Navigating the Costs of an MBA at George Washington University

George Washington University (GWU), a prestigious private school with a rich history, is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. GWU, which houses 14 colleges and schools that offer study in 71 disciplines, awards undergraduate and graduate degrees. GWU has 11,000 undergraduate students and 15,500 graduate students enrolled. GWU is ranked by the Princeton Review in its "Most Politically Active Schools" list and is located just four blocks from the White House. Its stellar reputation is enhanced by its extensive list of notable alumni, including prominent politicians, Grammy and Academy Award winners, successful business executives, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists.

George Washington University: An Overview

The concept for GWU was presented by President George Washington in his inaugural State of the Union address in 1790. It wasn't until after his death that his vision of a centrally located national university became a reality. GWU was established as Columbian College in 1821 with a charter from the United States Congress, but it was not renamed George Washington University until 1904. The three GWU campuses are home to numerous beautiful historical buildings, and the university's educational colleges are among the oldest in the country.

GWU leverages its prime location in the nation's capital to connect students to over 12,000 internship opportunities. The university's campus is within walking distance of some of the most important private and public organizations, including the World Bank and the White House. GW now educates over 26,000 students after being established in 1821 by an act of Congress. Many of the university's alumni have found success in political roles as a result of GW's location. Other alumni have found success in the entertainment, athletics, science, military, and nonprofit leadership fields.

MBA Program Options at GWU

GW offers two MBA options: a healthcare MBA and a regular MBA. Both options are available entirely online in a part-time format. Both MBA programs capitalize on the school's location to assist students in finding public and private positions in the area. Online learners complete 6 credits each semester, including during summer sessions.

The MBA program in Healthcare Management at GWU has been active for more than a decade, providing students with top-tier education at the intersection of business management and healthcare. The degree has become accessible to students who are unable to comply with the scheduling demands of a typical daytime degree with the launch of the online program. The 55 credits required for graduation are available entirely online, and coursework can be accessed 24 hours a day. The program focuses on practical skills and seeks to train professionals who are already working in the healthcare field. Core business courses, healthcare-focused classes, and general electives make up the coursework. The business credits provide a solid foundation in understanding global businesses and include classes such as Strategic Management, Global Perspectives, and Managerial Accounting for a total of 31 credit hours. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers healthcare-specific classes that can be tailored to individual student career goals.

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One unique aspect of this online MBA program is the option to earn a healthcare certificate in conjunction with the MBA degree. The six certificate options are Clinical Research Administration, Clinical Research Practice, Clinical & Translational Research, Health Care Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Health Sciences. All courses required for these certificates count toward MBA requirements, and the certificate curriculums better prepare candidates for specific career paths.

Accreditation and Admission Requirements

George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MBA in Healthcare Management applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. They must also have at least three years of professional experience, preferably in a healthcare-related field. The application process includes submitting a signed online application and paying an $80 application fee. The final step is to submit a personal statement describing the applicant's professional goals and purpose in choosing GWU for continuing education. US board-certified physicians or healthcare professionals with five or more years of experience may have their testing scores waived. Applicants who wish to have their test scores waived must submit a waiver request with their application.

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) holds applicants to all of its MBA programs to the same competitive admissions standards. The admissions committee makes decisions based on an applicant's academic preparation and performance, work experience, and the strength of their recommendations, essays, and interviews. The GRE or GMAT test is not required; however, applicants are welcome to submit their scores if they believe it will strengthen their application.

Understanding the Tuition Costs

The MBA in Healthcare Administration program at GWU costs $97,957. In addition, GWU charges a one-time enrollment fee of $600 and a one-time matriculation fee of $100. Students are charged a $35 registration fee and a $50 library fee each semester. Online students may be exempt from the library fee. Books are expected to cost approximately $500 per year.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, on-campus graduate courses have a per-credit-hour tuition rate of $2,195. The matriculation fee is a one-time fee of $495 charged to all new graduate students in their first semester. Semesterly fees include a Student Association Fee of $3 per credit (up to $45) and an International Student Fee of $45 for F-1/J-1 visa students. It's important to note that tuition rates are subject to change each academic year, and students may face an increase or decrease in tuition rates each year they are enrolled in their degree program. The estimated total cost of tuition for a full-time graduate student registered for 9 credit hours for the Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026 semesters is $19,755 per semester.

