Deciding between schools can be an overwhelming task, especially when they are both highly regarded institutions like George Washington University (GW) and University of Washington – Seattle (UW-Seattle). In this article, we’ll compare the two schools on various important factors, such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
GW Overview
George Washington University, a private research university located in Washington, D.C., offers students a unique blend of urban campus life and access to various government and international institutions. Founded in 1821, GW is known for its strong programs in political science, international affairs, and public health.
GW Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at GW for the 2021-2022 academic year is estimated at $54,538 for undergraduate tuition and fees. Additionally, the average cost for room and board is $14,140. However, financial aid and scholarships are available to assist students in affording their education.
GW Admissions
Admission to GW is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 43%. Prospective students should have a strong academic background, as well as extracurricular involvement and strong application essays. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1280 and 1460 and an ACT score between 29 and 33.
GW Degrees Offered
GW offers a wide variety of degrees through its various schools and colleges, including the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Science, and the Elliott School of International Affairs, among others.
GW Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, GW students can expect personalized attention from their professors. Some popular majors at the university include international relations, business administration, and political science. Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships and research opportunities in the Washington, D.C., area.
GW Diversity
The student body at GW is diverse, with students representing all 50 states and over 130 countries. Approximately 44% of the undergraduate population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority.
GW Students
GW enrolls approximately 12,000 undergraduate students and 15,000 graduate students. Students at GW are known for being politically active and engaged in their surrounding community.
GW Campus
The urban campus of GW is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington D.C., just a few blocks from the White House. The campus offers a wide variety of housing options, dining facilities, and recreational opportunities for students.
GW Alumni
Notable alumni from GW include former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Emmy Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin.
GW Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks GW as #80 in National Universities for 2021.
GW Outcomes
The average starting salary for GW graduates is $58,600, and 82% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
UW-Seattle Overview
The University of Washington – Seattle, a public research university located in Seattle, Washington, is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and health sciences. Founded in 1861, UW-Seattle’s picturesque campus is situated between Lake Washington and Lake Union.
UW-Seattle Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees for Washington residents at UW-Seattle are estimated at $11,745, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $39,114. Room and board costs average $13,296. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help students afford their education.
UW-Seattle Admissions
Admission to UW-Seattle is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 49%. Prospective students should have a strong academic background, as well as extracurricular involvement and strong application essays. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1190 and 1440 and an ACT score between 27 and 33.
UW-Seattle Degrees Offered
UW-Seattle offers a wide variety of degrees through its various schools and colleges, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, the School of Public Health, and the Michael G. Foster School of Business, among others.
UW-Seattle Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, UW-Seattle students can expect a larger class size compared to GW. Some popular majors at the university include computer science, biology, and engineering. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research and internships in the Seattle area.
UW-Seattle Diversity
The student body at UW-Seattle is diverse, with students representing all 50 states and over 100 countries. Approximately 45% of the undergraduate population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority.
UW-Seattle Students
UW-Seattle enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate students and 15,000 graduate students. Students at UW-Seattle are known for being environmentally conscious and engaged in their surrounding community.
UW-Seattle Campus
UW-Seattle’s 703-acre campus offers a mix of urban and natural environments, with a variety of housing options, dining facilities, and recreational opportunities for students.
UW-Seattle Alumni
Notable alumni from UW-Seattle include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, former U.S. Senator Patty Murray, and professional basketball player Isaiah Thomas.
UW-Seattle Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks UW-Seattle as #58 in National Universities for 2021.
UW-Seattle Outcome
The average starting salary for UW-Seattle graduates is $54,300, and 83% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
GW vs UW-Seattle Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending GW and UW-Seattle, it’s important to consider both tuition and living expenses. For in-state students, UW-Seattle is significantly more affordable, with a total estimated cost of around $25,041 per year for tuition, fees, and room and board. For out-of-state students, the difference in cost is less pronounced but still favors UW-Seattle at around $52,410 per year. GW, on the other hand, has an estimated total cost of $68,678 per year for tuition, fees, and room and board. However, both schools offer financial aid packages and scholarships to help offset these costs, so it’s essential to factor in any potential aid when making a decision.
GW vs UW-Seattle Admissions Difficulty
Both GW and UW-Seattle have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 43% and 49%, respectively. While the acceptance rates are similar, the middle 50% range of SAT and ACT scores for admitted students is slightly higher at GW, indicating that the admissions standards may be a bit more stringent. However, both schools value a strong academic background, extracurricular involvement, and well-written application essays, so it’s essential to focus on all aspects of the application process.
GW vs UW-Seattle Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor at both GW and UW-Seattle is high, with both schools offering strong programs in various fields. The student-to-faculty ratio at GW (13:1) is lower than that at UW-Seattle (19:1), which may indicate smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors at GW. However, both schools provide opportunities for research, internships, and experiential learning, so students at either institution can expect a challenging and rewarding academic experience.
GW vs UW-Seattle Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both GW and UW-Seattle can expect positive outcomes in terms of employment and further education. The average starting salary for GW graduates ($58,600) is slightly higher than that for UW-Seattle graduates ($54,300). Additionally, 82% of GW graduates and 83% of UW-Seattle graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. These outcomes indicate that both schools provide a strong foundation for their students’ future endeavors.
