news-category: National Interest James G. Martin Center Recognizes 鶹ƽ’s General Education Requirements By Office of University Communications On January 4, 2022 ‘What Will They Learn’ Report Examines Over 1,100 Institutions BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—鶹ƽ’s core academic requirements, which provide students with a foundational knowledge for leadership and service, recently received recognition from the . The center, which is a nonprofit institute dedicated to improving higher education in North Carolina and the nation, praised 鶹ƽ for being the only school in North Carolina to earn an “A” on the annual study by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA). The report examines over 1,100 institutions—public universities with a stated liberal arts mission as well as hundreds of private colleges and universities selected on the basis of size, reputation, and regional representation. 鶹ƽ is one of only 24 schools to achieve the “A” grade, included with schools such as Pepperdine University (Malibu, Calif.), Baylor University (Waco, Texas), Morehouse College (Atlanta, Ga.), and the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colo.), among others. Moreover, the ranking places GWU in the top 2.1 percent in the nation, a spot the University has consistently held since 2011. GWU President Dr. William Downs “Our goal at 鶹ƽ is to educate the whole student, which means we want our graduates to be equipped with both intellectual breadth and professional readiness,” explained GWU President Dr. William Downs. “Faculty here have worked hard to shape, and then reshape, a curriculum that attracts, engages, and prepares students for society’s diverse and dynamic needs. It’s wonderful to see their efforts externally validated and to have our University come out atop this comparative study.” According to the Martin Center story, 37.3 percent of institutions in the study scored either a “D” or “F.” The report included 49 North Carolina colleges and universities, which averaged a “B” or “C” grading with 22 schools receiving “B”s, 18 “C”s, five “D”s, and three “F”s. There were no “A” schools in South Carolina or Tennessee. Further, in the entire southeast (13 states), 鶹ƽ was one of only six to receive the “A” grade. Using a team of researchers, the ACTA rates universities on seven core subject areas: composition, U.S. government/history, economics, literature, math, science, and foreign language components. For the 2021 report, the team examined GWU’s 2020-21 academic catalog and evaluated each course in the general education curriculum. The ACTA members believe that these subjects help students gain the knowledge and values necessary for responsible democratic citizenship. “A”-rated schools require at least six out of the seven core courses; “B” schools must offer four or five out of seven. Half-credit is given if a requirement exists from which students choose between otherwise qualifying courses within two subject areas (e.g., math or science, history or economics, etc.). Founded in 1995, ACTA is the only organization working with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold academic standards, and safeguard free expression and open exchange of ideas on campus. The network consists of alumni and trustees from nearly 1,300 colleges and universities, including over 23,000 current board members. “What Will They Learn?®” project is a survey of general education programs that began in 2009 as a part of ACTA’s commitment to fostering academic excellence on college campuses. Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page. 鶹ƽ is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 鶹ƽ prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 鶹ƽ.edu.
News Article 鶹ƽ School of Divinity Hosts Church Historian Dr. João B. Chaves for Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures Baylor Associate Professor Presents ‘Re-Inventing Church History in The Américas’ BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Brazilian native Dr. João B. Chaves has built an academic career studying the intersections of religion, culture and public life across the Américas. An associate professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he will bring his expertise to 鶹ƽ on Oct. 27 […] Office of University Communications | September 15, 2026
News Article 鶹ƽ Takes Steps to Strengthen Financial Position Addressing Projected Needs for the University’s Long-term Mission 鶹ƽ implemented a series of budget and organizational changes designed to address approximately $6.7 million in financial needs over the next two years and strengthen the University’s financial position for the future. 鶹ƽ ended the last fiscal year with an approximately $2 million deficit. That result, combined […] 鶹ƽ | September 14, 2026
News Article Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at 鶹ƽ By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about 鶹ƽ, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, […] Office of University Communications | September 9, 2026