At $37,454/yr net price, George Washington University graduates earn $90,873/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $56,873/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,454 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $149,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $90,873/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$56,873/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,449 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,396/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,171/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,863/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,540/yr |
| $110,001+ | $53,974/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineering. | Doctoral | $146,893 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $127,142 | $61,789 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $114,046 | $61,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Doctoral | $106,421 | |
| Public Health. | Certificate | $104,192 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $104,192 | $41,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,061 | $139,995 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $101,964 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,254 | $52,641 |
The Risk Factor
85.2% of students at George Washington University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
George Washington University delivers strong financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $90,873 ten years out. Your location in Washington DC creates strong career opportunities that justify the investment for most majors.
Systems Engineering leads earnings at $146,893, making it one of the best ROI programs nationwide. Business Administration and Nursing both clear $100,000+ in median earnings, though Nursing carries significantly higher debt loads at $61,789. Human Resources and Management Sciences round out the top earners above $106,000.
The school's biggest financial advantage is its DC location, where federal agencies, consulting firms, and lobbying organizations recruit heavily from GWU. This geographic premium helps offset the $37,454 annual net price. Your 85% graduation rate also reduces the risk of paying without completing your degree.
The major financial risk is debt concentration in certain programs. While the overall median debt sits at a manageable $20,449, specific majors like Nursing and Business push debt above $60,000. You need to carefully match your program choice to its earning potential.
GWU makes financial sense if you're targeting high-paying fields like engineering or business, or if you want to work in government and policy where the DC network pays dividends. Skip it if you're pursuing lower-earning fields where the location premium won't cover the higher costs.
Only 15% of students receive need-based aid, signaling limited financial assistance. Merit scholarships exist but competition is fierce. Your best cost strategy is choosing a high-ROI major and leveraging the DC job market aggressively during school through internships and networking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is George Washington University worth the high tuition cost?
George Washington University's $37,454 annual net price is steep, but graduates earn $90,873 after 10 years, which is solid for the DC job market. The payoff depends heavily on your major - engineering and nursing students do well, while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at George Washington University?
Systems Engineering leads at $146,893 in median earnings, followed by nursing programs at $127,142. Business administration graduates earn around $114,046, making these three areas the strongest financial bets at GW.
How much debt do George Washington University students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $20,449, which is manageable compared to the school's high sticker price. This suggests financial aid helps offset costs, though your actual debt will depend on your family's financial situation.
Does George Washington University provide good value compared to other DC area schools?
GW's location in downtown DC provides strong internship and job opportunities, but you pay a premium for it. The 85% graduation rate is solid, though the high net price means you need to pick a major that actually pays off in the Washington job market.