In this analysis, we will compare two renowned institutions – George Washington University (GW) and Virginia Tech. We will explore various aspects of both schools, such as cost, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes to help students make informed decisions about their college journeys.
George Washington University (GW) Overview
George Washington University, founded in 1821, is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. GW offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its ten schools and colleges. These schools include the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the Elliott School of International Affairs.
GW Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at George Washington University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $76,840, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, and other school-related expenses. Around 46% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
GW Admissions
GW has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 41% for the Fall 2020 term. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores ranged from 1280 to 1460, while ACT scores were between 29 and 33. In addition to standardized test scores, the university also considers other factors such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.
GW Degrees Offered
George Washington University offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and 200 graduate programs across its ten schools and colleges. Popular undergraduate majors include International Relations, Business, and Political Science. At the graduate level, popular programs include Business Administration, International Affairs, and Law.
GW Academics
GW is known for its strong emphasis on research, public service, and global engagement. The university has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with an average class size of 28 students. Additionally, 78% of classes have fewer than 30 students, ensuring a more personalized learning experience.
GW Diversity
George Washington University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The undergraduate student body is 56% female and 44% male, with 40% of students identifying as an ethnic minority. GW also boasts a significant international student population, with around 11% of students coming from outside the United States.
GW Students
There are over 12,000 undergraduate and 15,000 graduate students at GW, representing all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The university offers over 300 student organizations and clubs, providing ample opportunities for students to engage with their peers and pursue their interests outside the classroom.
GW Campus
GW’s urban campus is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., providing students with unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences. The university has two main campuses: Foggy Bottom, which is home to most of the undergraduate programs, and the Mount Vernon Campus, a smaller, more residential campus located a few miles away.
GW Alumni
George Washington University boasts a strong alumni network of over 300,000 individuals, many of whom hold prominent positions in government, business, and academia. Notable alumni include U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and journalist Bob Woodward.
GW Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks George Washington University as #80 in National Universities and #57 in Best Value Schools for 2021.
GW Outcomes
Graduates of George Washington University enjoy strong employment outcomes, with 91% of the Class of 2019 employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for GW graduates is $57,900.
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech, founded in 1872, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The university offers over 110 undergraduate degree programs and 170 graduate programs across its nine colleges. These colleges include the College of Engineering, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Pamplin College of Business.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Virginia Tech for the 2021-2022 academic year is $26,980 for in-state students and $47,590 for out-of-state students, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Approximately 62% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Virginia Tech has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 70% for the Fall 2020 term. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores ranged from 1180 to 1390, while ACT scores were between 25 and 31. In addition to standardized test scores, the university also considers factors such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields. Popular undergraduate majors include Engineering, Business, and Biology. At the graduate level, popular programs include Engineering, Business Administration, and Education.
Virginia Tech Academics
Virginia Tech is known for its strong focus on research, experiential learning, and community engagement. The university has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with an average class size of 29 students. Moreover, 57% of classes have fewer than 30 students, providing a more personalized learning experience.
Virginia Tech Diversity
Virginia Tech is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The undergraduate student body is 57% male and 43% female, with 29% of students identifying as an ethnic minority. Additionally, around 6% of students come from outside the United States.
Virginia Tech Students
There are over 29,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students at Virginia Tech, representing all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university offers over 700 student organizations and clubs, providing many opportunities for students to engage with their peers and pursue their interests outside the classroom.
Virginia Tech Campus
Virginia Tech’s picturesque campus is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, providing a beautiful, serene setting for students to live and learn. The university has a strong emphasis on sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in campus conservation and green building initiatives.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Virginia Tech boasts a robust alumni network of over 260,000 individuals, many of whom hold prominent positions in industry, government, and academia. Notable alumni include NASA astronaut Charles Camarda, former U.S. Senator Mark Warner, and Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC’s “Today” show.
Virginia Tech Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Virginia Tech as #74 in National Universities and #37 in Top Public Schools for 2021.
Virginia Tech Outcomes
Graduates of Virginia Tech enjoy strong employment outcomes, with 84% of the Class of 2019 employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Virginia Tech graduates is $62,300.
George Washington University vs Virginia Tech Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance for George Washington University and Virginia Tech, it’s essential to consider the differences in tuition rates and expenses. GW, as a private university, has a higher cost of attendance at $76,840, while Virginia Tech, a public university, has a more affordable rate for in-state students at $26,980 and a slightly lower rate for out-of-state students at $47,590.
Both universities offer financial aid packages to help make education more affordable. At GW, 46% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, while at Virginia Tech, 62% of students receive aid. While the sticker price may be higher for GW, some students may find that financial aid packages make attending the university more feasible.
George Washington University vs Virginia Tech Admissions Difficulty
George Washington University and Virginia Tech both have competitive admissions processes, but GW is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 41%, compared to Virginia Tech’s 70% acceptance rate. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT and ACT scores are also higher at GW, indicating a more competitive applicant pool.
However, both universities consider multiple factors in their admissions processes, including high school GPA, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and more. Prospective students should thoroughly research each university’s admissions requirements and consider their own academic and personal strengths when deciding where to apply.
George Washington University vs Virginia Tech Academic Difficulty
Both George Washington University and Virginia Tech offer rigorous academic programs across various disciplines. The average class sizes at both universities are similar, with 28 students at GW and 29 students at Virginia Tech. Both schools have a strong focus on research and experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on projects and collaborate with faculty.
The academic difficulty of each university will depend on the specific program of study and the student’s individual strengths and interests. Prospective students should research the academic offerings at each university and consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, and available resources when determining which school best aligns with their goals.
George Washington University vs Virginia Tech Outcome Comparison
Both George Washington University and Virginia Tech have strong employment outcomes for their graduates. GW reports a 91% employment or further education rate within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $57,900. In contrast, Virginia Tech reports an 84% rate and an average starting salary of $62,300.
While both universities boast strong alumni networks and successful graduates, it’s essential to consider factors such as individual career goals, industry connections, and location when comparing outcomes. George Washington University’s location in Washington, D.C., may provide more opportunities for students interested in government, international affairs, and public service, while Virginia Tech’s strong emphasis on engineering and technology may be advantageous for students pursuing careers in those fields.
