The 7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington, DC

The 7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington, DC

A college degree can do wonders for those who can afford it. Bachelor’s degree holders earn more than $1 million more over those with only a high school diploma. But getting a degree is usually quite expensive, and often comes with the burden of student loans.

Did you know that the total average student loan debt in the U.S. is $40,681?

Now, imagine earning a top-quality Bachelor’s degree in Washington, DC without student loans. In a city known for its elite institutions and high costs, finding a truly affordable college can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you. In this article, we rank the 7 most affordable colleges in Washington, DC. Our rankings evaluate tuition, books, and fees, and do not include living expenses which would be similar no matter which college you choose.

Methodology:

To provide a fair and consistent comparison of the overall affordability of the colleges in Washington DC, featured in this article, we used publicly available cost information from each institution’s official website. Here is how we calculated:

  1. Cost Per Credit:

We collected data on the tuition, fees, and book costs for each university. These figures were summed and the divided by the number of credits, stated on the website, e.g. 12 credits per semester. If the number of credits was not exact, we assumed a standard 15-credit semester.

  1. Total Cost for Tuition, Fees, and Books

To estimate the full cost of a Bachelor’s degree, we multiplied the calculated cost per credit by 120, the number of credits required to earn a BA degree.

These calculations were applied uniformly to each university, ensuring a transparent and consistent comparison of overall costs. 

1. NewU University – The Most Affordable College in Washington, DC

NewU is the best kept secret in higher education, it seems. Having launched just a couple of years ago, NewU University is a private non-profit university, offering affordable Bachelor’s degrees.

Focused on first-generation, low-income students and value seekers, the school is the first in the US to introduce a 3-year bachelor’s degree program without summer semesters or extra classes per semester, aiming to help students graduate faster. This innovative model saves an entire year of time and money, and significantly reduces the overall cost to get a degree.

Without hidden fees, NewU takes the lead when it comes to transparency in pricing, providing tuition freeze and lowest tuition guarantee. Making it extremely helpful when it comes to budgeting.

With its focus on affordability and transparent pricing, NewU stands out as the #1 most affordable college in Washington, DC — making it an excellent choice for students who want quality education without loans and excess financial burden.

2. University of Maryland (College Park, MD)

Located just outside Washington DC, the University of Maryland is a highly ranked public university known for its high academic standards and job placement rates. It offers extensive resources, innovative research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. Though prestigious, its overall cost is higher, reflecting its status as a top-tier public institution.
* We assume the price is the same for 15 credits per semester. Additional $1,545.30 Differential tuition per semester for full-time juniors and seniors majoring in Business, Engineering, and Computer Science regardless of residency. 
* We assume the price is the same for 15 credits per semester.
* We couldn’t find information on the university website.

3. University of the District of Columbia (UDC)

The University of the District of Columbia, or UDC, holds a unique place as the only public historically black university (HBCU) in Washington DC. This institution offers a wide range of degree programs. It is known for its deep roots in community engagement and its commitment to providing educational opportunities to a diverse student body. However, it’s important to note that while DC residents have access to lower tuition, out-of-state students may encounter much higher tuition.
* We couldn’t find information on the university website.

4. University of the Potomac

University of the Potomac is a private for-profit university known for its flexibility. Offering both online and evening classes, it caters to working students and those with busy schedules who need to balance education with other commitments.

5. Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is globally recognized as the world’s leading institution dedicated to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. This cornerstone is reflected in its specialized programs and support services, designed to meet the unique needs of its student population. Gallaudet’s specialized focus comes at a higher price, making it less affordable for the general student population, despite its exceptional value in its niche.
* Information for credits not available, we assume the price is for 15 credits per semester.
* We couldn’t find information on the university website.

6. Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University is a private Catholic institution with a long-standing tradition of empowering women through education.  Known for its supportive environment, small class sizes, and personalized approach, Trinity offers a nurturing educational experience. However, the tuition here is significantly higher compared to some of the more affordable options, available in Washington DC.
* We couldn’t find information on the university website.

7. Howard University

Howard University is a prestigious private HBCU with a rich history of nurturing leaders in business, politics, and culture. Its name carries significant weight. Howard provides an unparalleled network of alumni, extensive academic resources, and a vibrant campus life, but that recognition comes at a steep cost. The high tuition costs place Howard University at the bottom of our affordability ranking.
* Information for credits not available, we assume the price is for 15 credits per semester.
* Mandatory fees can change each academic year. 
* Price including supplies.

Choosing the right college is about balancing affordability, quality, and future career opportunities. Washington DC boasts a diverse range of educational institutions, from affordable public universities to prestigious private colleges – each offering its own set of strengths.

NewU University stands out as the most affordable college in Washington DC, primarily due to its innovative 3-year degree model, allowing students to graduate faster while paying the lowest tuition fees. This makes NewU an ideal option for those who seek a modern and transparent pathway to success without the burden of excessive costs.

If you’re looking for a smart, affordable, and efficient way to earn your degree in one of the nation’s most dynamic cities, consider applying to NewU. With its unique approach to higher education, transparent fee structure, and accelerated program, NewU University provides a compelling opportunity to secure a quality education while keeping your financial future in check.

Discover more about the future of college affordability and NewU’s cost solutions.  

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