George Washington University (GWU) vs Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

George Washington University (GWU) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) stand as two distinct academic institutions, each offering unique opportunities and experiences to their students. GWU, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 38%, while NSU, situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers a more accessible route to higher education with an acceptance rate of 68%. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in their popular majors, with GWU excelling in fields like political science and international affairs, and NSU specializing in programs such as nursing and health professions. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
George Washington University logo

George Washington University

Nova Southeastern University logo

Nova Southeastern University

Overview

Location Washington, District of Columbia Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Trimester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 91.0% 78.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 49.7% 92.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $80

Graduate: $80
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1310 - 1490 1040 - 1310
ACT range 30 - 34 20 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 29.0% 42.0%
Students submitting ACT score 18.0% 17.0%
Total number of applicants 27,236 11,749
Total number of admissions given out 13,539 10,868
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,571 1,672
Yield rate 19.0% 15.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $78,335 $57,175
Average net price $31,240 $26,530
Tuition $59,780 $33,510
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $15,260

Meal plan: $3,240
Room/dormitory: $10,944

Meal plan: $3,190
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

74.0%
Average amount $31,678
100.0%
Average amount $23,747
Students receiving federal student loan 30.0%
Average amount $5,150
45.0%
Average amount $5,272
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $25,366
7.0%
Average amount $14,731

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 11,502
Men 36.3% Women 63.7%
6,637
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
Graduate students 14,955
Men 38.1% Women 61.9%
14,261
Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 98.7% N/A
International students 11.6% 3.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 6,693 2,049
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New York New Jersey Virginia California Pennsylvania N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Legal Profession
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 83.7% 60.5%
Dropout rate 16.1% 5.4%
Transferred out N/A 33.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Systems Engineering (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $160,692
  • Year 2: $146,893
  • Year 3: $153,607
Human Resources Management and Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $124,764
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $130,306
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $124,241
  • Year 2: $127,142
  • Year 3: $127,952
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $107,834
  • Year 2: $114,046
  • Year 3: $119,393
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,809
  • Year 2: $101,072
  • Year 3: $112,813
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,922
  • Year 2: $104,061
  • Year 3: $111,679
Public Health (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $84,962
  • Year 2: $104,192
  • Year 3: $105,816
Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $104,747
  • Year 2: $96,405
  • Year 3: $105,562
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,274
  • Year 2: $101,254
  • Year 3: $103,350
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,345
  • Year 2: $83,177
  • Year 3: $102,875
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $122,573
  • Year 2: $176,775
  • Year 3: $195,076
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $166,493
  • Year 2: $166,905
  • Year 3: $169,931
Information Science/Studies (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $117,731
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $129,964
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,302
  • Year 2: $112,701
  • Year 3: $117,811
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,664
  • Year 2: $114,892
  • Year 3: $116,799
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,520
  • Year 2: $100,224
  • Year 3: $110,420
Dentistry (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,409
  • Year 2: $104,935
  • Year 3: $109,861
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,905
  • Year 2: $92,040
  • Year 3: $100,946
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,562
  • Year 2: $87,235
  • Year 3: $96,127
Optometry (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,752
  • Year 2: $88,588
  • Year 3: $94,659

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in location between George Washington University (GWU) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU)?

    GWU is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering students unparalleled access to government, international organizations, and cultural institutions. NSU is situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, providing a more suburban environment with proximity to beaches, recreational activities, and a growing business sector.

  • How do the academic programs compare at GWU and NSU?

    GWU is renowned for its strong programs in international affairs, political science, law, and journalism, leveraging its location in the nation's capital. NSU offers a wide range of programs, with particular strengths in health sciences, marine biology, and business, often emphasizing experiential learning and practical application.

  • What is the typical student body like at each university?

    GWU attracts a diverse student body, with a significant number of students interested in public service, policy, and international relations. NSU also has a diverse student body, with a focus on health sciences and a strong representation of students from Florida and other parts of the United States, as well as international students.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between GWU and NSU?

    Generally, GWU has a higher overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, reflecting its location and resources. NSU's cost of attendance is typically lower, though this can vary depending on the specific program and financial aid received. It's important to check the most current tuition and fees on each university's website.

  • What are the research opportunities like at GWU and NSU?

    GWU offers extensive research opportunities, particularly in areas related to its location, such as political science, international affairs, and public health. Students have access to numerous research centers and institutes. NSU provides strong research opportunities, especially in marine biology, health sciences, and business, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and research centers.

  • How do the campus environments differ?

    GWU's campus is integrated into the urban landscape of Washington, D.C., with buildings spread throughout the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. This provides easy access to the city's resources but may lack a traditional, enclosed campus feel. NSU has a more traditional, suburban campus with a centralized layout, offering a more contained and campus-focused experience.

  • What are the career services like at each university?

    Both universities offer robust career services. GWU's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with opportunities in government, international organizations, and non-profits, given its location. NSU's career services focus on health sciences, business, and other fields relevant to the South Florida job market, with a strong emphasis on internships and practical experience.

  • How do the extracurricular activities and student life compare?

    GWU offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, and access to the cultural and social events of Washington, D.C. NSU provides a vibrant student life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and recreational activities, including access to beaches and outdoor recreation in South Florida.

  • What are the admission requirements like at GWU and NSU?

    Admission requirements vary by program, but both universities generally require a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Specific requirements can be found on each university's admissions website.

  • Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as international relations or marine biology?

    GWU is an excellent choice for students interested in international relations, political science, and related fields, given its location and strong programs. NSU is a better choice for students interested in marine biology, health sciences, and related fields, due to its specialized programs and location near the ocean.

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