George Washington University (GWU) is a prestigious private research university located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Established in 1821, it is named after the first President of the United States, George Washington. The university occupies a unique geographic position, allowing students to benefit from the rich cultural and historical resources of the nation’s capital. GWU features a vibrant urban campus that integrates with the city, providing students with unparalleled access to various government institutions, international organizations, and cultural landmarks. The school’s location plays a significant role in its strong emphasis on public service and civic engagement, which is reflected in its diverse student body and numerous community-focused programs.

The university is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in areas such as political science, international relations, business administration, and public health. GWU prides itself on a distinguished faculty, many of whom are leading experts and practitioners in their fields. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education, enriched by real-world experiences and valuable networking opportunities. In addition to its rigorous academic environment, GWU fosters a dynamic campus culture that encourages participation in various student organizations, cultural events, and athletics. The Colonials, GWU's athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I, promoting school spirit and teamwork among students. Overall, George Washington University stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, active student life, and its pivotal location in the political and cultural heart of the United States.

Examining Trends at George Washington University

George Washington University has experienced notable trends in tuition costs and student demographics over the past decade. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $45,169 to $64,798, resulting in a significant increase of approximately 43%. This steep tuition hike reflects broader national trends in rising education costs, which can create barriers for prospective students and families.

Alongside rising costs, the university's student population has seen fluctuations, particularly in undergraduate enrollment. The total number of undergraduate students peaked in 2019 at 12,546, followed by a decline to 11,482 in 2023, a decrease of about 8.5%. This trend may indicate a challenging recruitment environment, possibly driven by both cost considerations and changing preferences for higher education.

Moreover, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has slightly shifted, with female students increasing from approximately 55% in 2014 to around 64% in 2024. This gradual rise indicates a growing trend of female participation in higher education, aligning with national averages that show more women pursuing degrees than men.

Graduation rates provide another critical insight, with the four-year graduation rate fluctuating around 73% to 79% over the same period, peaking at approximately 79% in 2023. Such rates are indicative of the university's commitment to student success, even amidst rising tuition and changing demographics.

In conclusion, while George Washington University continues to maintain a diverse student body and increasing graduation rates, the rising cost of attendance may present challenges in sustaining student enrollment levels in the years to come. The university must balance financial sustainability with accessibility to ensure a diverse and thriving academic community.

Analysis of Graduation Data at George Washington University

The graduation data from George Washington University reveals intriguing insights into the composition of degree recipients. Despite a significant diversity of programs offered, some trends are particularly noteworthy. For instance, in the field of Law, we see a remarkable output of 550 doctorate graduates, which accounts for approximately 94% of the total graduation in that discipline. This suggests that the university has positioned itself as a prominent institution for advanced legal studies, attracting a substantial number of students seeking to achieve their Doctorates in Law.

In contrast, the Medical and Health-related courses show a different pattern. Although there were no bachelor or associate degrees awarded in this category, the masters degrees awarded totaled 442, including 2 for international students, with an additional 186 doctorate degrees, with 4 being international students as well. This indicates a growing demand for advanced education in healthcare, a trend that resonates with the current global emphasis on health and medical education, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, fields such as Sociology have also demonstrated an active engagement with both domestic and international students at the master's level, highlighting the university's appeal to a diverse student body. The absence of bachelor's or associate degrees across many disciplines points towards a strategic focus on graduate studies, emphasizing professional development and specialized education.

This data not only reflects the university’s academic strengths but also corresponds with broader societal trends where advanced degrees are increasingly valued in a competitive job market. Overall, the statistics indicate that George Washington University plays a vital role in shaping the educational journeys of both domestic and international students, particularly in fields that are aligned with current global demands.

