Cost & Aid
Attaining a quality education is critical for achieving job success and personal fulfillment, and to making a significant social contribution. As the value of education rises, the need to finance graduate study becomes greater.
The George Washington University believes that qualified students should be given the opportunity to continue their academic experience. The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration makes every effort to help students identify and take advantage of the wide range of financial opportunities available within the school and throughout the university community, as well as from external sources.
Current Tuition & Fees Per Semester
Trachtenberg School tuition is set at $1,960 per credit hour for 2021-22 school year. If you are enrolled as a Trachtenberg School student, you pay Trachtenberg School tuition and fees, whether you are taking a class in another school at the university or a class at a consortium school.
MPA/MPP degrees are 40 credits. These costs are based on the academic year.
Full-Time
Based on 20 credits per academic year
- Tuition: $39,200
- Fees (Student Association Fee + A One-Time New Student Matriculation Fee): $410
- Total: $39,610
Part-Time
Based on 12 credits per academic year
- Tuition: $23,520
- Fees (Student Association Fee + a One-Time New Student Matriculation Fee): $386
- Total: $23,906
Additional Costs to Consider
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In order to complete the program, students will have one semester in which they take one three-credit class (typically in a summer session) and have one semester in which they complete a 1-credit course in addition to their normal course load.
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Over the past three years, tuition costs have increased by about 3% yearly. The new tuition rate takes effect with summer classes.
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International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa are charged $45 each fall and spring.
The MA-ENRP degree is 36 credits. These costs are based on the academic year.
Full-Time
Based on 18 credits per academic year
- Tuition: $35,280
- Fees (Student Association Fee + a One-Time New Student Matriculation Fee): $386
- Total: $35,666
Part-Time
Based on 12 credits per academic year
- Tuition: $23,520
- Fees: $36
- Total: $23,556
Additional Costs to Consider
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Every new student is charged a one-time matriculation fee.
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International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa are charged $45 each fall and spring.
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Over the past three years, tuition costs have increased by about 3% yearly. The new tuition rate takes effect with summer classes.
PhD degree is 72 credits. These costs are based on academic year.
Full-Time
Based on 18 credits per academic year
- Tuition: $35,280
- Fees (Student Association Fee + A One-Time New Student Matriculation Fee): $386
- Total: $35,666
Part-Time
- Tuition: $23,520
- Fees: $36
- Total: $23,556
Additional Costs to Consider
- Over the past three years, tuition costs have increased about 3% yearly. The new tuition rate takes effect with summer classes.
-
International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa are charged $45 each fall and spring.
Certificate programs are 12 credits. These costs are based on the semester.
Two Classes Per Semester
- Tuition: $11,760
- Fees: $18
- Total: $11,778
One Class per Semester
- Tuition: $5,880
- Fees: $9
- Total: $5,889
Additional Costs to Consider
- Every new student is charged a one-time $300 matriculation fee.
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Over the past three years, tuition costs have increased by about 3% yearly.
Funding Your Education
Graduate school is expensive. It’s an investment in your future and your understanding of public service.
The Trachtenberg School encourages the use of additional resources to help defray the costs. We have compiled lists of funding and aid resources, both from GW and externally, for students seeking loans, fellowships, veteran's benefits, support for international students and more. Donors have been generous in setting up scholarships relevant to TSPPPA students. Please talk to us about the scholarships below if you are interested in learning more.
Working While in School
Many students in the Trachtenberg School work while they are studying in order to help pay for their education. The Trachtenberg School provides students with excellent flexibility in order to handle part-time or full-time employment while completing a degree. There are many resources available to enrolled students to aid in the job search.
There are some full-time or regular part-time positions at GW that qualify employees for tuition benefits. Other students secure work-study positions as part of their financial aid package. In addition, many GW faculty and research centers employ students as research assistants, project coordinators, Teaching Assistants for courses, and other roles. These positions do not typically offer tuition benefits but can provide a paycheck and relevant work experience.
Scholarships
The Trachtenberg School seeks financial support to help students with tuition and expenses. We encourage students to talk with us about financial needs.