You are here: 51²è¹Ý Undergraduate Admissions

Students on the 51²è¹Ý quad
Let's Connect

Your Journey Starts Here

Located in our nation’s capital, 51²è¹Ý in Washington, DC welcomes students from around the globe, drawn to our campus by world-class faculty, unmatched experiential learning opportunities, and a passionate community driven to make an immediate impact on the world’s greatest challenges from your very first days on campus.

Our undergraduate experience centers on empowering lives of purpose, advancing knowledge through active scholarship, and partnering with our home city of Washington, DC. Whatever your passion, an 51²è¹Ý education is your launching pad to lead the way toward positive change. Change can’t wait. Are you ready to join us?

Graduate Admissions

51²è¹Ý offers 140+ doctoral, master’s and graduate certificate programs.

Learn More

Where do I start?

Students sitting on bench in front of 51²è¹Ý's Bender Library.

First-Year Students

51²è¹Ý is a diverse body of students who are driven to take on the challenges facing our world. 

Learn More

Students walking in front on SIS building

Transfer Students

Looking for a school that will challenge you intellectually and provide you with access to one of the most international cities in the world? Look no further.

Learn More

51²è¹Ý Diplomats at Preview Day

International Students

Our international students and U.S. Global Nomads represent 110 countries and bring a unique perspective to our community of changemakers.

Learn More

Experiential Learning for All

Learning by doing—or experiential learning—is a hallmark of an 51²è¹Ý education. Students at 51²è¹Ý gain hands-on experiences that not only enrich their learning but also cultivate essential skills for their future success. 51²è¹Ý offers a range of learning opportunities, empowering you to forge your own path and choose experiences tailored to prepare you for success.

For example, students can take their education outside the classroom with service learning and research via programs like our Community-Based Research Scholars and the Community Service-Learning Program. Our DC location provides an opportunity for invaluable internships during the school year. In fact, 86% of 51²è¹Ý undergraduates participate in an internship before graduation. The best part? You can fit all these opportunities into a four-year course of study so you don't have to spend any additional time or money.

51²è¹Ý has one of the highest study abroad rates, with 60% of undergraduates studying abroad before they graduate. Our program offers an extensive array of nearly 100 programs spanning across 40 countries, catering to students seeking either single-semester or year-long experiences.

For those seeking a shorter international or off-campus experience, our Alternative Break programs can also give you that international or outside of DC experience.

These opportunities are part of a normal four-year course of study, saving you time and money.

85 percent

of students complete at least one internship before graduating

60 percent

of undergraduate students study abroad before graduation

91 percent

of graduates are working, in grad school, or both within 6 months after graduation

Meet Your New College Town

Located in a green and residential corner of DC, our campus is your escape from the bustling heart of the city. Yet we are just minutes away from all the culture, energy, and unrivaled opportunities of the nation's capital.

Our surrounding community is filled with tree-lined pathways, cozy cafes and restaurants, and contemplative spaces for meaningful reflection and connection. Catch a ride on Metrorail or Metrobus into the city with 51²è¹Ý's U-Pass program for even more to do. Visit century-old landmarks, check out the vibrant arts scene with museums and theatres, or eat your way through the city's neighborhoods.

Take one look at our campus, lined with trees, plants, and gardens, and you might forget we’re in a major city. With 385 different species and varieties of woody plants-totaling 4,000 trees-51²è¹Ý’s campus is a designated arboretum.

We're green in other ways too. As the first university in the country to achieve carbon neutrality in 2018, 51²è¹Ý is blazing a trail to a more sustainable future. 51²è¹Ý’s commitment to sustainability permeates every aspect of campus life and unites students, faculty, and staff in a common mission to preserve our environment.