Analysis of Admission Trends at George Washington University

George Washington University has witnessed a fluctuating trend in its rankings over the past decade, with the latest ranking for 2025 standing at 63rd. This indicates a slight recovery from its 2024 position of 67th, aligning with a broader pattern of instability seen in previous years. Notably, the university experienced its highest rank of 50 in 2012, though it has since declined. Regarding admission rates, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have shown significant variation. For instance, in 2012, the acceptance rate for males was around 33%, while it peaked at approximately 48% for males in 2015. This increase corresponds with a higher enrollment figure that year, as GWU sought to boost its student numbers amid the competitive landscape of university admissions. Interestingly, despite the higher acceptance rates in some years, the university has faced increasing competition, reflected in the higher number of applicants, as evidenced by the 29,412 applications (denial rates over 50% in several years). As a result, while the university has had success in attracting fewer students with higher acceptance rates, the overall trend of increasing applicant numbers suggests that prospective students are aware of its merits. The overall trends at George Washington University highlight the complexities of university admissions, as institutions balance rankings, reputation, and demographics in their recruitment strategies. As the university seeks to enhance its standing, it will need to navigate these challenges effectively to sustain its appeal in the crowded educational landscape.

Trends in SAT Scores and Acceptance Rates at George Washington University

Over the years, the data from George Washington University reveals notable trends in SAT scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores. From 2007 to 2024, the university has experienced a fluctuation in both the number of students submitting SAT scores and the associated acceptance rates. In 2007, a remarkable 95% of applicants submitted their SAT scores, significantly contrasting with the 30% figure recorded in 2024. This decline may reflect a broader trend in higher education where test-optional policies are gaining traction, allowing students to focus on other aspects of their applications, such as extracurricular activities and personal essays.

The SAT score range for admitted students has also shown dynamic shifts. Starting from a range of 600 to 700 in reading and writing in 2007, the scores have evolved to a range of 680 to 750 in 2024. This suggests that while fewer students submit scores, those who do tend to demonstrate higher academic abilities. Moreover, the fluctuating SAT score range aligns with national trends, where colleges are seeing an increase in overall test scores among students despite the decreasing number of test takers.

Overall, the data indicates that George Washington University is adapting to changes in the education landscape, potentially altering how they evaluate applications amid shifting philosophies regarding standardized testing. This trend could impact future admissions strategies and the demographic composition of the student body, illustrating the evolving standards and practices in college admissions.

Analysis of Student Demographics at George Washington University for 2024

The data for the 2024 academic year at George Washington University reveals a diverse student body, with distinct disparities among different classifications of students. Notable observations include the gender distribution and the population makeup of each student category.

For undergraduate freshmen, there are 2,539 students with a significant majority identified as female, representing approximately 62.9% of the cohort. This trend of higher female representation persists across other classifications—with undergraduate juniors reporting 63.4% female and undergraduate transfers at 61.7% female, further showcasing a potential systemic trend within the university fostering female enrollment in undergraduate programs.

On the graduate level, the population spikes to 14,181 students, reflecting a slightly higher male representation at approximately 39.5% compared to their female peers, who account for about 60.5%. This data indicates a more balanced gender scenario at the graduate level when juxtaposed with the undergraduate genders.

While the available data does not provide specific information on racial and ethnic diversity within the graduate category, it does confirm that White students lead enrollment figures in other categories. For example, among undergraduate freshmen, there are 1,217 White students. The absence of complete demographic details may obscure a full understanding of the student body's richness in terms of cultural backgrounds and international students, roles which are increasingly vital in today's higher education landscape.

Overall, the gender distribution in various classifications shows a significant trend of female dominance, suggesting that this university appeals strongly to female students while highlighting the potential need for initiatives aimed at attracting a broader demographic across all student classifications. This is particularly relevant as discussions surround equity in higher education continue to evolve.

Student Age Composition at George Washington University in 2024

The age distribution of students at George Washington University in 2024 highlights an interesting demographic composition, showcasing a substantial emphasis on traditional college-aged students while also accommodating a diverse range of age groups.

Among the under-18 category, there are noticeably more female students compared to males, indicating a growing interest in higher education amongst younger females. As we examine the age group of 18-19, it is noteworthy that the male student population stands at around 35% of the total students, whereas females dominate this age category, with nearly 65% of the total. The trend of female enrollment continues as we progress to the 20-21 age bracket, where the ratio remains similar.

