Do You. Do It All. Do It Here.
A Washington College education offers students the chance to pursue their passions and work closely with faculty to craft an education that’s just right for them. Fellowship and funding opportunities give student researchers a chance to shine, and a welcoming community means students never feel like just another face in the crowd. Washington College keeps the spotlight on its students and the focus on their future.
History
Founded in 1782 under the patronage of George Washington, Washington College was the first college chartered in the new nation. General George Washington lent his name, donated 50 guineas to the College’s founding, and served on its first Board of Visitors and Governors in the interest of cultivating responsible citizen-leaders. The times may have changed, but Washington College’s goal of producing well-rounded students with the ability to lead the way has not.
Student profile
Students have an average GPA of 3.6 and average SAT score of around 1200. Thirty percent of students were members of the National Honor Society. Students of color make up 18% of the student body, and international students from 29 countries constitute 9% of all undergraduates.
Washington College students are strongly involved in campus life, taking part in 18 Division III varsity sports, eight intramural sports teams, 11 club sports, and more than 80 student organizations. The student body completes 5,000 hours of community service annually.
Alumni excellence
Washington College’s interdisciplinary approach to education leaves graduates uniquely qualified to succeed no matter their chosen path. With 65% of students conducting internships and another 14% participating in practicums or student teaching, almost three-quarters of students have work experience when they graduate. Eighty-eight percent of Washington College students are employed or in graduate school nine months after graduation, and 37% of mid-career alumni hold executive leadership positions in government, business, and nonprofit organizations and institutions.
Financial aid
Last year, 75% of students were awarded merit-based scholarships and/or need-based financial aid. All admitted National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society students with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or better receive at least $18,000 in merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships range from $18,000—$30,000. Tuition plus room and board for the 2019–2020 academic year totals $61,536.
Areas of Study
Majors and Programs
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Art and Art History
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Business Management
• Chemistry
• Communication and Media Studies
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Education
• Engineering
• English
• Environmental Science and Studies
• History
• Human Development
• Humanities
• International Literature and Culture
• International Studies
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages
• Music
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Philosophy and Religion
• Physics
• Political Science
• Pre-law
• Pre-medical
• Psychology
• Related Health Professions
• Sociology
• Teacher Certification Programs
• Theatre
Minors, Concentrations, and Areas of Emphasis
• Accounting and Finance
• African Studies
• Archaeology
• Art History
• Asian Studies (concentration)
• Asian Studies (minor)
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Biophysics and Biological Chemistry
• Black Studies
• Cell/Molecular Biology and Infectious Disease
• Chesapeake Regional Studies
• Clinical Counseling
• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Earth and Planetary Science
• Ecology and Evolution
• Ethnomusicology
• European Studies
• Gender Studies
• Global Business Studies
• Greener Materials Science
• Information Systems
• Justice, Law, and Society
• Journalism, Editing, and Publishing
• Latin American Studies
• Marketing
• Near Eastern Studies
• Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Physical and Instrumental Chemistry
• Physiology and Organismal Biology
• Pre-health
• Secondary Education
• Social Welfare
• Studio Art
When it comes to education, one size does not fit all. Washington College’s multidisciplinary approach is designed to let students study what truly inspires them.
With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and average class size of 17, opportunities for fully funded independent research, pathways to internships and employment at locations ranging from Colonial Williamsburg to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and a home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore that offers unprecedented access to a 4,700-acre living laboratory, Washington College embodies the value of a liberal arts education.
Washington College students do it all and discover what they love on the journey.
Chestertown
Established in 1706 as a colonial port of entry on the Chester River, Chestertown offers plenty of history and plenty to do. With College locations like the Center for Environment & Society, the Starr Center, the Eastern Shore Food Lab, and the waterfront campus right downtown, students get to know Chestertown just walking to class. Yearly events like the Chestertown Tea Party, Downrigging Weekend, and the Harry Potter Festival bring the College and Chestertown communities together.
Hands-on learning
Whether it’s landing the perfect internship, traveling the world in the Chesapeake Semester, or doing research on the River and Field Campus, a Washington College education is never confined to the classroom. From hands-on learning to meaningful job experience, students have the chance to craft their ideal education.
During the 2017–2018 academic year, the College directed $349,790 from more than a dozen funding sources to assist 487 students with expenses associated with experiential learning. Washington College is one of just 20 colleges and universities invited to send student interns to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Internship Program.
A signature education
Washington College’s three Signature Centers serve as hubs for interdisciplinary and cross-major education.
The Rose O’Neill Literary House offers programming across disciplines, professional mentorship and guidance for students, and training in new and antique printing technologies. The Lit House helps students grow as artists and lets them envision their futures as writers, editors, and publishers. In addition to offering internships in literary editing, journalism, and publishing, it hosts a series of salons of international caliber year-round, introducing students to celebrated writers like Claudia Rankine, Toni Morrison, and Neil Gaiman.
The Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience seeks to bridge the divide between the academic world and the public through educational programs, scholarships, public outreach, and a special focus on oral history. It also offers programs such as StoryQuest, an oral history project available to students from all majors.
The Center for Environment & Society offers internships and fellowships in areas related to environmental protection and preservation. The popular Chesapeake Semester—an interdisciplinary study of North America’s largest estuary, Chesapeake Bay—is just one of many opportunities for students to experience the great outdoors.
Celebrating diversity
Washington College is committed to providing the resources students need to thrive no matter their backgrounds. The Office of Intercultural Affairs provides resources for marginalized and first-generation students in addition to organizing events ranging from world music concerts to summits for first-generation college students. Student Intercultural Ambassadors from many different backgrounds act as mentors and points of contact for students across campus, and groups like the Black Student Union and Cleopatra’s Sisters are an active and integral part of the Washington College community.
Apply Online
Send an Email
Visit Website