George Washington University — ROI, Cost & Payback
George Washington University charges a net price of $36,586/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $146,344. Graduates earn a median $90,873 ten years after entry, $42,513/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 3.4 years — a 20-year net return of $703,916, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
George Washington University's 3.4-year payback ranks #217 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 83% of them, and #2 of 9 in District of Columbia.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $36,586/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $146,344 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $90,873 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $42,513/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $20,449 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $703,916 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on George Washington University's own numbers. Net price $36,586 × 4 years = $146,344 total. Median earnings $90,873 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $42,513 a year of premium. $146,344 ÷ $42,513 = 3.4 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $703,916. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do George Washington University students graduate with?
A median $20,449 in federal loans among completers, or 23% of the $90,873 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of George Washington University students graduate?
84% finish their degree. Spread the $146,344 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $174,219 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is George Washington University expensive compared with other District of Columbia colleges?
Its $36,586 net price runs $7,025 above the $29,561 median across the 9 District of Columbia colleges we profile, or $28,100 more across the full degree.