The cost of college in District of Columbia — and what it pays back
Across the 9 District of Columbia institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $29,561/yr, $12,655 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $63,066 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 6 of the 9 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$29,561
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$63,066
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
5.3 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
6/9
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How District of Columbia's 9 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong3
Solid2
Slow1
Weak3
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | $40,815 | $103,494 | 3 yrs |
| George Washington University | $36,586 | $90,873 | 3.4 yrs |
| The Catholic University of America | $29,561 | $73,250 | 4.8 yrs |
| American University | $41,943 | $77,370 | 5.8 yrs |
| Trinity Washington University | $9,302 | $53,804 | 6.8 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Washington University | $9,302 | $53,804 | 6.8 yrs |
| University of the District of Columbia | $10,648 | $44,236 | no payback |
| Gallaudet University | $15,845 | $43,101 | no payback |
| Strayer University-Global Region | $17,833 | $40,092 | no payback |
| The Catholic University of America | $29,561 | $73,250 | 4.8 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in District of Columbia?
The median net price across District of Columbia colleges is $29,561/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in District of Columbia cheaper than the national average?
No — the median District of Columbia net price of $29,561/yr runs about $12,655/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do District of Columbia college graduates earn?
A median $63,066 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which District of Columbia college pays for itself fastest?
Georgetown University — about 3 years to clear its $163,260 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-district-of-columbia page.