George Washington University & American University Research
gwu_american.md
George Washington University & American University Research
George Washington University (GWU)
Overview
- Location: Washington, DC (Foggy Bottom campus, near State Dept and World Bank)
- Type: Private research university, R1
- Undergrad enrollment: ~11,677
- Conference: Atlantic 10 (NCAA Division I)
Admissions (Class of 2028)
- Total applicants: 27,006
- Acceptance rate: 47.1%
- ED acceptance rate: 66.3% (1,139 applied, 755 admitted)
- Early rounds: ED I (Nov 1), ED II (Jan 5); no EA
- Enrolled class: 2,459 first-year + 258 transfers
- Yield rate: 19.3%
- Testing: Test-optional (64% applied test-optional)
- SAT middle 50: 1360-1470 (mean 1409)
- ACT middle 50: 30-33 (mean 32)
- Average GPA: 3.66
- Top 10% of HS class: 40%; top quartile 73%
Demographics (Undergraduate)
| Group | Pct |
|---|---|
| White | 50% |
| Asian | 12% |
| Hispanic | 12% |
| International | 11% |
| Black | 8% |
| Multiracial | 5% |
| Women | 63% |
Net Price by Income (Title IV recipients)
| Income Bracket | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $17,614 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $17,924 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $22,287 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $29,282 |
| $110,000+ | $46,572 |
Athletics
- NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10 Conference
- 20+ varsity teams, ~458 student-athletes (3.9% of undergrads)
Notable
- Prime DC location is the defining feature — walkable to State Dept, World Bank, IMF, K Street lobbying corridor
- Strong programs: International affairs, political science, public policy, media/journalism
- Class of 2028 had 7% international students; 25.7% underrepresented minorities
- Competes with Georgetown for DC-area policy-oriented students
American University (AU)
Overview
- Location: Washington, DC (Northwest DC, Embassy Row area)
- Type: Private research university
- Undergrad enrollment: ~7,453
- Conference: Patriot League (NCAA Division I)
Admissions (Class of 2028)
- Total applicants: ~17,200
- Acceptance rate: 61.8%
- ED acceptance rate: ~80% (726 applied, 579 admitted)
- Early rounds: ED I (Nov 15), ED II (Jan 15), non-restrictive EA (Nov 15)
- Enrolled class: ~1,660 first-year students
- Yield rate: ~15%
- Testing: Test-optional (~1/3 submitted scores)
- SAT middle 50: 1300-1430
- ACT middle 50: 29-32
- Average GPA: 3.77 (middle 50: 3.57-4.02)
- Top 10% of HS class: Not reported (class rank not considered)
Demographics (Undergraduate)
| Group | Pct |
|---|---|
| White | 51% |
| International | 15% |
| Hispanic | 12% |
| Black | 8% |
| Asian | 7% |
| Multiracial | 4% |
| Women | 62% |
Net Price by Income (Title IV recipients)
| Income Bracket | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $28,432 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $22,578 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $33,158 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $37,117 |
| $110,000+ | $54,404 |
Note: AU's net cost for lowest-income bracket ($28K) is notably higher than GWU's ($18K), suggesting less generous need-based aid for the poorest students.
Athletics
- NCAA Division I, Patriot League
- 16 varsity teams, ~372 student-athletes (5.0% of undergrads)
Notable
- Strong programs: International relations (School of International Service), public affairs, political science, communications
- Very high international student percentage (15%)
- ~34% of Class of 2028 filled through ED
- Acceptance rate has risen significantly (from 40.6% in 2022 to 61.8% in 2024)
- Low yield (15%) reflects intense competition with Georgetown, GWU, and other DC-area schools
Comparison: GWU vs American
| Metric | GWU | American |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 47.1% | 61.8% |
| SAT middle 50 | 1360-1470 | 1300-1430 |
| Class size | 2,459 | 1,660 |
| Yield | 19.3% | 15% |
| ED rate | 66.3% | 80% |
| Undergrad enrollment | 11,677 | 7,453 |
| International % | 11% | 15% |
| Women % | 63% | 62% |
Both are DC-centric private universities drawing students interested in government, policy, and international affairs. GWU is more selective with a larger student body and stronger brand recognition. American has a higher international student population and more accessible admissions.
Sources
- GWU CDS 2024-2025: irp.gwu.edu
- GWU Hatchet (Class of 2028 data)
- College Factual (demographics, net price)
- CollegeVine, College Transitions, Ivy Coach (admissions stats)
- IPEDS/College Scorecard data via College Factual
- NCAA/Atlantic 10/Patriot League (athletics)