11 Cheapest Universities in Washington Dc for International Students

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In Washington Dc, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Washington Dc, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 11 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Washington Dc, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Washington Dc for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Washington Dc ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of the Potomac 15,200 USD 62%
University of the District of Columbia 16,400 USD - 17,400 USD 59%
Trinity Washington University 18,000 USD - 26,500 USD 55%
Gallaudet University 24,800 USD - 33,100 USD 38%
Howard University 30,600 USD 23%
Catholic University of America 53,100 USD - 53,700 USD -34%
American University 56,700 USD -43%
Strayer University 59,200 USD -49%
Georgetown University 59,800 USD -51%
George Washington University 62,200 USD -57%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 39,600 USD for universities in Washington Dc.

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1. University of the Potomac

The University of the Potomac is a two-year private for-profit university with a campus in Washington, D.C. The university was founded in 1991 and is a new university, so all campuses have good traffic access and access to courses online, reflecting the current trend from its inception. The University of the Potomac offers Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Graduate, and Advanced Certification Programs, and is also certified by the U.S. Higher Education System.

2. University of the District of Columbia

University of the District of Columbia offers countless possibilities to its students. It has wide connections with numerous industry leaders and enterprises to extend career help among its graduates. The university opens its doors to all aspiring and hardworking applicants.

3. Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University offers a broad range of programs that will prepare students in all aspects of contemporary work, family, and civic life. It aims to uphold its excellence in giving practical education to students, allowing them to expand further their knowledge. The university heavily puts emphasis on skills and values in order to produce compassionate and competent graduates.

4. Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is an institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. It started as a grammar school and has become the first and only higher institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. Although the university is intended and designed for such students, they also accept a few hearing students for their undergraduate programs. Gallaudet is a bilingual institution, with English and American Sign Language as its languages.

5. Howard University

Howard University is a prominent private institution that studies and provides opportunities to the disadvantaged people in society, such as the Black community, to remove social inequalities. Thus, the university is predominantly Black, producing famous alumni such as Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, and Chadwick Boseman. This top-ranked institution offers more than 100 programs for students, regardless of their color or sex.

6. Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America is the only higher education institution founded by U.S. Catholic bishops. It started offering undergraduate courses in 1904, and since then, it has already significantly contributed to the research field. The university takes pride in successfully staying connected with the Catholic church in these modern times.

7. American University

American University seeks to make an impact on society through constant learning and research. It also promotes social justice and sustainability, which is why it continues to advance its technology infrastructure and course offerings. The university is wide open to students from different parts of the world.

8. Strayer University

Strayer University is a private academic institution owned by Strategic Education, Inc. It has several campuses across the United States, but its headquarters are in Washington DC. A limited number of bachelor’s courses are available, and they mainly specialize in business, criminal justice, etc. They also have master’s programs, associate degrees, and certificate courses.

9. Georgetown University

Georgetown University was established in 1789 and is considered the oldest university in the United States with a Catholic and Jesuit background. It currently has 9 schools offering programs in social sciences, foreign service, health studies, and humanities. Programs at the university are designed not only to impart strong knowledge and develop critical thinking skills and creativity but also to impart to students important values that would help in serving society.

10. George Washington University

George Washington University (GW) began its humble beginnings in 1821. Over the years, the university has stayed true to its commitment to teaching and training its students to become experts in their chosen career paths. GW’s alumni include some of the most prominent leaders and professionals who significantly contribute to society. This renowned university has indeed championed providing high-quality education and overall academic experience to its students.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Washington Dc for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Washington Dc ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of the Potomac 11,400 USD 57%
Trinity Washington University 12,600 USD 52%
George Washington University 13,900 USD - 35,700 USD 48%
University of the District of Columbia 17,800 USD 33%
Strayer University 20,200 USD - 46,200 USD 24%
The Institute of World Politics 23,400 USD 11%
Howard University 27,200 USD - 35,600 USD -3%
Gallaudet University 27,300 USD - 36,400 USD -3%
American University 28,000 USD -6%
Catholic University of America 52,200 USD - 52,800 USD -99%
Georgetown University 54,700 USD - 69,300 USD -108%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 26,300 USD for universities in Washington Dc.

