Washington College
Founded in 1782 and named after George Washington, Washington College is a small private liberal arts college located in the historic waterfront town of Chestertown, Maryland. Situated along the Chester River, the campus offers a picturesque setting with easy access to Baltimore (about 90 minutes away) and Philadelphia (about two hours away), while maintaining the close-knit feel of a rural residential college.
With just over 900 undergraduate students, Washington College is intentionally small and relationship-driven. Admissions representatives describe it as a "big hug college"—a place where students are known, supported and encouraged to get involved. It is not a campus where students can be anonymous and easily blend into the background. Faculty, staff and students quickly get to know one another, creating a highly supportive environment. A professor told our tour group, there are "no cracks to fall through."
Academically, Washington College is especially known for its emphasis on writing. All students complete a four-course writing sequence that begins with a First-Year Seminar and culminates in a writing-intensive Senior Capstone Experience within their major. Students also take writing courses across disciplines and learn how writing functions within their chosen field of study. Given the focus on writing, admissions officers place significant value on the application essay and look for students who can communicate their ideas effectively.
Popular majors include biology, pre-health studies, psychology, business management and English. Students apply to the college rather than a specific major, allowing them time to explore academic interests before declaring a field of study.
One of Washington College's greatest strengths is its commitment to student support. Every incoming student is assigned a peer mentor during orientation, and mentoring, tutoring and academic coaching services are available. The Office of Academic Skills works closely with students who may benefit from additional support, while Disability Services is housed within Academic Affairs, helping to ensure accommodations are integrated into the academic experience. Professors are highly accessible and frequently serve as mentors to students.
Career preparation begins early. First-year students are required to engage with the Career Center, participating in activities such as résumé development, mock interviews and personalized career planning. This emphasis on professional development helps students connect their liberal arts education to future career goals from the start of their college experience.
Students who enjoy hands-on learning will find several unique opportunities through Washington College's signature centers, including the Rose O'Neill Literary House, the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, the Washington College Center for Environment & Society and the Warehime School of Global Business.
Campus life centers on the residential experience. While seniors may apply to live off campus, many choose to remain on campus throughout their Washington education. Division III athletics are popular, with 20 varsity sports including women's flag football which will level-up to varsity by spring of 2028. The college's location on the Chester River supports active crew and sailing programs, with a dedicated boathouse serving both teams. Greek life exists but plays a relatively small role compared to many larger universities, with two fraternities and two sororities that focus heavily on community service and leadership.
Washington College’s admission rate this year was 57%. Typical admitted students present average GPAs of 3.7, and the 10-15% who include test scores usually range between 1180 and 1350 on the SAT and between 25 and 30 on the ACT. They are looking for students who genuinely want the experience of a small, engaged, liberal arts community and who are eager to participate both inside and outside the classroom.
The college is also known for generous merit aid. Most admitted students receive merit scholarships, with awards commonly ranging from $33,000 to $38,000 per year and renewable for four years. Students are automatically considered for merit scholarships through the admissions process, though those interested in the largest scholarship opportunities should apply by the priority deadline on December 1.
Who is a good fit for Washington College?
Students who are seeking a highly supportive, relationship-based college experience where professors know their names, writing is central to the curriculum, and personal growth is valued as much as academic achievement would thrive at Washington College.
Notable Alumni
Linda Hamilton – Actor, best known for portraying Sarah Connor in The Terminator
James M. Cain – Influential novelist and journalist whose works include The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity and Mildred Pierce
Laura San Giacomo – Actor, known for Pretty Woman, Sex, Lies, and Videotape and the television sitcom “Just Shoot Me!”
H. Lawrence “Larry” Culp Jr. – As CEO of GE, Culp was credited with saving company by spearheading their split into three entities, current Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace
Raph Koster – Game designer and theorist known for his work on MMORPGs including Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, author of A Theory of Fun for Game Design
Thomas E. Morris – First Black graduate of Washington College, Civil Rights advocate, Peace Corps member, public school teacher, Washington College has named a residence hall and a scholarship in his honor
Christine Lincoln – Author of Oprah’s Book Club 2021 selection SAP Rising
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