The George Washington University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
GW is test-optional, but its score range shows that strong testing can still be a useful signal: students submitting SAT scores are typically in the 1360–1470 range. With a 47% admit rate, your goal should be to pair a solid application with an SAT near the upper half of that range, or an ACT around 32–33.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The George Washington University facts and stats
The George Washington University enrolls about 11,677 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. GW has a 92% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 84%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Washington, DC
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Key The George Washington University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 5
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
January 5
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional GW, aim for a first sitting by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes if a higher score could help. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last safe retake whose scores can arrive in time, while Regular Decision on January 5 leaves room for later fall testing.
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What you'll actually pay
GW is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $67,710. About 50% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $25,357. Submit the FAFSA by the January 5 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
GW’s estimated cost of attendance is $88,210, including $67,710 in tuition and fees and $20,500 for room and board. About 50% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $64,025. Merit awards average $25,357, and the Transfer Engineering Scholarship lists a 3.20+ GPA threshold for awards of $16,000 to $20,000. Students graduate with an average debt of $34,685.
Student life at The George Washington University
60% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 7% of men join fraternities, and 12% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 61.9%
SAT: 1300–1430
ACT: 29–32
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 82.8%
National Intelligence University
Washington, DCGallaudet University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 58.1%
SAT: 798–990
ACT: 14–17
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