A Washington College education affords students unmatched opportunities to work closely with an exceptional faculty on projects they are passionate about. We believe that a diverse liberal arts education is both academically rewarding and the most effective way to prepare for a future in anything you want to do. From studying on the Chesapeake Bay to interning at The White House, there's something for everyone at Washington College.
In their first two years on campus, WC students are encouraged to explore their interests, examine different perspectives, and challenge their old ways of thinking. There is no one-size-fits-all education at Washington College: from double-majoring to internships to study abroad and semester-long interdisciplinary programs, we encourage our students to think outside the box and shape a college experience that is right for them.
Founded in 1782, Washington College was the first college chartered in the sovereign United States of America. General George Washington lent us his name, donated 50 guineas to our founding, and served on our first Board of Visitors and Governors. Our goal back then was to cultivate responsible, educated citizen-leaders who could nurture the new democracy. That founding purpose still holds true today.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Admissions Visitor Services Manager
Casey Academic Center
Chestertown, MD 216201197
Experience College Life
Johnson Fitness Center
Gibson Center for the Arts
O'Neill Literary House
Hodson Commons Student Center
Hynson Pavillion and Washington College Boathouse providing water access and kayaks, sail boats, pontoons, canoes, motor boats, wakeboarding boats, etc.
Chesapeake Bay
Annapolis, MD
Middletown, DE
Eastern Neck Island National Wildlife Refuge
Campus Tours
8:30am-4:30pm; 8:30am-noon(on selected dates only)
8004221782
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Average Length: 2 hours
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Washington College is a selective institution. In order to assess an applicant's "fit" with the College, the Admission Committee requires the submission of all relevant academic records and test scores, an essay/personal statement, and a letter of recommendation. In some cases, an on-campus interview may also be required.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to come to campus for an information session and tour. These visits should be scheduled in advance by calling 410-778-7700 or visiting .
Prospective students may apply online using the Common Application or via . Application deadlines are: November 15 for early decision; December 1 for early action; February 15 for regular decision. Admitted applicants must pay a $350 enrollment deposit by May 1. For details, visit .
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Action — December 1
Regular — February 15
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
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Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Washington College celebrates the relationship between student and professor. Our diverse array of fellowships, internships, off-campus programs, and research opportunities provide chances for students to pursue their own interests and conduct research at a graduate level.
The Douglass Cater Society of Junior Fellows provides competitive grants to support self-directed undergraduate research and scholarship anywhere in the world. Additionally, our Presidential Fellows program puts high-achieving freshmen on the fast track to academic distinction, including the chance to work with full Cater Fellows as an apprentice, and provides multiple scholarships, including a chance for a full-tuition scholarship.
Other programs include: the Explore America Fellowships, which place students in paid summer internships at prestigious institutions including the Library of Congress, National Constitution Center, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum; the Alex. Brown Fund, which tasks students with managing an equities portfolio of $500,000; the Washington to Wall Street Program, which offers internships to students pursuing careers in business or financial sector; and the John S. Toll Science Fellows and Hodson Science Fellows programs, which enable students to conduct in-depth research with faculty while earning a stipend and a housing allowance.
Our three Signature Centers position students at a dynamic intersection of academics and hands-on learning in the "real world." Each Center provides programming, events, internships, and coursework in a singular area of focus: the environment (the Center for Environment & Society), literature and writing (the Rose O'Neill Literary House), and history (the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience).
The Center for Environment & Society offers internships and fellowships in the great outdoors. The Center is also home to the Chester River Watershed Observatory and the Chester River Field Research Station. CES's interdisciplinary academic programs promote the integration of environmental issues, social values, and good old river mud.
The Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience is dedicated to fostering innovative approaches to the American past and present. Through educational programs, scholarship and public outreach, and a special focus on written history, the Starr Center seeks to bridge the divide between the academic world and the public at large.
The Rose O'Neill Literary House provides literary programming across disciplines, a diverse array of lecturers and writers each year, and training in new and antique printing technologies. Lit House students grow as artists under professional mentorship, and each year, one graduating senior is awarded the Sophie Kerr Prize, the largest undergraduate literary award in the world (the 2019 winner won $63,912).
Washington College also offers an extensive study abroad program with both short-term and long-term study opportunities. Our students have traveled to places like the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Germany, Israel, Japan, Peru, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Majors and Degrees Offered
American Studies
Anthropology
Art and Art History
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Communication and Media Studies
Computer Science
Economics
Education
English
Engineering
Environmental Science and Studies
History
Human Development
Humanities
International Literature and Culture
International Studies
Mathematics
Music
Nursing
Pharmacy
Philosophy and Religion
Physics
Political Science
Pre-Law
Premedical
Psychology
Related Health Professions
Sociology
Teacher Certification Programs
Theatre
World Languages and Cultures
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 Sciences
Ecology and Evolution
Ethnomusicology
European Studies
Gender Studies
Global Business Studies
Greener Materials Science
Justice, Law and Society
Information Systems
Latin American Studies
Marketing
Near Eastern Studies
Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
Peace and Conflict Studies
Physical and Instrumental Chemistry
Physiology and Organismal Biology
Public Health
Secondary Education
Social Welfare
Studio Art
Interdisciplinary programs of study, advanced degree programs, partnerships:
Elementary and Secondary education certification
Engineering dual-degree program with Columbia University
Environmental management (MEM) program with Duke University
Forestry (MF) dual-degree program with Duke University
Environmental management (MEM) program with Duke University
Nursing dual-degree program with University of Maryland
Pharmacy dual-degree program with University of Maryland
Premedical and Pre-Law programs
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Area Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Neuroscience.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business Administration and Management, General.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES.
