Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Chestertown, Maryland
65.5% Acceptance Rate
Washington College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
65.5%Acceptance Rate
3.71Avg GPA
1274Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$70,191Annual Cost
$65,518Grad Salary
20.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
65.5%
Avg GPA
3.71
Avg SAT
1274
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1185–1345
ACT Middle 50%
25–30
Need-Based Aid
20.5% receive Pell
Washington College is a private, liberal arts institution in Maryland renowned for its long history, academic rigor, and beautiful campus. Known for its focus on critical thinking, writing, and close student-faculty collaboration, the college provides a formative and highly selective educational experience. Its commitment to the traditional liberal arts, combined with a strong emphasis on community engagement, makes it a top-tier choice for students seeking a rigorous and transformative education.
Washington College Acceptance Rate
Washington College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Washington College is 65.5%. This means that 66 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 65.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.71 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.51 – 3.70
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.26
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Washington College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Washington College is 3.71. Washington College is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.91-4.11 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.41 and 3.71, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Washington College 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 Washington College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.71, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.71 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.51 – 3.70
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.31 – 3.50
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.30
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate ~57?66% (sources vary; IPEDS 2024-25 reports 57%); need-blind admissions; test-optional; no application fee; guaranteed merit scholarship of $33,000?$38,000/year for all admitted students renewable with 2.5 GPA; priority consideration for Honors Fellowships for students who apply by December 1.
- 10th-oldest college in the US (chartered 1782); first college chartered after American independence; the only institution George Washington personally endorsed by name, funded, and served as a board member; 8:1 student-faculty ratio; 908 undergraduates enrolled fall 2025.
- Sophie Kerr Prize: the largest undergraduate literary award in the US, valued at $74,000+ in 2025 - more than the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award combined; open to graduating seniors from any major; awarded since 1968.
- 5,000-acre River and Field Campus (Maryland's largest conservation easement) plus Chester River waterfront campus; Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia each within 2 hours; ranked #92 among national liberal arts colleges by US News 2026 edition.
- The Rigor Metric: At Washington College, 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at Washington College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Washington College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Washington College Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Washington College Without SAT or ACT?
Washington College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Washington College Average SAT Score: 1274
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Washington College is 1274 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1274 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1274 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1345 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Washington College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1185, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Washington College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 618 | 580 | 655 |
| SAT Reading | 648 | 605 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1274 | 1185 | 1345 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1185 then you are below most of the admitted students at Washington College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1345 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 1250
Can I get into Washington College with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Washington College are good but the admission staff at Washington College 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.
Washington College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Washington College is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
This score makes Washington College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 28 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 29 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 30 |
Can I get into Washington College with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Washington College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Washington College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Washington College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Washington College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 30 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Washington College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Washington College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
The Sophie Kerr Prize Is the Largest Undergraduate Literary Award in the United States - and It's Open to Any Major
Since 1968, Washington College has awarded the Sophie Kerr Prize to the graduating senior demonstrating the greatest promise in literary endeavor - open to students from any major, not just English. In 2025 the prize totaled just over $74,000, exceeding both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award in dollar value. One of the 2025 finalists was a Biology and Environmental Science major. Students with serious writing ambitions - whether in creative fiction, criticism, poetry, journalism, or cross-disciplinary work - should name this prize specifically in their application as a concrete institutional goal, since it signals a depth of research into WC that generic "I love small liberal arts colleges" essays never achieve. The Rose O'Neill Literary House, the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, and the Visiting Writers Program all feed directly into the culture that produces these finalists.
Every Admitted Student Receives a Guaranteed Merit Scholarship of $33,000?$38,000 Per Year - Sticker Price Is Not the Real Price
Washington College automatically awards every admitted first-year student a merit scholarship of $33,000?$38,000 annually, renewable for four years with a 2.5 GPA. On top of this base, the Presidential Fellows Program (invitation-only, for high-achieving admitted students) can add the full-tuition George Washington Signature Scholarship. The Washington Scholars Program covers full tuition, fees, and room and board for Pell-eligible Maryland and DC residents nominated by a counselor or community leader. With a sticker price of approximately $54,356 in tuition and a total cost of attendance around $73,896, the effective cost for most students is dramatically lower - and WC is the only private liberal arts college in Maryland named to Scholarships360's Top Colleges for Affordability (2025). Students and families who eliminate WC based on sticker price are making a financially uninformed decision.
The 5,000-Acre River and Field Campus Is the Largest Conservation Easement in Maryland - Use It in Your Application
Beyond its 112-acre main campus, Washington College operates a waterfront campus on the Chester River (with the Hodson Boathouse and Semans-Griswold Environmental Hall) and a 5,000-acre River and Field Campus that functions as a working field laboratory for environmental science, ecology, and natural history research. The Center for Environment and Society uses these properties for faculty-student research, and the Eastern Shore Society Scholarship specifically rewards admitted students from the Eastern Shore with environmental interests. Students applying to environmental science, biology, or sustainability programs who don't mention these physical assets miss the most concrete argument for why WC's location is a genuine academic advantage - not just a scenic amenity.
George Washington's Personal Connection Is Unique Among All US Colleges - and Matters for History and American Studies Applicants
Washington College is the only institution of higher education in the United States to which George Washington personally consented to lend his name - and the only one he financially supported and served as a board member during his lifetime. He donated 50 guineas to its establishment in 1782. The C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience administers the George Washington Book Prize ($50,000 - one of the most generous book awards in the country for founding-era history), houses internship and fellowship programs, and is physically located in Chestertown's historic Custom House downtown. Students interested in American history, political science, public history, or the founding era should treat these resources as a primary argument for choosing WC, not as trivia to drop in an opening sentence.
Expert Insight:
Washington College's yield rate is approximately 11?14%, meaning the institution is actively competing for every enrolled student and knows that most admitted applicants are comparing it to other schools at the same price point (after aid) - Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Gettysburg, McDaniel, Juniata. The most common application failure is submitting a polished but generic liberal arts essay that could work for any of those schools interchangeably. WC has a specific combination of assets - the Sophie Kerr Prize, the River and Field Campus, the Starr Center, the George Washington founding connection, a need-blind admissions policy, and a guaranteed merit scholarship structure - that almost no applicants engage with at full depth. The ones who do get better scholarship packages and better yield conversations.
Washington College Profile
Full Name
Washington College
City
Chestertown
State
Maryland
ZIP Code
21620-1438
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Washington College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Washington College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Washington College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Washington College is $83,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.54%.
How much does a degree from Washington College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Washington College is $70,191. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Washington College is much less than this.
20.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 50.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Washington College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Washington College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Washington College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Washington College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $65,518. An average Washington College 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Washington College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Washington College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Mercer University | Macon, GA | 1280 | 28 |
| Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | 1283 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Washington College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs at Washington College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Washington College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $65,518 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $70,191 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
20.5% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Washington College is 65.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.71. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 3.41, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.41, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.31 or less, it may make 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.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.71, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Washington College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1274 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1185–1345.
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.
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.