George Washington University (GWU) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1821, it operates as an independent institution funded primarily through tuition, donations, and research grants rather than state government support.
As a private university, GWU has greater autonomy in setting tuition fees, admissions criteria, and academic programs compared to public universities. It is known for its strong emphasis on political science, international affairs, and law, leveraging its proximity to key U.S. government institutions.