In this article, we will compare two renowned educational institutions: Baruch College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, and George Washington University (GW) in Washington, D.C. We will analyze various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, to provide an unbiased comparison to help prospective students make an informed decision.
Baruch Overview
Baruch College, officially known as the Bernard M. Baruch College, is a public college located in New York City. It is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including business, public affairs, arts, and sciences. Baruch is known for its strong emphasis on business and public affairs and is ranked among the top colleges in the United States.
Baruch Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, Baruch College offers affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the academic year 2021-2022, the estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students were $7,462, while out-of-state students paid $19,302. Graduate tuition and fees for in-state students were $11,570, and for out-of-state students, it was $21,000. It is important to note that these costs do not include room and board, books, or other expenses.
Baruch Admissions
Baruch College has a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of around 39%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1190 to 1350, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 25 to 30. Baruch also evaluates applicants based on their high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular activities. To apply, students must submit their high school transcript, standardized test scores, and a personal statement.
Baruch Degrees Offered
Baruch College offers over 60 undergraduate majors and minors and more than 35 graduate programs. The college is divided into three schools: the Zicklin School of Business, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. The Zicklin School of Business is the largest and most well-known, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as finance, marketing, and management.
Baruch Academics
Baruch College is consistently ranked among the top public colleges in the United States for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of business and public affairs. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, ensuring that students have access to personalized attention from professors. Baruch students have the opportunity to participate in research, internships, and study abroad programs, further enhancing their educational experience.
Baruch Diversity
Baruch College is a diverse institution, with students representing over 170 countries and speaking more than 130 languages. The college has a student body that is 43% Asian, 23% White, 23% Hispanic, and 8% Black. Baruch offers various resources and programs to support its diverse student population, including multicultural clubs, academic support services, and events promoting cultural understanding.
Baruch Students
Baruch College enrolls over 18,000 students, with more than 15,000 undergraduate students and nearly 3,000 graduate students. The college offers a vibrant campus life with over 130 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved in the campus community, pursue their passions, and develop leadership skills.
Baruch Campus
Baruch College is located in the bustling Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan, providing students with easy access to the many cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that New York City has to offer. The college’s campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Vertical Campus, which houses classrooms, faculty offices, and student services under one roof.
Baruch Alumni
Baruch College has a strong alumni network of over 135,000 graduates, many of whom hold leadership positions in various industries, including business, government, and non-profit organizations. Alumni have access to various resources, such as networking events, professional development workshops, and mentorship programs, to support their professional growth after graduation.
Baruch Rankings
Baruch College consistently ranks among the top public colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Baruch is ranked #20 in Regional Universities North and #5 in Top Public Schools in the same category. The Zicklin School of Business is also highly regarded, ranking #57 in Best Undergraduate Business Programs nationally.
Baruch Outcomes
Graduates of Baruch College have a strong record of success in the job market and in continuing their education. According to the college’s website, 81% of Baruch graduates are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, Baruch ranks #1 in the nation for social mobility, as reported by CollegeNET’s 2020 Social Mobility Index, demonstrating the college’s ability to help students from various socioeconomic backgrounds succeed in their careers.
GW Overview
George Washington University (GW) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. Established in 1821, GW offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, international affairs, and public health. With its prime location in the nation’s capital, GW provides students with unique opportunities to engage with government, non-profit organizations, and multinational corporations.
GW Costs & Tuition
As a private university, GW has a higher tuition rate than public institutions like Baruch College. For the academic year 2021-2022, the estimated undergraduate tuition and fees at GW were $58,550. Graduate tuition and fees vary by program but generally range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. These costs do not include room and board, books, or other expenses.
GW Admissions
GW has a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of around 41%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1280 to 1460, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 29 to 33. In addition to test scores and high school GPA, GW evaluates applicants based on their extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. To apply, students must submit their high school transcript, standardized test scores, and a personal statement.
GW Degrees Offered
George Washington University offers over 75 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate programs across ten schools and colleges. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors at GW include international affairs, political science, business administration, and psychology. The university is particularly well-known for its offerings in international affairs, public health, and political science.
GW Academics
GW is known for its strong academic programs and faculty expertise, particularly in the fields of international affairs, public health, and political science. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, ensuring that students have access to personalized attention from professors. Students at GW can take advantage of research opportunities, internships in the D.C. area, and study abroad programs to enhance their educational experience.
GW Diversity
George Washington University has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 U.S. states and more than 130 countries. The university’s undergraduate enrollment is 40% White, 14% Asian, 13% Hispanic, 7% Black, and 26% international students. GW is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus through various programs, resources, and events aimed at creating a welcoming environment for all students.
GW Students
GW has a total enrollment of over 26,000 students, including more than 12,000 undergraduate students and over 14,000 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life with over 450 student clubs and organizations, providing students with ample opportunities to get involved in the campus community, develop leadership skills, and pursue their passions.
GW Campus
George Washington University’s main campus is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., just a few blocks from the White House and the National Mall. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as state-of-the-art facilities for academics, research, and student life. GW’s location in the nation’s capital offers students unique opportunities to engage with government, non-profit organizations, and multinational corporations.
GW Alumni
GW boasts a strong alumni network of over 300,000 graduates worldwide, many of whom hold leadership positions in various industries, including government, business, and non-profit organizations. Alumni have access to various resources, such as networking events, professional development workshops, and career services, to support their professional growth after graduation.
GW Rankings
George Washington University is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, GW is ranked #76 in National Universities and #49 in Best Colleges for Veterans. GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs is also highly regarded, ranking #9 in Best Undergraduate International Business Programs nationally.
GW Outcomes
Graduates of George Washington University have a strong record of success in the job market and in continuing their education. According to the university’s website, 91% of GW graduates are employed, in graduate school, or participating in a gap year experience within six months of graduation. Additionally, GW ranks #50 in the nation for social mobility, as reported by CollegeNET’s 2020 Social Mobility Index, demonstrating the university’s ability to help students from various socioeconomic backgrounds succeed in their careers.
Baruch vs GW Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Baruch College and George Washington University, it is clear that Baruch offers a more affordable option, particularly for in-state students. With undergraduate tuition and fees of $7,462 for in-state students and $19,302 for out-of-state students, Baruch’s costs are significantly lower than GW’s undergraduate tuition and fees of $58,550. However, students should consider other factors, such as financial aid, scholarships, and the overall return on investment, when making their decision.
Baruch vs GW Admissions Difficulty
Both Baruch College and George Washington University have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 39% and 41%, respectively. The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students are slightly higher at GW, indicating that it may be slightly more difficult to gain admission. However, both schools evaluate applicants holistically, considering factors such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements in addition to test scores.
Baruch vs GW Academic Difficulty
In terms of academic rigor, both Baruch and GW are known for their strong academic programs and faculty expertise. Both institutions have programs that are highly ranked nationally, such as Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business and GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs. While the level of academic difficulty may vary by program, students at both schools will likely face challenging coursework and high expectations from their professors.
Baruch vs GW Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Baruch College and George Washington University have strong records of success in the job market and in continuing their education. While GW reports a slightly higher rate of employment and graduate school enrollment within six months of graduation (91% vs 81%), Baruch ranks higher in terms of social mobility (#1 vs #50), indicating its ability to help students from various socioeconomic backgrounds succeed in their careers. Ultimately, the outcomes for graduates of both schools will depend on factors such as individual effort, networking, and participation in internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
