George Washington University Net Price Calculator

An accurate, unofficial tool to estimate your cost of attendance and potential need-based financial aid at GWU. Plan your educational investment with confidence.

Your Estimated Financials at GWU

Cost vs. Aid Breakdown

Visual breakdown of your estimated costs, aid, and final net price.

What is the George Washington University Net Price Calculator?

The George Washington University Net Price Calculator is a vital financial planning tool designed for prospective undergraduate students and their families. It provides a personalized estimate of the ‘net price’—the likely out-of-pocket cost to attend GWU for an academic year. This figure is determined by subtracting estimated grants, scholarships, and other need-based financial aid from the university’s full Cost of Attendance (COA). Understanding your potential net price is a critical first step in making an informed decision about affordability and budgeting for your college education.

This calculator is intended for prospective full-time, undergraduate, domestic students. It is not an official application for financial aid and does not factor in merit-based scholarships, which are awarded separately based on academic and personal achievements. For details on merit awards, you should review the GWU Merit Scholarships page. The primary purpose of this tool is to give a reliable estimate of need-based aid eligibility.

George Washington University Net Price Formula and Explanation

The core calculation is straightforward, but the complexity lies in determining the aid component. The fundamental formula is:

Net Price = Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) – Estimated Grant & Scholarship Aid

The calculator estimates these values based on the financial information you provide, comparing it to historical data and federal methodology. Here’s a breakdown of the components:

Calculation Variable Definitions

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range (Annual)
Cost of Attendance (COA)	The total estimated cost for one year, including tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and personal expenses.	USD ($)	$70,000 – $85,000
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Estimate	An index number calculated based on income, assets, household size, and number in college. This determines eligibility for need-based aid.	USD ($)	$0 – $100,000+
Estimated Grant & Scholarship Aid	The amount of ‘gift aid’ (money that doesn’t need to be repaid) the student is likely to receive from federal, state, and institutional sources.	USD ($)	$0 – $65,000
Net Price	The final estimated amount your family will be responsible for covering through savings, income, or loans.	USD ($)	$15,000 – $85,000

Practical Examples

Example 1: Middle-Income Family

• Inputs: Household Income: $90,000, Living: On-Campus, Household Size: 4, Number in College: 1
• Analysis: A family in this range demonstrates significant financial need. The calculator will estimate a substantial grant aid package.
• Results:
  • Estimated Cost of Attendance: ~$83,000
  • Estimated Grant & Scholarship Aid: ~$45,000
  • Estimated Net Price: ~$38,000

Example 2: Higher-Income Family with Two in College

• Inputs: Household Income: $180,000, Living: On-Campus, Household Size: 5, Number in College: 2
• Analysis: While the income is higher, having two children in college significantly increases the demonstrated need for each student. The aid will be less than the first example but still notable.
• Results:
  • Estimated Cost of Attendance: ~$83,000
  • Estimated Grant & Scholarship Aid: ~$25,000
  • Estimated Net Price: ~$58,000

How to Use This George Washington University Net Price Calculator

1. Gather Your Financial Information: You’ll need your family’s most recent annual income details. Accuracy is key to a reliable estimate.
2. Enter Household Income: Input the total pre-tax income for both the student and parents.
3. Select Living Arrangement: Choose whether you plan to live on-campus, off-campus, or at home with family. This is one of the largest variables in the total cost.
4. Provide Household Details: Enter the total number of people in your household and how many of them will be attending college during the academic year.
5. Calculate and Review: Click the “Calculate” button. The tool will display your estimated net price, total cost, and potential aid. The chart provides a visual summary of these figures.
6. Interpret the Results: Use the estimated net price as a starting point for financial conversations and planning. Remember, this is an estimate for need-based aid only. You can find more about student accounts at the GWU Student Accounts Office.

Key Factors That Affect Your Net Price

• Household Income: This is the most significant factor. Higher incomes generally lead to a higher expected family contribution and lower need-based aid.
• Living Arrangement: Living on-campus in Washington D.C. is expensive. Choosing to live at home with family dramatically reduces the overall Cost of Attendance.
• Number of College Students: Your EFC is roughly divided by the number of household members in college. Therefore, having a sibling in college at the same time can significantly increase your aid eligibility.
• Household Size: A larger household size can increase the allowance for living expenses in the federal aid formula, potentially lowering your EFC.
• Student’s Assets: While not included in this simplified calculator, student assets are weighed more heavily than parental assets in the official FAFSA formula.
• Cost of Attendance (COA): GWU’s COA changes annually. Any increase in tuition, fees, or housing will directly impact the net price if aid does not increase proportionally. Explore options like the GW Payment Plan to manage these costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this George Washington University Net Price Calculator official?

No, this is an independent, unofficial tool designed to provide a reliable estimate based on publicly available data and standard financial aid calculations. For the official university tool, please visit the GWU Financial Aid website.

2. Does this calculator include merit scholarships?

No. The calculator estimates need-based grant aid only. GWU offers separate merit scholarships based on academic achievement, which would further reduce your net price. All applicants are automatically considered for most merit awards.

3. Why is my estimated net price so high?

George Washington University is a private institution with a high Cost of Attendance. The net price reflects your family’s estimated ability to pay. If the price seems high, ensure your inputs are accurate and explore all aid options, including external scholarships and the university’s payment plans.

4. How accurate is this estimate?

The estimate is as accurate as the data you provide. It uses a simplified model based on the federal methodology but cannot account for all unique family financial situations. It’s best used as a planning tool and not a final guarantee of aid.

5. What is the difference between Cost of Attendance and Net Price?

Cost of Attendance (COA) is the full “sticker price” of the university, including all direct and indirect costs. Net Price is the COA minus any free money (grants and scholarships), representing what you actually have to pay.

6. Does this calculator work for international students?

No. This calculator is designed for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Financial aid for international students is extremely limited at GWU and follows a different process. Please see the admissions website for more info.

7. What should I do after getting my estimate?

Use this estimate to have family discussions about what is affordable. The next official step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile, which GWU requires for institutional aid. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to get started.

8. How does having two children in college affect the calculation?

Having multiple dependents in college simultaneously typically divides the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) between them, meaning each student shows a higher financial need. This can lead to a significant increase in grant aid eligibility for each student.