Understanding the Cost of Attendance at George Washington University
Financing a medical school education is a significant undertaking. The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Program Financial Aid Office aims to equip students with the necessary information and resources to make informed financial decisions. This article breaks down the tuition costs, financial aid options, and related expenses associated with attending GWU, offering a comprehensive overview for prospective and current students.
Financial Aid Overview
The GW SMHS Program Financial Aid Office offers various programs to help students finance their education, including institutional gift aid, merit- and need-based scholarships, federal direct loans, HRSA loans, institutional loan programs, and assistance in obtaining private loans. It's important to note that GW SMHS Program Financial Aid will only certify loans up to the total Cost of Attendance (COA), subtracting any institutional aid, outside scholarships, or other external resources like AmeriCorps Segal Awards.
Financial aid budgets serve as a guide to reflect a student's average cost of attendance, but they do not guarantee the availability of financial aid funds. Tuition rates and total COA figures are subject to change. Borrowing the full budget from financial aid can lead to substantial debt, potentially hindering the ability to secure resources to complete education if adverse credit is experienced. Prudent budgeting is essential, requiring adjustments across categories based on individual spending habits. The Financial Aid Office typically divides each figure by two to represent the allowance for the fall or spring semesters.
Key Financial Aid Dates
- Financial Aid Application Due: February 1 (The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.)
- Priority Application Due: January 5 (Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration.)
Tuition and Fees
George Washington University's tuition is $67,710, making it more expensive than the national average of $47,890. This sticker price includes both tuition and fees, which support various campus services like library access, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and health centers.
- Tuition: Applies to full-time students. Students with less than full-time hours (9 credit hours) should consult the SMHS Tuition and Fee Schedule.
- University Fees: Assessed to all on-campus students, comprising the Student Government Association and MD Activity Fees.
- Student Government Association Fee: \$3.00/credit up to a maximum of \$45.00/semester for all medical students.
- Activity Fee: \$390/year (1st year), \$310/year (2nd year), \$170/year (3rd and 4th years).
- Additional Fees (1st year): \$50 orientation fee and \$100 Step 1 study fee.
Average Net Price
The average net price, which is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships, is \$45,466 per year. This figure is specific to each student based on their individual circumstances and the college's financial aid policies. Using the college’s Net Price Calculator provides the most accurate estimate.
Read also: Paying for Medical Assistant Training
Other Costs
Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.
- Books and Supplies: \$1,450 per year (Books are available free through the Himmelfarb Library.)
- Personal Expenses: \$1,700 per year
- Transportation: \$1,075 per year
The total cost, including the sticker price plus these additional expenses, amounts to \$85,390 at George Washington University.
Instruments and Laptop Costs
First-year students should factor in the cost of dissecting equipment, clinical instruments, and a required notebook computer. The MD Program mandates that students have a laptop meeting specific requirements to run necessary software, including Examsoft. While maintenance and repair costs are not considered, expenses for leasing a computer may be. Scholarship funds are not available for computer costs; students can apply for federal or alternative educational loans.
Living Expenses
The monthly budget serves as a guide for living expenses, representing the total divided by the number of months in the academic year.
Loan Fees
Loan fees are budgeted based on the average loan origination fee from the previous academic year (2024-2025). These fees are 1.057% on a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and 4.228% on a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.
Read also: UMN Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid Statistics
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 42%
- Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 97%
- Average Aid Package Awarded: \$64,025
- Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: \$42,265 (Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.)
- Average Need-Based Loan Amount: \$6,412 (Loans must be paid back.)
- Average Non-Need-Based Aid: \$25,140
Types of Financial Aid Available
Financial aid encompasses grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Packages vary based on financial need, primarily determined by the FAFSA.
Scholarships and Grants
These do not require repayment and can be need-based, merit-based, or awarded based on other criteria like community service, unique hobbies, personal background, or a parent's affiliation.
- Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students): \$38,373
- Types of need-based scholarships/grants available
Loans
Loans must be repaid. The median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$20,449. The median monthly federal loan payment (repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) is \$217.
- Average Total Indebtedness of 2023 Graduating Class: \$32,231
- Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2023): 38%
Work-Study and Jobs
Working during school can help reduce student loan burden. Colleges offer work-study programs and campus jobs.
Cost of Attendance Adjustments
Students can request adjustments to their Cost of Attendance (COA) for specific circumstances. All requests require documentation and a signed Cost of Attendance Adjustment Form, submitted four weeks before the semester's end.
Read also: Comprehensive Breakdown of UMBC Tuition
Residency Interview Costs
Included in the budget for 4th-year students. Those with financial aid 'up to cost of attendance' facing shortfalls should contact the Financial Aid Office for the Fourth Year Residency Travel Allowance Request Form. The deadline is March 15, 2026.
Away Rotations
Additional funding is available for up to 12 weeks of elective away rotations, within the required 26 weeks of electives in the degree program.
Dependent Care Costs
Federal programs consider costs associated with the student's education. An income protection allowance for dependents is subtracted from the student's income, reducing the expected contribution. On a case-by-case basis, a 'dependent care allowance' may be added if the family's income is less than the income protection allowance. Married students may apply for an increase of 50% of reasonable childcare costs, unless the spouse is a stay-at-home parent. Appeals can be made for a dependent spouse with challenges preventing them from caring for children.
Disability Accommodation Expenses
An allowance is available for expenses related to a student's disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies. A letter from GW DSS outlining specific accommodation items, dated within 90 days of the request and within the academic year, is required along with a cost of attendance adjustment form and documentation of costs.
Other Expenses
The Medical School Office of Financial Aid may consider other educationally-related expenses on a case-by-case basis.
Regional Medical Campus (RMC) Budget Adjustment Policy
M3 and M4 MD/SPH borrowers enrolled for 10 or more months during the 2024-2025 Academic Year are ineligible for federal loans for the summer session only but remain eligible for the fall and spring semesters. The Summer Addendum form must be initiated by July 30, 2025. Students may not increase their cost of attendance for residency interview travel during the MPH portion of the program and should seek Residency and Relocation Loan products from private lenders.
MD/Public Health Certificate
Students pursuing the MD Public Health Certificate must complete 15 credit hours, 10 within the School of Public Health. Credit hour fees are \$1,400 each.
Student Loan Debt
Managing student loan debt is crucial. Ideally, total debt should be less than the anticipated starting salary post-graduation. At George Washington University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$20,449.
Tuition Guarantee Plans
Tuition at the time of first enrollment is guaranteed only to students making advance payments.
