There is no comparison between GWU and Southern Methodist University in regards to quality of education, opportunities, connections and may be prestige for IR program. GWU is # 7 for IR nationally for undergraduate education in IR. My son is a Freshman now in just the past 4 weeks the opportunities to meet and interact with leaders and policy makers has been amazing. You will not get this at SMU.
IR is liberal arts education. So it doesn’t lead you to a job/career. It is what you make out of it. That is where connections come. SMU you will find great jobs in TX but at GWU you are likely to make connections with leaders of the present and future, who knows they may be your room mate.
See links with similar questions and answers:
- http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/george-washington-university/1908153-george-washington-vs-american-for-international-relations-studies.html#latest
- http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/george-washington-university/1919830-international-relations-at-gw-why-you-should-be-here-and-else-where-if-you-want-int-relations.html#latest