Understanding George Washington University Graduate Tuition Costs

George Washington University (GWU), a private research university located in Washington, D.C., offers a wide array of graduate programs. Understanding the costs associated with these programs is crucial for prospective students. This article breaks down the tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with graduate studies at GWU.

George Washington University: An Overview

The George Washington University (GW or GWU) is a private federally-chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Originally named Columbian College, it was chartered in 1821 by the United States Congress and is the first university founded under Washington, D.C.'s jurisdiction. GW is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity." It is a member of the Association of American Universities. The university offers degree programs in seventy-one disciplines, enrolling around 11,500 undergraduate and 15,000 graduate students. The school's athletic teams, the George Washington Revolutionaries, play in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference. Several notable individuals have served as trustees, including two presidents, John Quincy Adams and Ulysses S. President James Monroe, one of the university's founding benefactors, approved the university's Congressional Charter.

Graduate Tuition and Fees for 2025-2026

For on-campus graduate courses, the tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is structured as follows:

Per Credit Hour Tuition Rate: \$2,195

In addition to tuition, students should also be aware of the following fees:

Application Fee: \$80 (one-time)
Matriculation Fee: \$495 (one-time, charged to new graduate students in their first semester)
Student Association Fee: \$3 per credit (with a maximum of \$45 per semester)
International Student Fee: \$45 per semester (for F-1/J-1 visa students)

It is important to note that these tuition rates are specifically for on-campus graduate students. Also, tuition and fees for graduate studies at the School of Engineering & Applied Science are managed by the central Student Accounts Office at GW. Students should also consider that rates are subject to change each academic year, potentially leading to an increase or decrease in the tuition rate each year that they are enrolled in their degree program.

Read also: George Mason University Baseball

Estimated Total Tuition Costs

For a full-time graduate student registered for 9 credit hours in the Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026 semesters, the estimated total cost of tuition is \$19,755 per semester.

Part-Time Graduate Students

Graduate students enrolled as part-time students are registered for less than 9 credit hours per semester. The total estimated tuition costs per semester are based on the total credit hours a part time student is registered for.

Students studying on an F-1 visa are generally not eligible to enroll as part-time students unless they have been approved to take a Reduced Course Load.

Additional Tuition Information

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location; please select your school to determine the tuition rate for your program. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

Tuition (per credit)

Graduate Tuition, per credit for all programs other than those listed below: \$2,055.00
Ph.D (per credit): \$2,055.00
Non-Degree Tuition, per credit: \$2,170.00

School of Business Fees

Student Government Association fee: Per credit, to a maximum of \$45 per semester \$3.00

Tuition & Costs for International (F-1) Students

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location. Students are charged tuition by their program rate; if you take a course outside your program, you will be charged your regular program rate. Tuition is subject to annual increases of approximately 3-4%. The tuition amounts shown are effective for Summer, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.

Programs	Per Credit Hour	3 Credits (Typical Course)	9 Credits (Full-Time, Per Semester)	18 Credits (Full-Time, Per Year)
All programs not listed below*	\$2,091	\$6,273	\$18,819	\$37,638
Art Therapy	\$1,929	\$5,787	\$17,361	\$34,722
Clinical Psychology, PsyD	\$1,940	\$5,820	\$17,460	\$34,920
Corcoran - Exhibition Design	\$1,952	\$5,856	\$17,568	\$35,136
Corcoran - Museum Collections Management and Care (Online)	\$1,368	\$4,104	\$12,312 (12 Credit Program)
Corcoran - Museum Studies	\$1,952	\$5,856	\$17,568	\$35,136
Corcoran - New Media Photojournalism	\$1,952	\$5,856	\$17,568	\$35,136
Forensic Psychology	\$1,586	\$4,758	\$14,274	\$28,548
Museums, History and Culture	\$1,952	\$5,856	\$17,568	\$35,136
Organizational Sciences	\$1,586	\$4,758	\$14,274	\$28,548

* This does not include the Classical Acting program.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond tuition and fees, prospective students should also consider other costs such as housing, dining, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

For incoming first-year students, the university has set a base rate for housing and dining of \$17,600, a \$680 increase from the previous year. The base residence hall room rate is \$11,300, and the dining rate is \$6,300 for the academic year. On-campus housing and dining rates vary for continuing students based on their room choice and meal plan.

The estimated cost of attendance includes direct costs (tuition, housing, dining and fees) and indirect costs (books, transportation and personal expenses). Tuition fees for in-state, out-state and international students are all the same. Tuition is charged per credit hour at your program rate unless otherwise noted.

Housing Options for Graduate Students

Finding suitable housing is a significant part of planning for graduate studies. GWU provides examples of areas where graduate students commonly reside:

Read also: George Soros: His life and work

Foggy Bottom, DC: Located near GW's largest campus, it offers convenient access to classes and the Metro (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines). However, housing can be expensive and limited. Options include high-rise apartments and townhouses.
- Average Commute Time: 0-10 minutes' walk
- Average Rent for Studio: \$2,014
- Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: \$2481
Capitol Hill, DC: Known for its restored row houses and proximity to restaurants and shops, Capitol Hill is accessible via the Capitol South and Eastern Market Metro stops (Blue line).
- Average Commute Time: 15-18 minutes by Metro (Orange-Silver-Blue lines)
- Average Rent for Studio: \$1,801
- Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: \$2,255
Silver Spring, MD: This area offers more reasonably priced apartments and a diverse mix of entertainment and shopping centers. It is located on the Red Line of the Metrorail.
- Average Commute Time: 35-45 minutes by Metro (Red line)
- Average Rent for Studio: \$1,539
- Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: \$1,786
Bethesda, MD: Just north of D.C., Bethesda is known for its restaurants and proximity to the National Institute of Health and other major institutions. It is served by two metro stops on the Red line (Bethesda and Medical Center).
- Average Commute Time: 30-40 minutes by Metro (Red line)
- Average Rent for Studio: \$1,984
- Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: \$2,245
Arlington, VA: Offers a variety of housing types including townhouses, garden apartments, and high-rises.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

George Washington University's tuition is \$70,170. Compared with the national average cost of tuition of \$47,097, George Washington University is more expensive.

These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At George Washington University, the total cost is \$88,855. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at George Washington University was \$43,676. Additionally, 51% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

GWU offers various forms of financial aid, including need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was \$43,676. Additionally, 51% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The university met 91% of its students’ financial aid need.

Need-based aid: This takes a student’s financial status into account.
Merit-based aid: This is awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt is a significant consideration for many graduate students. At George Washington University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$20,449. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is \$217.

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: \$34,685
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 32%

Working During School

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job. Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

tags: #George #Washington #University #graduate #tuition #costs