District of Columbia College Costs 2026
Compare tuition at DC public universities, private schools, and community colleges. Estimate total costs with financial aid and loan payments.
Public Tuition
$7,200
Private Tuition
$48,600
Student Debt
$38,400
Starting Salary
$62,400
Cost Calculator
Loan Estimate
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,600
Total After Financial Aid
$93,600
Annual Cost
$23,400
Annual After Aid
$23,400
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,600 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,063 |
| Total Interest | $33,937 |
| Total Loan Cost | $127,537 |
District of Columbia College Costs Overview
District of Columbia is home to 4+ major colleges and universities offering diverse educational opportunities. The average in-state tuition at DC public universities is $7,200 per year, which is 34% below the national average of $10,940. When you add room and board ($16,200/year), the total annual cost of attending a public university in District of Columbia reaches $23,400.
Private universities in District of Columbia average $48,600 per year in tuition alone, making a 4-year private degree approximately $259,200 including room and board. For students seeking a more affordable path, District of Columbia community colleges charge an average of just $3,600 per year, offering significant savings for the first two years before transferring to a four-year institution.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in District of Columbia
| Category | Annual Cost | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Public In-State Tuition | $7,200 | $28,800 |
| Public Out-of-State Tuition | $18,720 | $74,880 |
| Private University Tuition | $48,600 | $194,400 |
| Community College | $3,600 | $7,200 |
| Room & Board (all types) | $16,200 | $64,800 |
Out-of-state students at District of Columbia public universities typically pay 2-3x the in-state rate. Establishing residency in DC before enrollment can save $46,080 over four years.
Top Colleges & Universities in District of Columbia
PTop Public Schools
- •University of the District of Columbia — ~$7,200/yr (in-state)
RTop Private Schools
- •Georgetown University — ~$48,600/yr
- •George Washington University — ~$48,600/yr
- •American University — ~$48,600/yr
District of Columbia Financial Aid Programs
DC TAG (Tuition Assistance Grant) provides up to $10,000/year for DC residents to attend any public university nationwide at in-state rates, or $2,500/year at private/HBCU institutions. This is one of the most unique programs in the country.
Beyond state programs, District of Columbia students can access federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for 2025-2026), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and federal work-study programs. Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility. Use our FAFSA EFC Calculator to estimate your expected family contribution.
Student Outcomes in District of Columbia
32%
Graduation Rate
$62,400
Avg Starting Salary
$38,400
Median Student Debt
158
Cost of Living Index
The average college graduate in District of Columbia earns $62,400 in their first year after graduation, with a cost of living index of 158 (the national average is 100). The higher cost of living in District of Columbia means you may need a higher salary to maintain the same standard of living as graduates in lower-cost states. With a 32% graduation rate at public universities, students who choose District of Columbia schools should leverage academic support resources and careful major selection to maximize their chances of completing their degree.
Tips for Reducing College Costs in District of Columbia
- 1Start at a community college. At $3,600/year, completing your first two years at a DC community college before transferring can save $7,200 compared to starting at a public university.
- 2Apply for state financial aid early. District of Columbia state aid programs have limited funding. File your FAFSA as soon as it opens on October 1 to maximize your eligibility.
- 3Earn credits in high school. AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs let you earn college credit before enrolling, potentially saving a full semester or more of tuition.
- 4Graduate on time. Each extra year costs $23,400 at a public school. Only 32% of students at DC public universities graduate in 4 years—plan your course schedule carefully.
- 5Consider living off-campus. Room and board averages $16,200/year. Off-campus housing or living at home can significantly reduce this expense depending on local rental markets.
Compare with Neighboring States
| State | Public Tuition | Room & Board | Student Debt | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (DC) | $7,200 | $16,200 | $38,400 | $62,400 |
| Maryland (MD) | $10,400 | $13,400 | $34,200 | $55,600 |
| Virginia (VA) | $14,200 | $12,800 | $33,800 | $55,200 |
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