About The George Washington University
The George Washington University (GW) was founded in 1821 and is located in Washington, D.C., the heart of international law, health care and business. Their location and close relationships with prominent health care agencies and their officials distinguish the opportunities we provide our students.
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
The George Washington University (GW) opened the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) in 1825, four years after the university’s founding, making it the 11th oldest medical school in the U.S. GW established its first medical department in 1840 which would grow to become the first general hospital in the nation’s capital. With the expansion of its infirmary in 1859, SMHS became one of the first schools in the nation to teach clinical medicine.
In 1928, GW’s Department of Medicine split into the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing and the University Hospital. This grew to become the GW Hospital in 1948. By implementing external clinical rotations in 1960, GW became one of the first universities to offer students access to the best career preparatory experience. GW introduced its Health Sciences programs in 1972. SMHS continues its legacy of preparing leaders on the cutting edge of health care.
Located at the hub of international science, health policy and business, GW links you to renowned experts and institutions in the field through our program faculty and industry collaborators. Their programs are designed around emerging fields in cooperation with leading agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and are led by active experts in the field.
Online Health Sciences Programs:
- Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
- MSHS in Biomedical Informatics
- MSHS in Clinical and Translational Research
- MSHS in Clinical Microbiology
- MSHS in Clinical Operations
Accreditation & Licensing
The George Washington University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 12,334 ; Graduate: 16,395Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 5% ; Graduate: 30%Graduation Rate:
84%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$90,873Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,449Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
67%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$37,813Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by The George Washington University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Engineering
Healthcare
Math & Science
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
GW is a school where completion depends on pacing discipline. Heavy first terms can quickly become hard to sustain, especially when students stack too many demanding classes or try to run two rigorous tracks at once. The path to finishing on time is strongest when course loads are built in a realistic sequence and kept manageable early. Cost pressure is part of that timeline picture.
Tuition is often framed as very expensive, with one published annual figure at $67,710, and D.C. living costs add to the total burden. Transfer-credit fit can also be tight, with credit-acceptance guidelines described as extremely restrictive. Overall, GW can deliver strong career upside, but the price and pacing demands are real parts of time-to-degree planning.
At GW, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors are often engaged and invested in student progress. Graduate onboarding is another clear strength. From the info session to the interview, the process feels welcoming and well organized.
Early steps into the first semester can feel smooth and manageable. Support can be less consistent in broader school offices. Response times and guidance may vary across teams. This can be harder when a student is moving between more than one program path. In daily practice, course-level help often feels more reliable than larger administrative channels.
GW online classes fit students with strong routines. The pace is serious. Workload pressure builds fast with heavy schedules. Balancing class demands with work and life is central.
Schedule options can be flexible in some paths, including a mix of online and in-person courses. Career links are a clear part of the format, including internship connections in journalism classes. This is a better fit for adults who want structured, career-focused study and can manage steady weekly pressure.
GW classes are challenging and connected to real-world work. Faculty are knowledgeable and care about their fields. The academic culture is ambitious, with strong ties to policy, government, and public institutions.
The pace is a key part of life at GW. A six-course first semester can feel heavy. Pairing an MS with a certificate can add a lot of work. Early planning helps, especially when first-year requirements fill your schedule fast.
GW is a strong fit for students who want high standards and practical learning. It is best for students ready for a demanding pace, not a low-pressure routine.
George Washington University is a strong choice for students focused on career goals. Courses connect to real policy work and practical skills. Faculty are engaged and bring clear professional context to class. The academics are rigorous and tied to workplace needs.
The pace can feel intense, and workload can build quickly. Taking on too much early can make the term harder to manage. Cost is another key factor. Tuition is high, and living in D.C.
can raise total expenses. Overall, GW fits students who want challenge and career-focused training. It works best for students comfortable with a fast pace and heavy demands. Students who need lower cost, a lighter load, or smoother admin support may find it less comfortable.
George Washington University is a strong choice for students focused on career goals. Courses connect to real policy work and practical skills. Faculty are engaged and bring clear professional context to class. The academics are rigorous and tied to workplace needs.
The pace can feel intense, and workload can build quickly. Taking on too much early can make the term harder to manage. Cost is another key factor. Tuition is high, and living in D.C.
can raise total expenses. Overall, GW fits students who want challenge and career-focused training. It works best for students comfortable with a fast pace and heavy demands. Students who need lower cost, a lighter load, or smoother admin support may find it less comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About The George Washington University
Is The George Washington University accredited?
Yes. The George Washington University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does The George Washington University offer?
The George Washington University offers 107 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does The George Washington University offer?
The George Washington University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at The George Washington University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is The George Washington University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, The George Washington University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at The George Washington University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask The George Washington University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most The George Washington University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.5, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is The George Washington University military friendly?
The George Washington University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from The George Washington University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for The George Washington University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does The George Washington University accept life experience credit?
The George Washington University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are The George Washington University programs fully online or mixed?
The George Washington University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Do any The George Washington University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Are any admission tests required for The George Washington University programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at The George Washington University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any The George Washington University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at The George Washington University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For The George Washington University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare The George Washington University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a The George Washington University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
The George Washington University is featured in 25 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
The George Washington University is located in District of Columbia
District of Columbia at a Glance:

Top Majors in District of Columbia:
Top Incentives in District of Columbia:
- DC Tuition Assistance Grant: Up to $10,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in District of Columbia:
- Entry Level: Policy Analyst ($70,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Policy Advisor ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Policy Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Political Science
- Certifications: PMP, Security Clearance



























