George Washington University

GW’s academic identity is defined by its D.C. gravitational pull, particularly in international affairs, public health, and political communication—all top-10 nationally ranked programs. The Columbian College of Arts & Sciences alone offers 67 undergraduate majors, from astrophysics to photojournalism. STEM programs thrive through partnerships with federal agencies like NASA and the NIH. A Reddit thread notes GW’s 'niche' reputation: 'The STEM is strong here too, probably the strongest in DC.' The university operates as a research powerhouse, with cross-disciplinary centers that turn Foggy Bottom into a lab for policy and global studies.

Campus culture skews high-achieving and politically engaged, though Reddit users warn of a 'superficial' social scene dominated by 'spoiled kids or those who are annoyingly political.' With 11,000+ undergrads from all 50 states and 130+ countries, GW leans cosmopolitan. The Office of Student Life curates traditions and Instagram-worthy events (@studentlifeatgw), but the real action happens off-campus: internships on Capitol Hill, museum-hopping on the National Mall, or networking at embassy receptions. Housing is guaranteed for freshmen, though many upperclassmen migrate to D.C.’s row houses. Greek life exists but isn’t dominant—only 14% of students join sororities or fraternities.

GW’s 84% graduation rate outpaces the national average (59%), with 77% finishing in four years and 82% by year five. Alumni earnings are robust: $66,952 at the one-year mark, soaring to $91,442 after five years—well above the $60,377 median for four-year colleges. The NCAA reports a 94% graduation success rate for athletes. Career trajectories lean heavily into government (State Department, USAID), global health (WHO, CDC), and media (CNN, Politico), with many graduates leveraging D.C. connections secured through GW’s internship pipeline.

At $69,780 per year for tuition, GW is among the priciest private universities, though the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $45,466 after aid. Merit scholarships and need-based packages are available, with the Net Price Calculator estimating costs as low as $42k for families earning ~$112k. Payment plans help distribute the burden, but Reddit threads reveal sticker shock: 'I’m just wondering if the calculator is accurate.' Health sciences students should note additional program fees, and all applicants are encouraged to call the financial aid office directly at (202) 994-6620 for personalized estimates.

GW is the ultimate university for political animals and policy wonks, where a Senate internship is just a Metro ride away. Its location—four blocks from the White House—transforms the city into a classroom, offering unmatched access to think tanks, NGOs, and global institutions. The trade-off? A high cost of living and a competitive social scene that one Redditor dubbed 'fake trendy.' But for students who thrive on ambition and proximity to power, GW delivers career-launching opportunities that few campuses can match.