Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.2%
- Retention Rate
- 91.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $90,873
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,449
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineering. | Doctoral | $146,893 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $127,142 | $61,789 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $114,046 | $61,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Doctoral | $106,421 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $104,192 | $41,000 |
| Public Health. | Certificate | $104,192 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,061 | $139,995 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $101,964 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,254 | $52,641 |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $101,072 | $37,964 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $97,959 | $61,345 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $96,405 | $40,193 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $92,124 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $88,448 |
Outcomes Overview
GW graduates earn a median of $90,873 ten years out, placing them well above the national average for college graduates. The typical monthly loan payment of $217 represents just 2.9% of median earnings, making debt manageable for most alumni. With a median debt of $20,449, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23, indicating strong financial returns. The university's DC location feeds directly into high-paying government, consulting, and lobbying careers. Many alumni leverage their political science and international affairs backgrounds for positions on Capitol Hill, at think tanks, and in federal agencies. The 93.6% employment rate reflects strong industry connections. Despite the steep sticker price, GW delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.