Interestingly, between ages 22-24, there is a remarkable influx of both graduate male and female students, suggesting that many students opt for advanced studies after completing their undergraduate degrees. This age group reflects a peak in graduate enrollment, with a significant male population (1283) and a female counterpart (2400), leveraging the diverse academic offerings at the university.

As we venture into older age categories, the number of students steadily decreases. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge the presence of mature students in the 25-29 age range and beyond, indicating the increasing trend of lifelong learning and the pursuit of higher education irrespective of age.

In conclusion, George Washington University's student body demonstrates a blend of youthful energy and seasoned intellect, embodying the university's commitment to inclusivity in education and fostering an environment where learners of all ages can thrive together.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at George Washington University

The international student enrollment at George Washington University (GWU) exhibits an intriguing trend over the years, reflecting changes in the global educational landscape and the institution’s attractiveness to overseas students.

From 2005 to 2024, the percentage of undergraduate international students rose significantly, from 4.23% to 8.23%. This increase highlights GWU's growing appeal among undergraduates from abroad, possibly due to the university's strong academic reputation and diverse offerings. In contrast, the percentage of international graduate students saw even more substantial fluctuations, peaking at 19.26% in 2024, up from only 12.89% in 2005. This increase mirrors a broader trend seen across American universities, where graduate programs are increasingly viewed as attractive by international applicants, especially in fields like business and technology.

The data also reveals a notable peak in international student enrollment during the years 2014 to 2017, coinciding with a period when US universities experienced a boom in international applications. However, the decline in undergraduate percentages observed in 2021 and 2022 could suggest increasing competition from other countries for international students, as well as the impact of global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which heavily influenced student mobility.

As global dynamics continue to evolve, GWU must strategize to maintain and bolster its international presence. Fostering a welcoming environment, enhancing support services for international students, and expanding outreach efforts could be vital in reversing any potential downward trends and reinforcing GWU's status as a premier choice for students worldwide.

Here are some notable universities located near George Washington University:

1. Georgetown University - Ranked 24th in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is well-known for its rigorous academic programs and its strong emphasis on public service and leadership.

2. Johns Hopkins University - With a rank of 6, Johns Hopkins is renowned for its research and high-quality education, particularly in the fields of medicine, science, and engineering.

3. University of Maryland-College Park - This public research university holds the 44th position and is recognized for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life.

4. George Mason University - Ranked 109th, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its commitment to innovative education.

5. Howard University - With a ranking of 86, Howard is a historically black university that holds a significant position in the landscape of higher education in the United States, focusing on producing leaders in various fields.

6. American University - Ranked 91st, this comprehensive university emphasizes international relations and public affairs, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, government, and social justice.

7. University of Richmond - A highly regarded liberal arts college, it is ranked 22nd and is known for its tight-knit community and commitment to experiential learning.

8. Franklin and Marshall College - This liberal arts college holds the 31st position, and is celebrated for its immersive educational experiences and strong faculty-student relationships.

These institutions enhance the academic landscape around George Washington University, providing a wealth of opportunities for collaboration and scholarly engagement.

Crime Trends at George Washington University

The crime statistics at George Washington University (GWU) over the past decade illustrate fluctuating trends in various criminal activities on and around campus. The average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked at 10.24 in 2017, showing an alarming rise compared to prior years, highlighting significant concerns about safety during that time.

In particular, arrests related to firearms have consistently made appearances in the data, and while numbers have varied, any rise in such instances raises red flags regarding campus security. The data for 2022 marked a steep decline in the overall crime rate to 3.72, which indicates GWU's administration may have successfully implemented measures to improve safety and reduce incidents. Factors contributing to this substantial drop could include enhanced campus policing, increased awareness programs about safety, and community engagement initiatives.

However, it is crucial to remain vigilant, as the data for 2023 reflects a rise to 5.70. This uptick may suggest emerging challenges that need addressing, particularly around preventing violent crimes like domestic violence and assaults, as these incidents can have lasting impacts on campus life and community trust.

Understanding these statistics and the context behind them is essential for prospective students and their families while navigating safety concerns in higher education environments. Continued monitoring and proactive measures will be vital in ensuring that crime rates do not escalate again, fostering a secure atmosphere conducive to education and personal growth.

For information on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Methodology.