George Washington University
Washington, DC, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$40,308
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$14,934
$30k - $48k
$14,926
$48k - $75k
$21,451
$75k - $110k
$31,039
$110k+
$43,819
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$60,946
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$60,946
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$15,720
Books and Supplies
$1,400
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
93%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Aid Per Year
$34,178
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,152
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$32,301
Students receiving state aid
2%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$1,972
Students receiving federal aid
26%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,152
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$56,350
$30k - $48k
$59,134
$48k - $75k
$52,849
$75k - $110k
$44,798
$110k+
$26,967
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$200,707,568
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$59,547,282

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
35%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$8,914
Students receiving federal loans
34%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,245
Average Other Loans Per Year
$24,359
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Loan Default Rate
1%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$205

What Students Are Saying

I joke that GW is so expensive because we're paying for extra class time, not for vacations. And it's true. We don't have many vacation breaks (no fall break) and the ones we do have are short. But really, it's not a big deal because it's an excuse to make your friends visit you (you save money) and who wants to spend a month sitting around home anyways (you'd get bored).

But remember that you're not just paying for an education, you're paying for an experience and it's definitely worth it. The internships and networking opportunities are incredible. Recently I've seen the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Junot Diaz, and Optimus Prime (they were filming Transformers 3 car chase scenes down the street from my dorm) and I know people who have volunteered with Michelle Obama on the National Day of Service (9/11) and gotten to go to a Town Meeting with Obama.
Arianna from Brookline, MA
GW is top 3 nationwide in Most Expensive Schools. As a school located within a prime section in the capital of the United States (minutes away from the White House and the monuments), it is almost a no-brainer that the tuition is that high. However, if you can afford to go there (through scholarships, grants, parents paying, or even loans), GW does not disappoint with the various opportunities available to you, as well as the various things you see and who you meet. Students receive a unique educational experience as well as being taught by many respectable professionals in the medical, government (House and Senate members), and public affairs field. The positives seem to outweigh the negative, and you more likely than not, receive bang for the buck.
Patrick from Newark, NJ
There is one truly unique aspect of George Washington that never ceases to amaze me. This is the fact that I can walk a few blocks from campus and be right in front of the White House, National Mall, or the Lincoln Memorial! GW is the only school centered right in the heart of DC. The presidential motorcade passes by almost daily and there's never a dull moment! Despite the constant excitement, GW's location opens a lot of doors for internships and other opportunities for all majors! GW's location is probably the most unique (and the best) thing about it!
Meredith from Marlton, NJ
This place is super expensive, but it is totally worth the money. Also on campus housing is mandatory for freshman and sophomore year and if you appeal this then your financial aid award is decreased.
Leslie from Silver Spring, MD
I will be completely honest. GW is very expensive and the only reason I am going here is because of my scholarship. Without my scholarship, I would not be able to afford this school. GW is very courteous with their scholarships and financial aid but you have to work hard in high school. They give federal work study as well to help you out. I understand where all the money is going with the great professors and the fact that we are in the heart of a huge city. Many people complain about the food and it being expensive. However, we are one of a few colleges that give numerous places for students to eat. If you use your card for only food (not gift cards, school supplies, etc), you will be fine.
Dorothy from Monroe, CT
Expensive, but you get your money's worth. No other college compares to the perks you get at GWU.
austin from Rowlett, TX
GW is a very expensive school. I would never have been able to attend if not for the fairly generous financial aid that I received. Due to my complicated family financial situation, I had to petition the school for more aid around the time of my enrollment. It was an arduous process but I ended up getting the money that I needed. In my experience, the people in the FA office have been helpful and friendly. The price tag is high but there are ways to make it affordable, if you put in the work.
Eleanor from Rochester, NH
GW is one of the most expensive schools in the nation but some of the classroom are extremely run down.
lindsey from las vegas, nv