GWU Reputation outside of DC

[DCMPP]

I am currently in DC and have a job that I enjoy. I recently got accepted to GWU's MPP program which is good because I like DC and it would allow me to continue working full-time while I go to school. However, I do not plan to stay in DC forever and just wanted to see if anyone could help me ascertain GWU's reputation outside of the area. If I were to move to California after graduation, for example, is it still considered a strong program there?

[bsharpe269]

I don't know about your program in particular but the impression I have always had of GWU, as someone a few states away, was that it was similar in reputation to schools like clemson or utenn. keep in mind this is my completely unreserached opinion but if I read the school's name on a transcript, thats the reputation I would associate it with.

[lattelover]

As someone from the Midwest, I've always considered GWU to be a great school. A step above American but a step below Georgetown, competitive but not the same caliber as the Ivies/Georgetown/Stanford. 

[VirginianFeminist]

I don't know about your program in particular but the impression I have always had of GWU, as someone a few states away, was that it was similar in reputation to schools like clemson or utenn.

 

Overall, I think GW has a slightly better reputation than Clemson or Tennessee. However, GW has a strong reputation in international affairs, law, and public policy. My SO is from Los Angeles and she went to GW for undergrad because of its reputation in those fields.

[Sneaky]

Current GWU student here, happy to chime in.  Compared to some of the other schools I was accepted to (see signature below), GWU probably had less outright 'name recognition' or instant prestige associated with it.  People from back home in the Midwest would hear me say "George Washington" and assume I had meant to say "Georgetown."  I was worried sick about this before making a final decision, something you can probably understand if you're browsing Grad Cafe right now.  However, I can now safely look back and say that I feel silly in retrospect.

 

Within the realm of public policy, GWU's program is certainly held in high regards.  While much of its network is located in DC, the school is well-established enough that there are alumni across the country.  I have no qualms about being able to land a job if/when I head back to my hometown or wherever else my career might take me, especially if I make the most of my time here in DC and the unique policy opportunities it affords.

 

Lastly, to go back to what the original poster mentioned, I feel grateful that I'll be able to graduate with much more work experience under my belt than I'd have coming from my other top-choice schools.  When I graduate, instead of just a list of MPP skills on my resume, I'll have previous jobs and references that show I know how to apply what I learned.

[valerio]

Current GWU student here, happy to chime in. Compared to some of the other schools I was accepted to (see signature below), GWU probably had less outright 'name recognition' or instant prestige associated with it. People from back home in the Midwest would hear me say "George Washington" and assume I had meant to say "Georgetown." I was worried sick about this before making a final decision, something you can probably understand if you're browsing Grad Cafe right now. However, I can now safely look back and say that I feel silly in retrospect.

Within the realm of public policy, GWU's program is certainly held in high regards. While much of its network is located in DC, the school is well-established enough that there are alumni across the country. I have no qualms about being able to land a job if/when I head back to my hometown or wherever else my career might take me, especially if I make the most of my time here in DC and the unique policy opportunities it affords.

Lastly, to go back to what the original poster mentioned, I feel grateful that I'll be able to graduate with much more work experience under my belt than I'd have coming from my other top-choice schools. When I graduate, instead of just a list of MPP skills on my resume, I'll have previous jobs and references that show I know how to apply what I learned.