Cheapest Physics Colleges in District of Columbia

Physics education costs in Washington DC span an extraordinary $33,000 range, from University of the District of Columbia at $14,693 annually to Howard University at $47,919. The capital's unique position as headquarters for NASA, NIST, and numerous federal research agencies creates strong opportunities for physics graduates. Georgetown University stands out with a 94.30% graduation rate despite charging $39,433 net annually, while UDC offers the nation's capital an accessible entry point into physics study at public university rates.

Programs

$14,693 – $47,919

Net Price Range

72.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Physics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of the District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia	$14,693	$6,152	26.3%
2	The Catholic University of America Washington, District of Columbia	$32,798	$55,834	81.3%	85.6%
3	George Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	$37,454	$64,990	85.2%	49.0%
4	Georgetown University Washington, District of Columbia	$39,433	$65,081	94.3%	12.2%
5	American University Washington, District of Columbia	$41,945	$56,543	78.5%	40.6%
6	Howard University Washington, District of Columbia	$47,919	$33,344	68.9%	53.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of the District of Columbia such an outlier for physics costs?

UDC charges just $14,693 net annually, making it over $18,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option. As the district's only public university, it offers in-state tuition of $6,152 to DC residents. However, its 26.30% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider academic support resources.

How do acceptance rates vary among DC physics programs?

Georgetown University maintains the most selective physics program with just 12.23% acceptance, while Catholic University accepts 85.59% of applicants. George Washington University falls in the middle at 48.98% acceptance. The range suggests options exist for students across different academic preparation levels.

Does the federal government presence affect physics career prospects in DC?

Washington DC hosts major physics employers including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Naval Research Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Federal agencies regularly recruit physics graduates for research positions, defense applications, and policy roles. The concentration of government science agencies creates opportunities rarely found in other metropolitan areas.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.