Business/Commerce at George Washington University

George Washington's business program posts impressive national numbers—95th percentile for earnings—but within DC's competitive landscape, it ranks in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. That $58,373 starting salary beats the national median by $11,000, yet other DC programs match or exceed it. More striking is the debt comparison: GW graduates carry just $20,500 versus a DC median of $56,517, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 that's genuinely exceptional for a private university in an expensive city.

The catch is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates reported data, so these figures might not reflect the typical graduate's experience. Still, the debt advantage is hard to ignore. While GW's tuition runs high, these business graduates appear to be borrowing strategically or receiving substantial aid, leaving them in far better financial shape than peers at other DC institutions. That combination of competitive earnings and manageable debt suggests the program delivers solid value, even if it's not the earnings leader in the market.

For parents weighing this program, the relatively low debt provides meaningful breathing room in an expensive metro area. The 44% admission rate and strong academic profile indicate a legitimate program without ultra-selective pressure, though the 15% Pell rate suggests limited socioeconomic diversity. Just remember these numbers come from a small cohort—verify they align with current aid packages before committing.