Feb. 21, 2006

GW Board of Trustees Approves Lowest Tuition Increase in Two Decades

Fixed Tuition Program Continued, Tuition Increase for Undergrads Held to 3.9 Percent

The George Washington University Board of Trustees voted at its Feb. 10 meeting to increase tuition rates for new undergraduates for academic year 2006–07 by 3.9 percent, the lowest increase for entering students in more than two decades. Now entering its third year, GW’s pioneering fixed tuition program establishes the tuition for entering freshmen and transfer students at $37,790 annually for the 2006–07 academic year and for up to five years in total during their undergraduate academic careers.

“Our families tell us that fixed tuition takes much of the guess work out of financing higher education,” said GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg. “Last year, private institutions nationwide raised their tuition an average 6.3 percent. So while tuition elsewhere is subject to annual increases, the cost of a GW education, once set, remains constant. The response has been positive for two years running, and we are pleased to move forward with this innovative program.”

As part of the fixed tuition plan, students also will continue to receive at least the same level of merit and need-based institutional aid provided they continue to make satisfactory academic progress and remain in good academic standing at the University. If a student’s financial needs change during the four or five years of undergraduate enrollment, aid may be increased. GW expects to provide approximately $112 million in institutional aid next year.

“As a GW doctoral student and a parent of six children, two of whom also currently attend the University, a fixed tuition rate is an important issue for our family,” said parent Christine Magee of Potomac, MD. “Knowing tuition at GW will remain fixed for the length of time that they attend the University gives us a clear financial picture of the cost of college with no surprises. Providing this security is just one of the many ways that GW exemplifies a university that understands the concept of family.”

Jillian Burstein, a sophomore majoring in political communication, agreed, adding “My parents and I have been saving and planning for my college education since I was a little girl. As the oldest of three and with my brother and sister getting ready to go to college, knowing my tuition will be protected from any unexpected increases allows my parents to make financial plans without having to dip into my siblings’ education savings.”

Housing, Tuition for Rising Seniors, Graduate Program Increases Announced

The graduating class of 2007 is the last undergraduate class to remain on the traditional tuition plan. For the academic year 2006-2007, the tuition will be $33,590, a 3.9 percent increase. For incoming undergraduates housing costs will increase by 1.7 percent. Combined housing and food allowance will be $11,000 annually, a 5.1 percent increase.

The University’s Board of Trustees also has approved increases for graduate programs. Law School tuition rates will rise 5.2 percent to $36,310 for full-time students. Tuition for graduate students in the School of Public Health and Health Services and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences’ will increase 5.5 percent. Incoming students to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences MD programs will see an increase of 4 percent, while tuition for second-, third-, and fourth-year medical students will increase 3 percent. Tuition for most other graduate programs will increase 5 percent.

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