George Washington University George Washington University (GW), founded in 1821 in Washington D.C., is a prestigious private research university located steps from the White House. The urban Foggy Bottom campus offers comprehensive programs with particular strengths in international affairs, political science, and public health. GW is classified as an R1 research university and maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Campus features include the Elliott School of International Affairs and the newly renovated Science and Engineering Hall. GW's location provides unparalleled access to internships at federal agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
GW takes pride in its motto 'For the Public Good' and commitment to civic engagement. Campus life includes NCAA Division I athletics and over 450 student organizations. The university operates the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus and study centers worldwide. Recent additions include the F. David Fowler Career Center. GW's combination of academic excellence, prime Washington location, and global network makes it a top choice for students seeking to influence public policy and international affairs.
George Washington University Acceptance Rate
George Washington University (GWU) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 43.54%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
George Washington University Admission Requirements
GWU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at GWU is 3.81. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.51 and 3.81, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
GWU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at GWU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.81, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.81 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.61 – 3.80 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.41 – 3.60 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.40 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At GWU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
George Washington University (GWU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
George Washington University Average SAT Score: 1433
The average SAT score of the admitted students at George Washington University is 1433 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1433 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1500 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. George Washington University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1350, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to GWU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 710 | 670 | 750 |
| SAT Reading | 715 | 680 | 750 |
| SAT Composite | 1433 | 1350 | 1500 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1350 then you are below most of the admitted students at GWU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1500 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1450
Can I get into George Washington University (GWU) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at George Washington University (GWU) are good but the admission staff at GWU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
George Washington University (GWU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at GWU is 33.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes George Washington University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 33 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 28 | 31 |
| ACT English | 34 | 32 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 31 | 34 |
Can I get into George Washington University with a 34 ACT?
With a 34 ACT Score, your chances of admission at George Washington University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 33.GWU Profile
Name: George Washington University (GWU)
City: Washington
URL: https://www.gwu.edu/
State: District of Columbia
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 20052
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from GWU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at George Washington University is USD: 80727. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at George Washington University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
14.83% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 32.38 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to GWU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At George Washington University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist GWU as your choice in the form.
How much a GWU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 90873. An average GWU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than George Washington University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Simpson College, IA | 1410 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as George Washington University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane University of Louisiana | Tulane University of Louisiana, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| Babson College | Babson College, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale College, MI | 1433 | 32 |
| Macalester College | Macalester College, MN | 1424 | 32 |
| Kenyon College | Kenyon College, OH | 1440 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than George Washington University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Frequently Asked Questions About George Washington University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $90873 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $80727 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of George Washington University is 43.54 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.81. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.51, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.51, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.51 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.41 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to George Washington University if my GPA is below 3.41
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.81, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to George Washington University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1433 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1350-1500
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by George Washington University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.