George Washington University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,727 annually, including $64,990 in tuition, $16,300 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $37,454 after financial aid, representing savings of $43,273 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $80,727 |
| Tuition and Fees | $64,990 |
| Room and Board | $16,300 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$43,273 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $37,454 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $21,396 |
| $30–48k | $18,171 |
| $48–75k | $21,863 |
| $75–110k | $33,540 |
| $110k+ | $53,974 |
George Washington University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,727 annually, including $64,990 in tuition, $16,300 for room and board, and $1,400 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $37,454 after financial aid, representing savings of $43,273 from the sticker price. This net price places the university above the peer median of $33,531 by $3,923, indicating higher costs than similar private institutions.
The financial aid system provides meaningful support, reducing costs by more than half for the average student. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $21,396 for families earning under $30,000 to $53,974 for families earning over $110,000. This represents a $32,578 gap between the lowest and highest income tiers, reflecting the university's progressive aid structure that concentrates support toward lower-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
George Washington University graduates complete their education with median debt of $20,449, above average nationally but $2,719 below the peer median of $23,168. Debt levels range from $12,000 at the 25th percentile to $29,400 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, with annual earnings of $90,873 providing strong capacity for debt service. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $29,402 with monthly payments of $387, reflecting additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The combination of moderate student debt and strong earnings creates favorable conditions for debt repayment, though the university's higher costs do result in borrowing levels above some peer institutions. The relatively controlled debt levels suggest that financial aid packaging effectively limits student borrowing despite the university's high sticker price, protecting graduates from excessive debt burdens while maintaining access to education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
George Washington University generates strong return on educational investment despite earning $8,058 below expectations relative to student demographics. The university ranks at the 90th percentile for return on investment, driven by exceptional median earnings of $90,873 that place graduates at the 97th percentile nationally.
Graduates earn $14,302 more annually than the peer median of $76,571, providing substantial earnings premiums that justify educational costs over time. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 indicates that monthly loan payments represent manageable portions of graduate income, supporting long-term financial stability.
While the university's net price exceeds peer medians by $3,923, the earnings premium of $14,302 provides positive return within approximately 3-4 years of graduation. The combination of strong absolute earnings, controlled debt levels, and Washington D.C.
George Washington University's financial aid system reduces the average family's costs by $43,273, bringing the net price from $80,727 to $37,454. The university enrolls 14.8% Pell-eligible students, below national averages but indicating some commitment to serving lower-income populations.
The progressive net price structure demonstrates need-based aid effectiveness, with families earning under $48,000 paying roughly $20,000 annually while families earning over $110,000 pay nearly $54,000. This aid targeting reflects the university's approach of making attendance possible for lower-income students while expecting higher-income families to pay closer to full costs.
The financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by income, with lower-income families receiving aid that covers approximately 73% of total costs while higher-income families receive aid covering about 33% of costs. The aid system appears designed to maintain economic diversity while generating revenue from families with greater financial capacity.