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1. University of the Potomac

The University of the Potomac is a two-year private for-profit university with a campus in Washington, D.C. The university was founded in 1991 and is a new university, so all campuses have good traffic access and access to courses online, reflecting the current trend from its inception. The University of the Potomac offers Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Graduate, and Advanced Certification Programs, and is also certified by the U.S. Higher Education System.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of the Potomac should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 11,400 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Trinity Washington University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Trinity Washington University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Trinity Washington University is 12,600 USD.

Trinity Washington University offers a broad range of programs that will prepare students in all aspects of contemporary work, family, and civic life. It aims to uphold its excellence in giving practical education to students, allowing them to expand further their knowledge. The university heavily puts emphasis on skills and values in order to produce compassionate and competent graduates.

3. George Washington University

George Washington University (GW) began its humble beginnings in 1821. Over the years, the university has stayed true to its commitment to teaching and training its students to become experts in their chosen career paths. GW’s alumni include some of the most prominent leaders and professionals who significantly contribute to society. This renowned university has indeed championed providing high-quality education and overall academic experience to its students.

The tuition fee at George Washington University for incoming international master’s students is 13,890 USD to 35,640 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of the District of Columbia

Another affordable university to consider in Washington Dc is University of the District of Columbia.

University of the District of Columbia offers countless possibilities to its students. It has wide connections with numerous industry leaders and enterprises to extend career help among its graduates. The university opens its doors to all aspiring and hardworking applicants.

The tuition fee in University of the District of Columbia for master’s program for foreign students starts from 17,748 USD.

5. Strayer University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Strayer University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 20,160 USD yearly.

Strayer University is a private academic institution owned by Strategic Education, Inc. It has several campuses across the United States, but its headquarters are in Washington DC. A limited number of bachelor’s courses are available, and they mainly specialize in business, criminal justice, etc. They also have master’s programs, associate degrees, and certificate courses.

6. The Institute of World Politics

The Institute of World Politics is a private institution for graduate studies in Washington, DC dedicated to preparing future leaders in the areas of politics and international affairs. It aims to guide students in understanding the world through different perspectives, identifying different opportunities and threats, and making morally and ethically sound decisions. Students learn from academic and political experts who also have vast experiences in their respective fields. 

7. Howard University

Howard University is a prominent private institution that studies and provides opportunities to the disadvantaged people in society, such as the Black community, to remove social inequalities. Thus, the university is predominantly Black, producing famous alumni such as Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, and Chadwick Boseman. This top-ranked institution offers more than 100 programs for students, regardless of their color or sex.

8. Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is an institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. It started as a grammar school and has become the first and only higher institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. Although the university is intended and designed for such students, they also accept a few hearing students for their undergraduate programs. Gallaudet is a bilingual institution, with English and American Sign Language as its languages.

9. American University

American University seeks to make an impact on society through constant learning and research. It also promotes social justice and sustainability, which is why it continues to advance its technology infrastructure and course offerings. The university is wide open to students from different parts of the world.

10. Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America is the only higher education institution founded by U.S. Catholic bishops. It started offering undergraduate courses in 1904, and since then, it has already significantly contributed to the research field. The university takes pride in successfully staying connected with the Catholic church in these modern times.

11. Georgetown University

Georgetown University was established in 1789 and is considered the oldest university in the United States with a Catholic and Jesuit background. It currently has 9 schools offering programs in social sciences, foreign service, health studies, and humanities. Programs at the university are designed not only to impart strong knowledge and develop critical thinking skills and creativity but also to impart to students important values that would help in serving society.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Washington Dc?

Applying to cheap universities in Washington Dc requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Washington Dc?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Washington Dc. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Washington Dc is the American University, which offers French Studies, Graphic and Visual Communication Design, and African American and African Diaspora Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the American University offers Accounting, Arts Management, and Art History.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Washington Dc for international students was helpful!