George Washington University (GWU)

The George Washington University, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers students an education with a global impact. GW students put their knowledge in action through invaluable learning experiences in the classroom and across the capital region, community service to our neighbors, internships at organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small start-ups, and study abroad opportunities around the world.

As a comprehensive global research university, GW offers majors in business, engineering, fine arts, the humanities, international affairs, public health, and sciences through seven undergraduate schools and colleges. No matter your major, your education will be deeply connected to our location in D.C.

Our nearly 10,000 undergraduates actively engage the city and the world through hands-on learning experiences, where they study alongside faculty experts, policy leaders and extraordinary individuals in every discipline to shape global progress and define the issues that will shape the present and future. Our graduates are ready to change the world. Are you?

Our nearly 10,000 undergraduate students come from all across the U.S. and more than 130 countries. They are driven to succeed and make the best of the plentiful opportunities available to them at GW and in DC. Our dining plan allows students the chance to explore the many international cuisines available around the District or to buy groceries to make a meal in their residence hall. GW requires students to live on campus for their first 3 years, giving them solid footing for life after graduation.

GW students participate in more than 450 clubs, organizations and community groups. Student-produced events provide a chance to build community, enjoy entertainment, and explore a variety of cultures. Roughly a third of the student body participates in Greek Life, which includes social, professional and honorary chapters. Club sports and intramural teams supplement GW's 20 NCAA Division I athletic teams.

GW's national draw exposes students "to so many people from different states and countries," and "there are so many clubs/organizations that can help you find people with similar interests." People who love GW "are very independent and career driven" and "know exactly what they want." The school is "very LGBT+ friendly" with a sizable contingent on campus-there is also a large international student population-and everyone "is very supportive and helpful." Most here "are involved in political activism on and off campus" and "feel a natural inclination to engage in discourse whenever possible." As one student says, "Not one class goes without the participation of multiple students who are well-informed and well-read on the topics that are being discussed." Students here are "passionate about changing the world and making it a better place" and "provide an interesting array of perspectives, especially in senior seminars." One thing everyone has in common: "Everyone here is very proud to be in DC; we love our city."

Part of the appeal of being at GW is the Washington, DC, landscape, and there is no shortage of cultural options like the Smithsonian institutions, the National Mall, and visiting the monuments ("Especially at night, it's so fun!"). Since the university "does not have a traditional campus and is instead integrated with the city, most people just go their own way during the day"; it's not unusual to "find a lot of people at coffee shops getting their caffeine fixes and eating while studying."

Students do acknowledge that "housing and dining are amazing," and point to intramural sports, clubs (more than 400 organizations, all told), and the Greek scene, but at least during the week, the focus is on how "academics are a big part of daily life," so much so that "people go to internships as frequently as they go to class." That can be seen in the more technical clubs-"a really great opportunity to learn in a more hands-on and practical way"-as well as in the number of students actively working, whether that's for the school, through an internship, or professionally. One student describes how a short-term gig "creating a new branding identity and set of materials for their yearly gala" wound up leading to a full summer job. These on-the-go students benefit from the GW SafeRide, a free cab service between academic buildings and residence halls at night. The final consensus is that "being in Foggy Bottom is a unique professional and academic experience that you cannot receive at any other institution."