March 15, 2005

Board of Trustees Sets Tuition Rates for 2005–06 Academic Year

$109 Million Designated for Institutional Financial Aid

By Tracy Schario

The George Washington University Board of Trustees recently approved a five percent tuition increase for rising juniors and seniors for the 2005–06 academic year. The increase will be used for academic programs, services, and facilities. Current freshmen, incoming freshmen, and transfer students participate in the University’s innovative fixed-tuition/
scholarship program, which is set their first year at the University and remains constant for their entire undergraduate experience, up to five years.

“With each passing year, the value of the fixed tuition for students and parents becomes more evident,” said President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg. “And as we continue this transition, we maintain our commitment to all students to balance our pursuit of academic excellence, first-class facilities, a vibrant campus life, and an affordable education. To this end, I am gratified we are able to increase the amount of institutional aid for undergraduates to $109 million, nearly a $10 million increase over the current figure.”

The total dollar amount for tuition and fees for students who entered in fall 2003 or spring 2004 will be $32,360. Students who entered the University prior to fall 2003 will pay $32,060. The housing allowance for full-time undergraduates is $7,570, which is a five percent increase. The food allowance remains unchanged at $3,000.

The University’s Board of Trustees also approved a 5.5 percent tuition increase for graduate programs. The Law School increase is 5.8 percent. For the School of Medicine and Health Sciences MD program, tuition will increase three percent for first-year students and 2.1 percent for second-, third-, and fourth-year students, which is comparable to increases applied last year.

In February 2004, the GW Board of Trustees approved the innovative fixed-tuition/scholarship program, which provides a fixed rate for full-time undergraduate students for up to five years. In addition to keeping students’ tuition costs consistent, the plan guarantees an established level of institutional financial aid during their undergraduate enrollment. The program began with freshmen and transfer students who entered in fall 2004, and will continue for those students entering in fall 2005. Under the plan, fixed tuition for students starting in fall 2005 will be $36,370 per year for their entire undergraduate experience.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu