How to Estimate Your Total Cost of Attendance at GW

Every year, thousands of talented and promising students come to the George Washington University with a desire to change the world. However, not every future leader has the same opportunities because of the difference between the cost to attend and what a student and their family can afford. Our priority is clear: We want to increase access to a GW education and support our best and brightest—regardless of their background or financial circumstances—for years to come. That’s why you should apply for financial assistance, even if you think you may not be eligible.

When determining if an undergraduate or graduate student is eligible for financial assistance, GW’s Office of Student Financial Assistance will use the following direct and estimated expenses as the base for total cost of attendance.

The Office of Financial Aid for  Law students and MD and Physician Assistant students are housed within their respective schools.

There are several factors to consider when planning out how to finance your GW education:

  • Direct costs for each semester including tuition, housing and food, and student fees for which GW bills you.
  • Indirect costs that each student may incur based on their individualized experience including books, transportation and personal expenses.
  • Tuition rates and estimated cost of attendance figures are subject to change at any time.

An individual student’s actual cost to attend will vary depending on the type of room and meal plan that a student chooses, as well as other factors including books, transportation, and personal expenses.

To help estimate how much it may cost to attend GW, we encourage you to explore the charts below based on your degree and/or type of program, including: 

  • Undergraduate Students:  Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs offered by GW’s Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Elliott School of International Affairs or Milken Institute School of Public Health.
  • Undergraduate Specialty Programs: Accelerated and/or degree completion bachelor degree programs in the School of Nursing, School of Medicine & Health Sciences and College of Professional Studies. Also, fully-online bachelor degree programs.
  • Graduate Programs: Students seeking graduate degrees at the masters and doctoral level.  

 

A Guide to Estimating Your Educational Expenses: Undergraduate Students

A Guide to Estimating Your Educational Expenses: Undergraduate Students

This page is to help undergraduate students enrolled in bachelor degree programs offered by GW’s Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Elliott School of International Affairs or Milken Institute School of Public Health, understand and estimate what it may cost them to attend GW during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Full-time/Part-time Status

Undergraduate students registered for less than 12 credit hours in a semester are considered part-time and will be charged a per-credit rate. Financial aid, including scholarships and work-study, may be impacted if a student falls below full-time status at any point during the semester. Students registered for more than 18 credit hours will be charged $2,170 or each credit hour that exceeds 18 credits. Exception: GW Engineering students may take up to 19 credits with no additional per credit charge.

Student Fees

The following mandatory fees will be applied:

  • U•Pass TransportationUnlimited use of Metrorail and Metrobus at a discounted, flat fee of $100 per semester for all full-time students.
  • Student Government Association Dues: All students at the undergraduate, graduate, law, medical and professional/doctoral level are charged $3 per credit hour each semester to help fund the Student Government Association, GW’s student governing body.

The following fees may be applied based on your enrollment status:

  • Student Health Insurance Plan: The university mandates that all students must have medical health insurance coverage while enrolled at GW. GW offers a comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan (GW SHIP) through Aetna Student Health and all students–including undergraduate, graduate, law, medical and doctoral students–are automatically enrolled in GW SHIP unless the student waives out of the GW health plan.
  • Matriculation fee: A one-time fee for new, incoming students is charged the first semester a student enrolls. ie: The first semester in their first-year of study at GW after high school or the first semester a student transfers to GW from another college. 

Housing and Food
The established estimated rate for on-campus housing and food is the average cost by class-year and is the base level for allocating financial aid. Students who receive financial aid who choose to select a room or meal plan at a higher rate than the listed estimate will be responsible to cover any additional costs from their own resources or via a PLUS/alternative loan option.

  • View GW’s five tiers of housing rates. As a student transitions through GW, more room styles, buildings and options are available such as suite style and apartment living at various rates. These options provide greater flexibility based on preference than the traditional two-person room most students live-in during their first-year in college.  
  • View GW’s meal plan options available by class year. A meal plan is required for all students who live in the residence halls.

The university, in accordance with D.C. regulations, requires all first- and second-year students to reside on campus unless their permanent address is within commuting distance or are approved for a residency exemption through a process managed by the Campus Living and Residential Education Office.

Indirect Costs
When determining how much to budget/plan to spend during college, there will be indirect costs such as books, supplies, transportation, personal expenses (clothes, entertainment, etc) to consider. The university uses standard allowances for these indirect costs when estimating how much a student and their family can contribute towards their overall yearly expenses during the academic year when calculating the financial assistance the university can provide. Each student’s indirect cost will vary based on personal circumstances.

View the charts/tables on this page based on your class year to learn more about estimating your expenses for the 2024-2025 academic year

 

New First-Year or Transfer Students Entering Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
  Living On-Campus In the Residence Halls Living Off Campus Living at Home
Tuition: 2024-2025 Academic Year $67,420 $67,420 $67,420
Mandatory Student Fees $290 $290 $290
Matriculation Fee $350 $350 $350
Housing and Food $16,920 $16,920 $7,000
Total Estimated Direct Cost $84,980 $84,980 $75,060
 
Books/Supplies $1,450 $1,450 $1,450
Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses $1,700 $1,700 $1,700
Transportation $1,075 $1,075 $1,075
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $89,205 $89,205 $79,285

 

Continuing Students in their second-, third-, and fourth-year academic years at GW
  Living On-Campus In the Residence Halls Living Off Campus Living at Home
Tuition: 2024-2025 Academic Year $67,420 $67,420 $67,420
Mandatory Student Fees $290 $290 $290
Housing and Food $20,500 $19,200 $7,000
Total Estimated Direct Cost $88,210 $86,910 $74,710
 
Books/Supplies $1,450 $1,450 $1,450
Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses $1,700 $1,700 $1,700
Transportation $1,075 $1,075 $1,075
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $92,435 $91,135 $78,935

 

Continuing Students Who Entered GW in Fall 2019 or Spring 2020

Students in their fifth academic year at GW follow the fixed tuition pricing set in fall 2019.

  Living On-Campus In the Residence Halls Living Off Campus Living at Home
Tuition: 2024-2025 Academic Year $56,845 $56,845 $56,845
Mandatory Student Fees $290 $290 $290
Housing and Food $20,500 $19,200 $7,000
Total Estimated Direct Cost $77,635 $76,335 $64,135
 
Books/Supplies $1,450 $1,450 $1,450
Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses $1,700 $1,700 $1,700
Transportation $1,075 $1,075 $1,075
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $81,860 $79,485 $68,360

 

 

A Guide to Estimating Your Educational Expenses: Specialty Undergraduate Programs

In addition to the more traditional four-year undergraduate degree programs offered in the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Elliott School of International Affairs and Milken Institute School of Public Health, GW offers several accelerated and/or degree completion bachelor degree programs in the School of Nursing, School of Medicine & Health Sciences and College of Professional Studies.

The information listed in each section here is for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN)

Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN)

Financial assistance is awarded to cover educational costs within a specific academic year. Review the 2023-2024 academic year estimated costs based on the year the student entered GW. Estimated costs vary by academic year and program. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and an allowance for personal and living expenses.  The COA includes transportation costs intended to cover the cost of getting to and from school and related offsite locations; however it does not include an allowance for car payments.  The charts below reflect full time enrollment (12 or more credit hours).

ABSN Cohorts and Academic Years

The cohort the student is in will impact the structure / schedule of financial assistance they receive within each academic year. Academic years for financial assistance purposes consist of fall, spring and summer semesters (in that order). 

Note that tuition rates and COA figures are subject to change at any time

Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) - Classes entering Fall 2022

Budget Component

Fall

Tuition

$19,800

Fees

$500

Books & Supplies

$700

Housing and Food

$9,350

Personal

$1,013

Transportation

$538

Total

$31,901

Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) - Classes entering Spring 2023

Budget Component

Fall, Spring

Tuition

$39,600

Fees

$1000

Books & Supplies

$1,400

Housing and Food

$18,700

Personal

$2,025

Transportation

$1,075

Total

$63,800

Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) - Classes entering Summer 2023

Budget Component

Fall, Spring, Summer

Tuition

$61,800

Fees

$1,500

Books & Supplies

$2,100

Housing and Food

$24,933

Personal

$2,700

Transportation

$1,433

Total

$94,466

 

Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) - Classes entering Fall 2023

Budget Component

Fall, Spring, Summer

Tuition

$61,800

Fees

$2,072

Books & Supplies

$2,100

Housing and Food

$24,933

Personal

$2,700

Transportation

$1,433

Total

$95,038

Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) - Classes entering Spring 2024

Budget Component

Spring, Summer

Tuition

$41,200

Fees

$1,572

Books & Supplies

$1,400

Housing and Food

$15,583

Personal

$1,688

Transportation

$896

Total

$62,339

Notes:

  • The figures above represent an estimated cost of attendance for an independent student.
  • Tuition is capped at 12 credit hours per semester.
  • Health Insurance costs are not included automatically but can be added in upon request by completing the Cost of Attendance Appeal section of the Undergraduate Change Form.
  • Undergraduate Change Form is used to request consideration that additional expenses (e.g. higher housing and food estimates) are included in the COA.  Please refer to that form for documentation requirements.

Fees include:

  • Lab Fee of $300 per semester
  • NCLEX Review Fee of $200 per semester.
  • One time Criminal Background Check and Immunization Fee of $122 (first semester only)
  • One time Health Assessment Equipment Fee of $220 (first semester only)
  • One time Neehr Perfect Subscription of $155 (first semester only)
  • One time Orientation Fee of $75 (first semester only)

 

College of Professional Studies

College of Professional Studies

Financial assistance is awarded to cover educational costs within a specific academic year. Review the 2023-2024 academic year estimated costs based on the year the student entered GW. Estimated costs vary by academic year and program. Amounts listed below reflect the costs for one academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Note that tuition rates and COA figures are subject to change at any time

Budget Component

Amount

Tuition

$975 per credit

Fees

$90

Books/Supplies

$1,400

Housing and Food

$18,700

Personal/Miscellaneous

$2,025

Transportation

$1,075

 

Notes:

  • The figures above represent a estimated cost of attendance for an independent student for one academic year (fall and spring semesters).
  • Fees include:
    • Student Association Fee of $3 per credit to a maximum of $90 for Fall/Spring

 

Online Learning

Online Learning

Financial Assistance is awarded to cover educational costs within a specific academic year. The following provides estimated costs for undergraduate students enrolled in online learning programs for the 2023-2024 academic year. Estimated costs vary by location and program.

Note that tuition rates and COA figures are subject to change at any time.

Budget Component

Amount

Tuition

Dependent on Program

Fees

$70

Books/Supplies

$58 per credit

Housing and Food

$18,700

Personal/Miscellaneous

$2,025

Transportation

$1,075

 

Notes:

  • The figures above represent a estimated cost of attendance for an independent student for one academic year (fall and spring semesters).
  • Tuition amount is dependent on the program.
  • Fees include:
    • Registration Fee of $35 per semester

 

A Guide to Estimating Your Educational Expenses: Graduate Programs

Note: This page is to help graduate and doctoral students estimate educational expenses for the year. Law students and MD and Physician Assistance students should visit the Office of Financial Aid housed within their respective schools for more information about estimating expenses for their degree programs. 

Graduate Programs

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget constructed to approximate the expenses which a student will incur that are directly related to enrollment. Note that tuition rates and COA figures are subject to change at any time. When a student submits a FAFSA, we create a basic COA based on half-time enrollment and estimated tuition charges. If additional funds are needed outside of what is originally awarded, we can increase the tuition and fees portion of the student’s budget to match actual charges. COA components for students enrolled at least half-time include:

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Living Expenses
  • Personal Expenses which includes an allowance for Health Insurance
  • Books and Supplies
  • Transportation
  • Miscellaneous Expenses

The COA for students enrolled less than half-time who are applying for a private alternative loans, does not include living expenses. This is based on current federal regulations. 

Students who have dependent child care costs, are paying more than the included Health Insurance allowance, are taking a Study Abroad class, or have unreimbursed Medical Expenses, may appeal the Cost of Attendance by submitting a written letter of explanation. Documentation of additional expenses must be included with the letter along with a new Supplemental Graduate Loan Questionnaire requesting the additional loan amount the student is interested in borrowing. In addition, we will include a one-time only purchase of a new computer of up to $1,500. Students interested in this allowance must purchase the computer and submit a copy of the receipt and letter of appeal along with a new Supplemental Graduate Loan Questionnaire for reimbursement.

An allowance for off-campus housing is included in the standard budget. Tuition and fees are based on the University's academic year rates. Transportation, personal expenses, and books and supplies are estimated figures based on area trends, and in some cases, derived from data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students who obtain campus based housing will have the same allowances as students living off-campus.

A GW graduate student's Cost of Attendance will be further contingent upon four specific factors:

  • The student's program of study
  • The GW cost per credit hour for the student's program of study
  • The number of credit hours for which the student is registered
  • The number of months in the student’s loan period

There is no standard tuition rate for GW graduate students. The amount of tuition you will be billed is dependent upon the campus(es) of enrollment, the number of credits enrolled in each semester, as well as the current tuition rate for the semester in question. Please be aware that most programs increase tuition costs as approved by the Board of Trustees starting with each summer semester. As a result, students may be charged slightly more tuition in the summer than was paid during the fall and spring. However, there are some programs that have a fixed tuition rate and students enrolled in these programs will be charged the same amount each semester regardless of the number of credit hours or the Academic Year in which enrolled. Complete tuition schedules are available online at the Student Accounts Office website.

The following chart delineates examples of Cost of Attendance budgets for full-time enrollment (9 credits per semester) and half-time enrollment (6 academic credits per semester) covering the fall and spring semesters. Tuition in these examples is based on $1,950 per credit hour. Fees are assessed at $3.00 per credit hour.

For planning purposes, you can use the COA worksheet (Excel Spreadsheet) to create an estimated Cost of Attendance based on a specific loan period, tuition rate and campus of attendance.

 


2023-2024 COST OF ATTENDANCE BUDGET EXAMPLES

 

FULL-TIME

(9 Credits Per Semester)

PART-TIME

(6 Credits Per Semester)

 

FALL

SPRING

TOTAL

FALL

SPRING

TOTAL

Tuition and Fees

$17,550

$17,550

$35,100

$11,700

$11,700

$23,400

Living Expenses

$11,200

$14,000

$25,200

$11,200

$14,000

$25,200

Books and Supplies

$900

$900

$1,800

$600

$600

$1,200

Transportation

$550

$550

$1,100

$550

$550

$1,100

Personal Expenses

$2,400

$3,000

$5,400

$2,400

$3,000

$5,400

TOTAL

$32,600

$36,000

$68,600

$26,450

$29,850

$56,300