Choosing the right university can be a challenging process as there are numerous factors to consider, such as cost, academic quality, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes. In this article, we will compare George Washington University (GW) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to help you make an informed decision.
George Washington University Overview
George Washington University (GW) is a prestigious private research university located in Washington, D.C. Established in 1821, it is the largest institution of higher education in the nation’s capital. GW offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, engineering, international affairs, and public health.
George Washington University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at GW is on the higher side as it is a private university. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students is around $58,455. This cost includes tuition, fees, housing, and dining but does not include additional expenses such as books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
George Washington University Admissions
Admissions at GW are considered competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 41% for the 2020-2021 academic year. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students ranges from 1320 to 1470, while the average ACT score is between 29 and 33.
George Washington University Degrees Offered
GW offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across ten schools and colleges, including the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Elliott School of International Affairs, and Milken Institute School of Public Health. Students can choose from over 70 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate programs.
George Washington University Academics
Academics at GW are highly regarded, with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in international affairs, political science, and public health. GW places a strong emphasis on research, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.
George Washington University Diversity
GW has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 130 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, offering various programs and resources to support underrepresented students, including the Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) and the Center for Student Engagement (CSE).
George Washington University Students
Approximately 12,000 undergraduate and 15,000 graduate students attend GW, creating a vibrant and diverse campus community. Student life at GW is heavily influenced by its location in Washington, D.C., with many students participating in internships, community service, and extracurricular activities focused on politics and public service.
George Washington University Campus
GW has an urban campus located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering students unparalleled access to various cultural, political, and professional opportunities. The campus is divided into three main areas: Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, and Virginia Science and Technology. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, and athletic facilities.
George Washington University Alumni
GW has a strong alumni network of over 300,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and actress Kerry Washington.
George Washington University Rankings
GW consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, GW is ranked #76 in National Universities and #60 in Best Value Schools.
George Washington University Outcomes
The outcomes for GW graduates are generally positive, with a six-year graduation rate of around 82% and a post-graduation employment rate of 93%. The average starting salary for GW graduates is around $60,000 per year.
Virginia Commonwealth University Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1838, VCU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, business, engineering, health sciences, and life sciences.
Virginia Commonwealth University Costs & Tuition
As a public university, VCU’s tuition is more affordable than that of private institutions like GW. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students is around $25,032, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $42,074. These costs include tuition, fees, housing, and dining but do not cover additional expenses such as books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Virginia Commonwealth University Admissions
Admissions at VCU are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 87% for the 2020-2021 academic year. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students ranges from 1020 to 1220, while the average ACT score is between 19 and 27.
Virginia Commonwealth University Degrees Offered
VCU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 11 schools and colleges, including the College of Humanities and Sciences, School of the Arts, and School of Medicine. Students can choose from various majors and minors, as well as interdisciplinary and professional programs.
Virginia Commonwealth University Academics
Academics at VCU are well-regarded, with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university is particularly known for its programs in fine arts, health sciences, and life sciences. VCU places a strong emphasis on research, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research projects across various disciplines.
Virginia Commonwealth University Diversity
VCU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and offers various programs and resources to support underrepresented students, including the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) and the Division for Inclusive Excellence.
Virginia Commonwealth University Students
Approximately 23,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students attend VCU, creating a vibrant and diverse campus community. Student life at VCU offers various opportunities for involvement, including clubs, organizations, and community service projects.
Virginia Commonwealth University Campus
VCU has an urban campus located in Richmond, Virginia, offering students access to a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as various professional opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, research facilities, libraries, and athletic facilities, as well as a variety of on-campus housing and dining options.
Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni
VCU has a strong alumni network of over 200,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include actor Boris Kodjoe, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tom Robbins, and fashion designer Steven Alan.
Virginia Commonwealth University Rankings
VCU consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, VCU is ranked #157 in National Universities and #83 in Top Public Schools.
Virginia Commonwealth University Outcomes
The outcomes for VCU graduates are generally positive, with a six-year graduation rate of around 67% and a post-graduation employment rate of 92%. The average starting salary for VCU graduates is around $48,000 per year.
George Washington University vs Virginia Commonwealth University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending George Washington University (GW) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), there is a significant difference due to their private and public nature, respectively. GW’s estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students is around $58,455, while VCU’s in-state cost is approximately $25,032 and its out-of-state cost is around $42,074.
This considerable difference in cost makes VCU a more affordable option, especially for in-state students. Both schools offer financial aid packages to eligible students, which can help reduce the overall cost of attendance.
George Washington University vs Virginia Commonwealth University Admissions Difficulty
GW has a more competitive admissions process compared to VCU. With an acceptance rate of around 41%, GW is more selective than VCU, which has an acceptance rate of approximately 87%. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are also higher at GW, indicating that it may be more challenging to gain admission to the university.
However, it’s essential to consider factors like the strength of your high school transcript, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays when applying to either institution, as they can also significantly impact your chances of admission.
George Washington University vs Virginia Commonwealth University Academic Difficulty
Both GW and VCU offer rigorous academic programs, with low student-to-faculty ratios that allow for personalized attention and support. While both schools have strong reputations for their academics, GW is particularly well-regarded for its programs in international affairs, political science, and public health, while VCU is known for its programs in fine arts, health sciences, and life sciences.
The academic difficulty at each school will vary depending on the specific program and major you choose. It’s essential to research the programs you’re interested in and consider factors like class sizes, faculty expertise, and research opportunities when making your decision.
George Washington University vs Virginia Commonwealth University Outcome Comparison
The post-graduation outcomes for graduates of GW and VCU are generally positive, with both schools boasting high employment rates and competitive starting salaries. GW has a slightly higher six-year graduation rate of 82% compared to VCU’s rate of 67%, and its graduates typically earn higher starting salaries – around $60,000 per year compared to VCU’s $48,000 per year.
While these differences in outcomes may be important to consider, it’s crucial to remember that your individual success will depend on factors like your chosen major, work experience, and networking opportunities.
In conclusion, both George Washington University and Virginia Commonwealth University offer unique and valuable opportunities for students. When choosing between the two, consider factors like cost, academic interests, location, and post-graduation outcomes to make the best decision for your future.
