College Costs in Washington, DC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 42 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,276
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$51,262
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,568
per month
Colleges & Universities
42
institutions
Washington Overview
Population
689,545
Student Population
55,233 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
146 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
75/100
Transit Score
41/100
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
College Cost Calculator for Washington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$137,140
Total After Financial Aid
$137,140
Annual Cost
$34,285
Annual After Aid
$34,285
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $137,140 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,557 |
| Total Interest | $49,724 |
| Total Loan Cost | $186,864 |
Universities in Washington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | Private | $62,052 |
| George Washington University | Private | $60,770 |
| Howard University | Private | $30,964 |
| University of the District of Columbia Community College | Community | $3,120 |
Washington has 42 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Washington vs. National Average
| Category | Washington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,276 | $10,940 | +$1,336 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,568 | $1,050 | +$518 |
| Cost of Living Index | 146 | 100 | +46 |
Washington's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Washington
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
55,233 students
Washington has a total population of 689,545, with approximately 55,233 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Washington offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Washington
$61,051
Starting Salary
5.8%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Washington earn a median starting salary of $61,051, which is $26,051 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $137,140 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,537 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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