George Washington University (GWU) is a private research university located in Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. It was founded in 1821 and has since become one of the most respected universities in the country, with a strong reputation for academic excellence and innovative research. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, law, medicine, and public policy.
One of the defining features of GWU is its location in the heart of Washington D.C., which provides students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in experiential learning and internships in various fields, from politics and government to international relations and healthcare. The university’s partnerships with numerous organizations, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the National Institutes of Health, further enhance these opportunities.
Another unique aspect of GWU is its commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university encourages its students to participate in service learning and community service programs, as well as to engage in research and advocacy on issues related to social justice and human rights. In addition, the university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint.

George Washington University
It’s surely a good idea to look at these 36 interesting facts about George Washington University to know more about this private research university.
- George Washington University (GWU) was founded in 1821 by an act of Congress.
- The university was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- The university has three campuses in Washington D.C.: Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, and Virginia Science and Technology Campus.
- GWU is a private research university and is ranked 66th among national universities in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings.
- The university has over 28,000 students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries.
- GWU has over 3,500 faculty members and over 200,000 alumni worldwide.
- The university has 14 schools and colleges, including the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Law School, and the Elliott School of International Affairs.
- GWU has a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in over 100 fields of study.
- The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
- The acceptance rate for undergraduate applicants is approximately 39%.
- The university’s mascot is the Colonial, and its colors are buff and blue.
- GWU has an endowment of over $1.8 billion.
- The university is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference and has 27 varsity sports teams.
- The GWU campus in Foggy Bottom is located just blocks from the White House and the National Mall.
- The university’s Gelman Library has over 2 million volumes and is the largest library in the D.C. area.
- GWU has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Middle East Studies and the Institute for International Economic Policy.
- The university has a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, which allows students to participate in internships and research projects at the museum.
- GWU has a large number of international students, with over 5,000 coming from outside the U.S.
- The university’s Mount Vernon campus is located in the Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C. and is home to the university’s athletic facilities.
- The university’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus is located in Ashburn, Virginia and is home to the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
- The university has a number of notable professors, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Bob Kerrey.
- GWU has a number of notable research achievements, including the discovery of the cause of Legionnaire’s disease.
- The university has a number of study abroad programs, including programs in China, France, and Ghana.
- The university has a number of student organizations, including a debate team, a Model United Nations team, and a student-run radio station.
- GWU has a number of notable events throughout the year, including a cherry blossom ball and a charity fashion show.
- The university has a number of notable landmarks, including the university bell tower and the cherry blossom trees on the Mount Vernon campus.
- GWU has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as a campus-wide composting program and the installation of solar panels on campus buildings.
- The university has a number of notable museums and galleries on campus, including the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery and the Textile Museum.
- GWU is home to the Milken Institute School of Public Health, which is ranked 12th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development is ranked 29th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university’s Law School is ranked 22nd in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university has a number of notable centers and programs related to public policy, including the Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise and the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration.
- GWU has a number of notable centers and programs related to international affairs, including the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies and the Institute for African Studies.
- The university’s School of Business is ranked 47th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university has a number of notable programs related to the arts, including the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design and the Program in Theatre and Dance.
- The university has a number of notable programs related to engineering and technology, including the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
George Washington University is a prestigious private research university located in Washington D.C. The university has a long and rich history of academic excellence, producing many notable alumni in various fields. With a diverse student body, a wide range of degree programs, and a commitment to sustainability, public service, and inclusion, GWU continues to make a significant impact both nationally and globally. Its location in the heart of the nation’s capital provides students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and internships. Overall, George Washington University remains a top choice for students seeking a world-class education and a vibrant campus experience.