Is George Washington University a Good School?

George Washington University is a private research university in the heart of Washington, D.C., just a few blocks from the White House. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus and online.

The university has numerous ties to American history and politics, but is George Washington University a good school? The answer is yes, and we break down why below.

Is George Washington University Accredited?

George Washington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

At the institutional level, colleges and universities in the United States can be either regionally or nationally accredited. Regional accreditation is most common and is generally preferred over national accreditation.

There are six agencies that provide regional accreditation, each covering a specific area of the United States. The MSCHE covers the states between New England and Virginia.

Individual programs can also be accredited by agencies that specifically accredit those types of programs. Agencies that accredit programs at George Washington University include:

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET)
• American Bar Association
• American Psychological Association
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Council on Education for Public Health
• Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
• Liaison Committee on Medical Education
• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design

Many programs are also approved by organizations that don't offer accreditation, and the university is a member of many academic boards.

What Is George Washington University Known For?

George Washington University is well-known for both its history and its expansive research programs.

The university is one of only six in the United States with a congressional charter. It was founded in 1821 and presidents John Quincy Adams and Ulysses S. Grant were both early members of the university's board of trustees.

George Washington University is a member of the Association of American Universities, an organization made up of research universities in the U.S. and Canada. The university has many research centers, including:

• Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology
• Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center
• Institute for International Economic Policy
• Project on Forward Engagement
• Sigur Center for Asian Studies

The university is also well-known for its successful alumni, including senators, governors, cabinet members, and diplomats.

Is George Washington University a Good Choice?

Whether or not George Washington University is a good choice will depend on your educational and career goals, but for many students, it is an excellent choice.

The university is consistently ranked as one of the top in the country. For example:

• Forbes ranks George Washington University as the #77 best college in the country, the #45 best private college, and the #60 best research college.
• The Princeton Review lists the university as one of the best 389 colleges, a green college, and a college that creates futures. It also ranks the school as the #8 most politically active students.
• U.S. World and News Report ranks the university as the #67 best national university.

There are two areas where the university may fall short for some students. The first is cost; the average cost of tuition and fees for an undergraduate program is $64,990 per year before financial aid.

The other area is with online programs, specifically at the undergraduate level. George Washington University offers only a few bachelor's programs, and they're all degree completion programs.

Acceptance Rates at George Washington University

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, George Washington University accepted 49% of undergraduate applicants in the fall of 2022.

To apply as a first-year undergraduate student, you'll need to fill out the application, which includes an essay. There is an $80 application fee.

You'll also need to submit your official high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation. Students also have the option to submit a writing supplement and ACT or SAT test scores.

Graduate students will need to submit transcripts from their bachelor's program and submit a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. GRE scores may be required for certain programs.

Specific programs within the university may have additional requirements. In order to make it into these programs, you will need to fulfill these requirements.

Online Programs Offered at George Washington University

The majority of online programs offered at George Washington University are graduate programs, but not all.

A registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing (RN to BSN) program is available online, as well as three degree completion programs for students who have already completed their general education core requirements.

The university offers online Bachelor of Science in health science degree completion programs in:

• clinical health sciences
• global leadership in disaster response
• leadership for emergency action and disaster response

Several undergraduate certificates are also available online, primarily in biological and health sciences. These include certificates in blood banking, clinical microbiology, and medical laboratory science.

Multiple master's and doctoral degrees, as well as graduate certificates, are available online at George Washington University. These are available in the following areas of study:

• biological and biomedical sciences
• business, administration, and management
• computer science and information technology
• education and teacher preparation
• engineering
• humanities
• international studies
• medicine, health sciences, and nursing
• museum education and studies
• physical sciences
• political science and political management
• psychology and counseling
• public health and health services
• public policy and administration
• security and public safety

What Are Online Classes Like at George Washington University?

George Washington University's online programs are designed to provide students with the flexibility and convenience they need to pursue their career goals.

The specifics will vary between courses. Some are completely asynchronous, meaning you log in at a time that works for you, but some may require you to periodically log in at a set time.

Your assignments may include discussion posts, readings, videos, and assignments like papers or other projects. Some programs also require you to complete clinical experiences at a location near you.

Start Your Degree Today

George Washington University is a prestigious institution offering a variety of degree programs on campus and online. With the guide above, you can determine if George Washington University is right for you.