The George Washington University (GW) is a private, coeducational, non-sectarian university located in Washington, DC. Founded in 1821 as The Columbian College on land provided by former President George Washington, the University has since developed into a leading educational and research institution. The 43 acre campus, located in the city's historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood, is situated a few blocks from the White House and the rest of the National Mall. In 1999, the University acquired the Mount Vernon College for Women.

The George Washington University, which celebrated its 185th anniversary in 2006, grew out of the desire of our country's first President to establish a national institution of higher learning. When GW opened its doors in 1821 as Columbian College in the District of Columbia, it boasted three faculty members, one tutor, and 30 students.

In 1904, the name of the institution was changed to The George Washington University. Today, the University's enrollment totals more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students in nine schools. With its location in the nation's capital, the University has played host to numerous national and international dignitaries. In recent years, former Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, former Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban, and both former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton have lectured or spoken at GW.

Financial Aid

Your CPS Online education costs will differ depending on:

• Your eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, or other types of aid, such as employer reimbursement.
• The materials/software required.

Program costs are calculated by credit hour.

Many organizations offer tuition assistance to employees and, in some cases, cover 100 percent of tuition costs. Programs and policies vary among employers. Consult your personnel office to learn more about tuition assistance at your organization.

The ability to pay for your education is always an important consideration. Our Admissions Department can assist you in exploring alternative financing options. One such option is the Federal Stafford Loan. To be eligible, you must be a degree student and registered in a minimum of five credit hours in a semester.

The George Washington University is accredited by its regional accrediting agency, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University is on the approved list of the American Association of University Women and is a member of the College Board.

The Law School is a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools and is approved by the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.