Human Development and Family Studies, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
Degrees
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
2024-2025 Cost of Attendance
Tuition* and Fees** $55,326
Housing (median of all housing options) $9,708
Food Unlimited Meal Plan $8,542
Total Direct Costs $73,576
*Tuition amount is for 12-20 credits
**includes New Student orientation fee of $490 for the first semester only
For more information, please visit .
Financial Aid
Washington College is committed to providing educational excellence and equity for all students; 90% of our students receive need-based financial aid and/or merit-based scholarships. We develop financial packages that include tuition scholarships, tuition grants, work/study, and low-interest loans, in addition to federal, state, and independent aid programs for eligible students. With the investment of funds for scholarships and grants from donors and benefactors, the College provides more than $20 million annually in scholarships and grants to help make it possible for students to get an education here. More than 50% of all Washington College students qualify for merit-based tuition scholarships averaging from $18,000 to $35,000 per year.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Our student body draws roughly 1,400 students from 23 countries, and with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 and an average class size of 12, you'll never feel lost in the crowd.
Washington College supports more than 80 clubs, from the nationally recognized Habitat for Humanity Club to wakeboarding, sailing, and entrepreneurial activism through Enactus.
As a Division III member of the NCAA, our 18 intercollegiate teams compete in the Centennial Conference, the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association, and the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference (MARC). Nearly a third of WC students are varsity athletes, and 60% participate in varsity, intramural, or club sports.
Our Student Events Board is always hard at work putting together amazing opportunities for students, from festivals and quiz nights to the semi-formal George Washington's Birthday Ball, which also welcomes back alumni.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Where we are is who we are. Our 120-acre campus in Chestertown, Md., is an integral part of Maryland's Eastern Shore, but still close enough to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia that our students benefit from a wealth of distinguished speakers, internship opportunities, and institutional partnerships. Our River and Field Campus grants students from all disciplines unprecedented access to 4,700 acres of waterfront, meadows, untouched hardwood forests, ponds, grasslands, marshes and riverine habitat.
Local life in Chestertown is deeply-rooted in community and tradition. The town dates back to 1706, when it was established as a major port town on the Chester River. Beloved for its historic homes, brick walkways, and close-knit feel, Chestertown warmly welcomes the students of Washington College each year. There's always room for students-take a walk down High Street on First Fridays, or visit the Farmer's Market in Fountain Park on Saturday mornings!
Campus Facilities & Equipment
With some buildings as old as the mid-nineteenth-century and others still under construction, Washington College seamlessly combines the old with the new. Our pathways might be red brick reminiscent of colonial times, but our Hodson Dining Hall is award-winning, our Cain Gymnasium received a new floor in 2017, and our Miller library contains a state-of-the-art Makerspace with a 3-D printer, one-button recording studio, and all the latest technology to bring your ideas to life.
We are committed to sustainability. Many buildings on campus incorporate alternative energy sources like solar and geothermal, and our Campus Garden is a growing experiment in permaculture, with plenty of edible plants and even our own beehives. Additionally, our River and Field Campus provides access to a diverse collection of Eastern Shore ecosystems, a bird banding laboratory, 2.5 miles of Chester River waterfront, and 4,700 acres of living laboratory for students of all majors to study.
Our science centers provide majors with state-of-the art lab equipment, and our research vessels Callinectes and Lookdown give science students access to all the equipment they need to scan the bed of the Chester River and chemically test water and sediment samples.
The Chester River is an essential part of Chestertown, and our students have taken advantage of the unique opportunities it offers, from developing competitive varsity programs in rowing and sailing and club sport programs for waterskiing and wakeboarding, to learning to sail in class and enjoying recreational activities such as kayaking.
Off-Campus Opportunities
There's something special about small-town life, and Chestertown delivers: grab a coffee at the local Play It Again Sam's or Evergrain Bakery, visit the shops on High Street, or head down to the water and rent a kayak for a day on the Chester River. For the more adventurous, campus is close enough to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. to make daytripping simple. The College offers a weekend shuttle to metro stations for those without individual transportation.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Theme Housing
Students Say
Students trying to get off-campus enjoy visiting the boathouse on the nearby Chester River, where they can kayak and paddleboard for free, or simply "take a step back from [their] busy life around school and enjoy the scenery on the water." Nearby Chestertown "is a really lovable town and the surrounding area is also incredibly pretty." Many feel that "The town is a great place for a walk," and "going to the farmer's market on Saturday mornings is popular." Beyond Chestertown, "going to Annapolis, MD or Middletown, DE [a]re the two major outings students take."
Special Needs Admissions
Documentation Required for LD
Proper documentation from a medical doctor or psychological physician with prescribed challenges and suggestions for working with the student through those challenges.Documentation Required for ADHD
Proper documentation from a medical doctor or psychological physician with prescribed challenges and suggestions for working with the student through those challenges.Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Golf
Lacrosse
Sailing
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Crew Rowing
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Sailing
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
Student Services
Sustainability
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: