Georgetown University

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University stands as the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning. Bishop John Carroll founded the university in 1789, making it the first federally chartered university in the United States. Classes began two years later in a modest frame house, but the campus has since expanded into a sprawling complex that blends historic stone buildings with modern facilities.

The university operates eleven distinct schools and colleges, each contributing to its reputation for rigorous academics and global engagement. The Walsh School of Foreign Service holds the distinction of being the oldest school of international affairs in the country, while the Law Center consistently ranks among the top legal programs nationwide. Students from over 130 countries study across these divisions, which range from the College of Arts and Sciences to the McDonough School of Business and the School of Medicine.

Leadership at Georgetown shifted recently as Eduardo Peñalver took office in October 2026. His inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on restoring civil discourse within the academic community. The university currently enrolls more than 20,000 students and employs over 3,400 faculty members, maintaining an annual revenue near $1.2 billion and an endowment valued at $2.1 billion. [modifier]

Georgetown University follows the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. This mission drives the institution to educate a diverse student body dedicated to justice and the common good. Faculty and students work together to pursue knowledge with intellectual rigor while reflecting on ethical implications. The university prepares graduates for leadership roles in public service, diplomacy, and professional fields by blending Catholic values with Enlightenment ideals. [modifier]

Bishop John Carroll secured the charter for Georgetown College on January 23, 1789, establishing the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States. The university opened its doors to students in 1791, holding classes in a small frame house before expanding into its current location. The first commencement ceremony occurred in 1815, and the School of Medicine became the first Catholic medical school in the country in 1844.

The Law Center launched in 1870, followed by the creation of the School of Foreign Service in 1919, which remains the oldest school of international affairs in the nation. Women gained full admission to all undergraduate programs in 1982. John J. DeGioia served as the first lay president starting in 2001 until his retirement in 2024, after which Robert M. Groves acted as interim president.

In 2017, the university issued a formal apology for its historical ties to slavery, specifically the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved people to secure the institution's financial stability. A reconciliation fund was established for their descendants. Recent developments include the inauguration of Eduardo Peñalver as the 49th president in October 2026, who emphasized the need for better civil discourse in his address. [modifier]