US University · Ranked #62
George Washington University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
George Washington University is a moderately selective university in Washington, D.C., admitting around 49% of those who apply. Ranked #62 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
GW is a private university in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering unmatched access to government, international organizations, and policy-making institutions.
This guide breaks down George Washington University's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
George Washington University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 49%
- SAT range
- 1250–1420
- Average GPA
- 3.68
- In-state
- $63,368
- Out-of-state
- $63,368
- Enrollment
- 12,161
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
How hard is it to get into George Washington University?
With 49% of applicants admitted, George Washington University is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, George Washington University is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at George Washington University typically score between 1250 and 1420 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1250 and a quarter above 1420. A score at or above 1420 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.68 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1335 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.68. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1250) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
George Washington Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 5
George Washington University's Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, with Regular Decision on Jan 5. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if George Washington University is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 5.
Notable programs at George Washington University
- International Affairs — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Political Science — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Public Health — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Journalism — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
George Washington University is particularly known for International Affairs, Political Science, Business, Public Health, and Journalism.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending George Washington University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, George Washington University charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,368 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
What are your chances at George Washington University?
Get a free AI-powered admission probability based on your GPA, test scores, and profile — plus essay feedback and a school strategy.
Calculate my chances free →No credit card. Official site: www.gwu.edu
George Washington University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at George Washington University?
- George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 49%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, George Washington University is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for George Washington University?
- Admitted students at George Washington University typically score between 1250 and 1420 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1420 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1250 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into George Washington University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at George Washington University is approximately 3.68 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.68 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for George Washington University?
- George Washington University's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 1 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 5. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is George Washington University a public or private university?
- George Washington University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend George Washington University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, George Washington University charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $63,368 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.