George Washington University - Rankings

The George Washington University (GWU) is a prominent and prestigious institution located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering a vast array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. As the largest higher education institution in the District of Columbia, GWU has established itself as a leader in diverse academic fields, with programs spanning from the humanities and sciences to business, law, public health, and international relations. Founded in 1821, the university's location in the nation's capital provides students with unique opportunities for internships, research, and real-world experience in government, business, and other sectors.

Academic Structure and Reputation

George Washington University comprises several distinguished colleges and schools, each known for its academic rigor and commitment to excellence. The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences serves as the university’s largest and most diverse academic unit, offering programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. The School of Medicine & Health Sciences has long been a leader in medical education, research, and clinical practice. The Law School, one of the oldest in the country, offers robust programs in both traditional and specialized areas of law. The School of Engineering & Applied Science has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, providing students with advanced technical education in engineering, computer science, and related fields.

In addition to these core programs, GWU is home to a number of other specialized schools, including the Graduate School of Education & Human Development, the School of Business, the Elliott School of International Affairs, and the School of Public Health & Health Services. The university’s emphasis on graduate and professional education is underscored by the high rankings of its specialized programs, which consistently place among the top in the nation and globally.

GWU is also a leader in public policy and political affairs. Given its location in Washington, D.C., the university has built a reputation for fostering connections between academia and the political world, making it a hub for students interested in government, international relations, and public service. Its Elliott School of International Affairs is one of the top programs of its kind, providing students with opportunities to engage in global diplomacy, international development, and foreign service. Similarly, the School of Public Health & Health Services prepares students for careers focused on improving public health systems and addressing health disparities, both locally and globally.

Notable Alumni and Influence

The George Washington University has produced a remarkable list of alumni who have gone on to excel in various fields, contributing significantly to public service, business, law, and other sectors. Notable GW alumni include William Greenleaf Eliot, the founder of Washington University in St. Louis; Patricia Roberts Harris, former director at IBM and a significant political figure; and Douglas Steenland, the former CEO of Northwest Airlines. These individuals represent just a small sample of GWU's distinguished alumni, who have made significant contributions to the world of politics, business, law, and academia.

In the realm of politics, Jean Carnahan, a former U.S. senator from Missouri, and Jeremiah Denton, a former U.S. senator from Alabama, both had notable careers in the U.S. Congress. John Warner, the long-serving U.S. senator from Virginia, also attended GWU, further highlighting the university's role in shaping influential political figures. The university’s graduates often go on to work in Washington, D.C., within various branches of government, advocacy organizations, law firms, and international agencies.

Rankings and Global Recognition

The George Washington University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and around the world. In U.S. News & World Report's rankings for 2012, GWU was placed 50th among the National Universities, a testament to its strong academic programs and diverse student body. In addition to its overall ranking, many of the university's specialized programs enjoy national and global recognition.

For example, the university's public affairs graduate studies programs were ranked 14th in the nation, and the School of Law was ranked 28th. The School of Public Health and Health Services ranked 19th, while the Graduate School of Education and Human Development was placed 34th among graduate programs. The GWU Law School is particularly renowned for its intellectual property program, which has been ranked No. 3 for several years, and its international law program, which ranks No. 8. The university’s environmental law program was also highly regarded, ranking 16th in the country.

The university’s rankings reflect its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and its leadership in important areas such as public policy, health services, and law. GWU’s proximity to federal agencies, think tanks, and international organizations makes it a unique environment for students interested in political science, international affairs, public health, and related fields. This strategic location gives students access to internships, job opportunities, and networking prospects that are hard to match anywhere else in the world.

In global rankings, George Washington University is ranked 262nd in the QS World University Rankings™ (2009), reflecting its international reputation. The university’s diverse student body, global connections, and strong research output contribute to its prominence on the world stage. GWU is especially well-regarded for its research in political science, international relations, law, public health, and business, which allows students to engage with important issues on a global scale.

Business School and International Programs

The School of Business at GWU is one of the most well-known business schools in the United States, particularly for its international programs. According to Financial Times (January 2009), the business school’s graduate programs were ranked 7th in the world for their international programs, reflecting the university's global orientation and commitment to providing students with opportunities to study business on an international scale. The school was ranked 48th overall in the United States and 85th globally, underscoring its strong reputation in the field of business education.

In addition to its global rankings, the School of Business is highly regarded for its focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The Aspen Institute/Beyond Grey Pinstripes rankings (2007-2008) placed the business school’s graduate-level programs second worldwide among small schools (those with fewer than 100 students enrolled). This recognition highlights the school’s innovative approach to business education, which emphasizes both the traditional principles of management and the importance of ethical decision-making in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing world.

Student Life and Campus Environment

George Washington University is also known for its vibrant campus life and active student body. The university was ranked 2nd in the nation for “Most Politically Active Students” and 20th for “Happiest Students” in the Princeton Review's The Best 368 Colleges (2009). This indicates that students at GWU are not only academically engaged but also deeply involved in social, political, and extracurricular activities. The university’s location in Washington, D.C., provides students with unparalleled access to political events, protests, and opportunities to work with advocacy groups and governmental agencies.

The university’s campus is a dynamic and diverse environment where students can pursue a wide range of interests, from activism and public service to entrepreneurship and the arts. The proximity to the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and numerous cultural and historical landmarks also ensures that GWU students are constantly exposed to new ideas and opportunities to engage with the world around them.

Conclusion

The George Washington University stands out as one of the most prestigious and influential universities in the United States. Its academic programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation, particularly in areas such as public affairs, law, business, and public health. The university’s proximity to the political and cultural heart of the nation, Washington, D.C., provides students with unique opportunities to engage in internships, research, and professional experiences that are difficult to match anywhere else.

With a rich history, notable alumni, and a commitment to academic excellence, GWU continues to prepare students to become leaders in their fields, whether in government, business, law, public health, or other critical areas. The university's global impact, its dedication to fostering diverse perspectives, and its strong academic offerings make it one of the premier institutions for higher education in the world today.