The George Washington University (GWU) is a private, coeducational, non-sectarian university located in Washington, D.C.. Founded in 1821 as The Columbian College on land provided by former President George Washington, the university has since developed into one of the world's leading educational and research institutions.

The 43 acre campus, located in the city's historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood, is situated a few blocks from the White House and the rest of the National Mall. In 1999, the university acquired the Mount Vernon College for Women. As of 2006, the George Washington University's endowment and other trust funds total approximately $1.017 billion. George Washington is currently ranked 52nd on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top National Universities.

In addition to 4,500 staff members, The George Washington University enrolls an even balance of undergraduate and graduate students; roughly 11,000 of the former and 12,500 of the latter. Applications dropped for the class of 2006 as compared to 2005.George Washington had long argued for the creation of a university in the District of Columbia and, in his will, bequeathed fifty shares of the Potomac Company to support such an institution. "I give and bequeath in perpetuity the fifty shares which I hold in the Potomac Company (under the aforesaid Acts of the Legislature of Virginia) towards the endowment of a UNIVERSITY to be established within the limits of the District of Columbia, under the auspices of the General Government, if that Government should incline to extend a fostering hand towards it."