George Washington University recently inspired online discussion with a 3-percent tuition hike that puts its annual cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses above $98,000 for some undergrads. Here’s how GW’s 2026–27 costs stack up against those of other area universities.
Georgetown University
Tuition:
$74,520
Housing and other expenses:
$27,218
Total cost:
$101,738
Percentage getting financial aid:
36%
George Washington University
Tuition:
$72,000
Housing and other expenses:
$26,165
Total cost:
$98,165
Percentage getting financial aid:
70%
American University
Tuition:
$62,680
Housing and other expenses:
$29,570
Total cost:
$92,250
Percentage getting financial aid:
53%
Howard University
Tuition:
$37,996
Housing and other expenses:
$36,054
Total cost:
$74,050
Percentage getting financial aid:
92%
George Mason University
Tuition (in-state):
$10,752
Housing and other expenses:
$32,466
Total cost:
$43,218
Percentage getting financial aid:
62%
University of Maryland (College Park)
Tuition (in-state):
$11,014
Housing and other expenses:
$25,052
Total cost:
$36,066
Percentage getting financial aid:
53%
This article appears in the June 2026 issue of Washingtonian.
Editorial Fellow
Dara T. Mathis is a journalist and nonfiction writer who joined Washingtonian in Fall 2025 as an Editorial Fellow. A 2024 recipient of the American Mosaic Journalism Prize, she resides in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