Approximate tuition costs for part-time graduate students are based on the total credit hours a part-time student is registered for each semester. Students studying on an F-1 visa are not eligible to enroll as part-time students unless they have been approved for a Reduced Course Load.

Specific MBA Program Costs

Business Administration Global M.B.A. (incoming students): \$133,874.00 (total program cost, excluding fees)
Online, Healthcare, Professional & Accelerated M.B.A.: \$2,616.00 per credit (for students beginning Fall 2020 & later), \$2,318.00 per credit (for students beginning Summer 2020 & earlier)

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

There are a number of scholarship and financial aid opportunities available through the university. Test scores and professional experience may be considered when selecting award recipients. Interviews will be conducted for some scholarships. Applicants to the MBA program are automatically considered for scholarships and do not need to submit a separate application. Other types of available scholarships include endowed scholarships and partner scholarships. These have a variety of criteria and may be need- or merit-based. Students employed by partner organizations are eligible for a tuition discount.

Information on financial aid and federal loans is handled by the GW Office of Student Financial Assistance. Counselors are available on the ground floor of the University Student Center during walk-in hours for in-person assistance.

Available Scholarships

GW School of Business Fellowships (amount varies)
Leo and Lillian Goodwin Endowment Scholarship (amount varies)
Oliver T. Carr, Jr. Scholarship (for graduate students in the School of Business interested in real estate)
The Carruthers Family MBA Scholarship (reserved for a graduate student enrolled in the full-time Global MBA program)

It is important to note that scholarship decisions are typically announced at the time of admission, and only new, incoming students are eligible for scholarships through the admissions office.

Admission Process Details

Applying to business school may seem overwhelming, but the GWSB admissions team is available to help. The MBA application process for all MBA degree formats can be described in three steps:

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Learn About Graduate Admissions at GWSB: Familiarize yourself with the general graduate admissions application process.
Begin Your Application: Review the application requirements checklist, then begin your online application and submit all supporting application materials. You may make changes and edits to your application at any time prior to submission. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed only after the admissions office has received all supporting application materials.
Attend an Interview: The School of Business conducts interviews by invitation for GMBA programs. Interviews are granted on an invitation-only basis. The Admission Committee may contact you to schedule an interview after they have completed a preliminary evaluation of your submitted application. The interview is an important evaluative component of the application process and is conducted by a member of the Admission Committee. Typically, interviews are 30-40 minutes in length.

Additional Application Information

Admissions Essay: In no more than 500 words, applicants should explain why studying at the GW School of Business (GWSB) is the program best suited for them and their academic interests, and how they will leverage both their past professional career and future academic experience at GW to achieve their post-MBA aspirations.
GMAT or GRE Scores: A GMAT/GRE score report is not required as part of the application process for all MBA programs at GW. However, applicants are welcome to submit their scores if they feel it will strengthen their application. Should you choose not to submit a GMAT or GRE Score, we ask that you utilize your Statement of Purpose to highlight evidence supporting your academic preparedness. Also, include any quantitative experience in your professional and academic history that you believe has equipped you to succeed academically in the program.

Additional Academic Information

Program Completion Time and Credit Requirements

Global MBA: Students complete 53 credits over four semesters (21 months).
Part-Time Flex MBA, Accelerated MBA, Online MBA, and Online Healthcare MBA: These programs are all 46.5-credit programs. Students take a total of 31.5 credits of required coursework, three credits of analytics/technology-focused selectives, and 12 credits of general electives.

Online Course Availability

GW offers its part-time Flex MBA degree in a fully online format - the Online MBA. Online courses are also open to on-campus, part-time Flex MBA students, allowing them to complete a hybrid program. All core courses and select electives are available online.

Elective Courses

For elective courses, students may choose from 6000-level electives from any department within the School of Business. Additionally, they may take up to six graduate-level credit hours outside of the School of Business after matriculating into the MBA program.

Career Services

The F. David Fowler Career Center provides personal career coaching, job opportunities (including on-campus recruiting), job search strategies workshops, resume development, and interviewing skills.

Study Abroad Options

The Global & Experiential Education office supports global business education through a broad portfolio of short-term and long-term global study programs, experiential education courses, and international student services. Global opportunities are available for Global MBA, Flex MBA, Accelerated MBA, and Online MBA students.

Consortium Program

The George Washington University is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Metropolitan Washington Area. GW MBA students may take courses at any Consortium member institution with the approval of their academic advisor and program director. Students must be in good academic standing and may enroll in up to six hours of approved courses through the Consortium.

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