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Georgetown University

Washington, DC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Utraque Unum (Latin)”("Both into One")

1789
Founded
Private federally chartered research university
Type
20,031
Total Students
7,833
Undergrad
12,198
Graduate
$4.0B
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Georgetown University

Georgetown University: Pioneering American higher education with a global impact from Washington, D.C.

Step into a legacy of innovation and influence at Georgetown University, a truly distinctive institution nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C. As the nation's first federally chartered university and the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the U.S., Georgetown has been shaping leaders and thinkers since 1789. Its historic campus, marked by the iconic Healy Hall, provides a vibrant backdrop for an exceptional academic journey, where tradition meets cutting-edge research.

Georgetown is renowned for its commitment to global engagement and public service, particularly through its prestigious School of Foreign Service, which prepares students for leadership in diplomacy and international affairs. Beyond this, the university offers a rich array of programs across 48 disciplines, from law and business to medicine and nursing. With a "Very high research activity" classification, students here are not just learning; they're contributing to groundbreaking discoveries and engaging with complex global challenges.

The Georgetown experience is enriched by its diverse student body, attracting over 20,000 undergraduates and postgraduates from more than 135 countries. The university's Jesuit values foster a spirit of intellectual inquiry, social justice, and interreligious dialogue, encouraging students to become men and women for others. From the competitive Hoya athletics to a vibrant campus life in a world-class city, Georgetown offers a transformative education that prepares graduates to make a significant impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education and the nation's first federally chartered university.
  • ✦Ranked among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" for its extensive research contributions.
  • ✦Boasts an impressive alumni network including 32 Rhodes Scholars, 46 Marshall Scholars, 2 U.S. presidents, and more U.S. diplomats than any other university.
  • ✦Features a robust endowment of $4.0 billion, supporting academic excellence and student opportunities.
  • ✦Offers a truly international community with over 20,031 students from more than 135 countries.
  • ✦Home to the renowned School of Foreign Service, a global leader in diplomacy and international relations.
  • ✦Located in Washington, D.C., providing unparalleled access to governmental, cultural, and professional opportunities.

Timeline

1789
Founded by Bishop John Carroll
1791
First student enrolled, instruction began in 1792
1815
Received first federal university charter, allowing it to confer degrees
1851
Medical School was founded
1873
Patrick Francis Healy began his presidency, transforming the school into a modern university
1919
School of Foreign Service (SFS) was founded
1969
Fully coeducational with the College of Arts and Sciences admitting its first female students
2003
Completed a campaign, raising over $1 billion for the university
2005
School of Foreign Service in Qatar opened
🏛️
237 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Georgetown University

🏥

Medical School

Founded in 1851 to meet the demand for local Catholic medical education.

⚖️

Law Department

Established in 1870, leading efforts to bind professional schools into a university focus.

💉

School of Nursing

An undergraduate school established in 1903, admitting female students from its inception.

🏫

School of Foreign Service (SFS)

Founded in 1919 by Edmund A. Walsh to prepare students for leadership in diplomacy and foreign commerce.

🏫

School of Dentistry

Originally part of the School of Medicine (1901), it became independent in 1956.

💼

McDonough School of Business (MSB)

Separated from the SFS in 1957 as the School of Business Administration, renamed in 1998 in honor of alumnus Robert E. McDonough.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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