Overview
Founded in 1919 by Father Edmund Walsh, the Walsh School of Foreign Service is the oldest school of international affairs in the United States and one of the most prestigious in the world. Located in Washington, D.C., SFS has built a reputation for producing diplomats, policymakers, intelligence officials, and global business leaders, leveraging its proximity to the State Department, World Bank, IMF, and numerous embassies. Its rigorous core curriculum blends international economics, history, government, and foreign languages, and the school is consistently ranked among the top programs globally for international relations.
At a Glance
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Total students | 2,800 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 13% |
| Graduation rate | 96% |
| Average starting salary | $68,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $64,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $64,500 |
| Room & board | $17,500 |
| Average financial aid | $48,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 40% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1450-1560 |
| ACT range | 33-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.95 |
| Regular deadline | January 10 |
Top Programs
- International Politics
- International Economics
- Regional and Comparative Studies
- Science, Technology and International Affairs
- Culture and Politics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.