George Washington University
Washington, DC
See what Students are Posting about George Washington University
Pulse Summary
gwu.eduProspective students discussing GWU online often highlight its prime location in Washington, D.C., strong political science and international affairs programs, and internship opportunities. Conversations frequently compare GWU to schools like American, Villanova, and Lehigh, with students weighing urban living, academic fit, and cost.
Some prospective students mention concerns about affordability and the urban campus experience, but overall, GWU is viewed as a top choice for students seeking strong academic and professional pathways in the nation's capital.
This limited analysis includes a glimpse of publicly shared online discussions during April 2025.
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Class of 2029 on Instagram
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Pulse Insights
Student Community and Social Life
Students describe a motivated and career-focused student body, with social life often centered around internships, campus organizations, and D.C. events rather than a traditional college party scene.
Many note that GWU attracts highly driven students seeking to make professional connections during college.
Academic Flexibility
GWU is praised for offering flexible academic paths, allowing students to double major, minor, or pursue interdisciplinary studies easily.
This flexibility is seen as a benefit for students wanting to blend multiple interests, especially across liberal arts and professional fields.
Internship Opportunities
Students frequently mention the abundance of internships available across government agencies, NGOs, consulting firms, and major companies.
Access to internships during the academic year, not just summer, is viewed as a major selling point of the GWU experience.
Location in Washington, D.C.
GWU's central D.C. location is consistently praised as a major advantage, offering students access to political, nonprofit, and private sector opportunities.
Many posts highlight the ability to gain real-world experience through internships during the academic year.
Affordability and Financial Aid
Cost of attendance is raised as a concern by many prospective students, especially when weighing GWU against schools offering more merit aid.
Some posts note that financial aid packages can vary significantly, making it important to compare net cost carefully.
Comparisons to Peer Schools
GWU is often compared to Villanova, American University, and Lehigh, with students weighing factors like size, academic focus, social life, and cost.
Many view GWU as offering stronger direct access to career-building opportunities, especially for politically and globally focused majors.
Political Science and International Affairs
GWU is highly regarded for its programs in political science, international relations, and public policy, attracting students interested in government and global careers.
Students emphasize that academic and career pathways in D.C. are strengthened by GWU's faculty connections and institutional reputation.
Urban Campus Life
GWU's urban, integrated campus feel is seen as a positive by some students and a drawback by others, depending on personal preference.
Several posts highlight that while GWU offers city life benefits, it lacks a traditional enclosed campus feel found at suburban universities.
