But you are just as biased as a user who goes to AU and calls their honors program “prestigious” in the AU forum. There is no doubt that AU is a decent private school, but in almost every way GW is superior to AU, and that’s not only in academics but in reputation(even more prevalent). I got into both schools last year and chose GW, and everyone I’ve met in DC so far (from all over the city) are well aware that GW is just on another level than AU, similar to how GU is on another level than GW in most areas. However, if you really really can’t see yourself enjoying a more city campus, I would suggest looking into AU.