About Us

Do You. Do It All. Do It Here.

Founded in 1782, Washington College was the first college chartered in the sovereign United States of America. General George Washington lent us his name, donated 50 guineas to our founding, and served on our first Board of Visitors and Governors. Our goal back then was to cultivate responsible citizen-leaders. Nowadays, we’re committed to giving our students the chance to succeed on their own terms through purposeful choices, enabling a healthy and regenerative global community.

Hands-On Learning

Washington College students work closely with exceptional faculty on projects they are passionate about. With independent research facilitated by programs like the Cater Society and Toll Fellows and hands-on learning experiences, our students have access to amazing opportunities no matter what they’re studying. Print a chapbook on the antique letterpresses in the Rose O’Neill Literary House, scan the Chester River from aboard one of the Center for Environment & Society’s research vessels, or study American history in our colonial town with the Starr Center. Fuse ancient wisdom and modern science with the Eastern Shore Food Lab to optimize human and environmental health.

Customize Your Education

There is no one-size-fits-all at Washington College: from double-majoring to internships to study abroad and semester-long interdisciplinary programs, you can shape your ideal education. Our student body draws roughly 1,400 students from 23 countries, and with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 and an average class size of 12, you’ll never feel lost in the crowd.

Our Beautiful Place

Chestertown, a charming location on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is heaven for the adventurous spirit who loves the outdoors (and also for those who enjoy a vibrant, close-knit community full of fun shops and activities) — and where else would we be able to fit a 4,700-acre living lab like our River and Field Campus? Plus, with Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. within day-tripping distance, there are plenty of solutions for the occasional urban craving.