and its International Business program 9th by U.S. News & World Report (2018).
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Founded in 1824, it was the first school of medicine in Washington, D.C., known for its Ronald Reagan Institute of Emergency Medicine.
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Founded in 1884, it was one of the first to accept women for degree candidacy in engineering and is where the bazooka was invented in 1942.
Elliott School of International Affairs
One of the world's most highly ranked schools of international relations, its undergraduate program was ranked 8th and graduate program 7th globally (Foreign Policy magazine, 2015).
School of Nursing
Re-established in 2010, it offers a range of degree programs, including an accelerated bachelor's and doctor of nursing practice.
George Washington University Law School
Established in 1826, it is the oldest law school in the District of Columbia, with several Supreme Court Justices serving on its faculty.
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Evolved from the Teachers' College in 1909, it became a separate school in 1994, focusing on graduate education.
College of Professional Studies
Offers courses on the Foggy Bottom and Virginia campuses, encompassing units like the Graduate School of Political Management.
Milken Institute School of Public Health
Established in 1997 and renamed in 2014, it offers diverse programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels, including joint degrees with Law, Medicine, and International Affairs.
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