How Much Is Too Much? Tuition at a D.C. University to Balloon to Nearly 100K in Fall ’26 – RedState
Choosing which college to attend is a big deal. Are you going with a famous name or an affordable price? For the football team or the Greek system? For most of us, or our parents, it was a question of where to get the best education in the field we want to go into, at the best price. For most students, it doesn’t have to be an Ivy League school. But for those who have their heart set on it, one of these schools is going to cost you a little more.
The average George Washington professor earns just under $200,000 per year, with an average of 120 student contact hours per year.
That’s $1,500 per HOUR of interaction with students….https://t.co/F6C8gte5nr
— 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 (@txsalth2o) April 1, 2026
At George Washington University (GW), the total cost for the 2026-2027 school year (that’s starting this fall) will hit a milestone, but not a good one. The annual award for students will reach nearly $100,000. All GW undergraduates will pay a three percent increase in their tuition, bringing that total to $72,000. Returning students will pay $98,165, and new students who must live on campus in the Washington, D.C. area, where all their expenses are included, will pay $95,155. This represents an average increase per student of approximately $3,000.
READ MORE: Poll: By 2-1 margin, voters say college isn’t worth it
But of course, tuition itself is just one expense. There is also accommodation and food. Second, third and fourth year students will pay approximately $21,520. Then there are books, transportation and other miscellaneous costs, which add up to about $4,225. Then there are the “mandatory” fees, which total $420. This would make anyone, parent or student, seek out the smelling salts. But GW University says to relax: “The actual total cost of attendance varies by student. »
In a statement, Julia Garbitt, GW’s deputy director of media relations, said:
“GW is committed to providing a world-class educational experience while maintaining accessibility and affordability. The university prides itself on attracting and retaining talented students who will make significant contributions within and beyond our university. Many factors determine the amount of merit or need aid a student can receive. University leadership determines tuition and fees each year as part of annual budget planning.”
$98,000 to learn to hate Jews and your country. https://t.co/pzsBxbaalJ
– Chris Krok (@chriskrokshow) April 1, 2026
And yes, Garbitt really used the word “affordability.” One student said of the rate hike: “I think it’s an extremely high amount. It’s a really, really big change.” One student said GW is a “great place,” but that students “expect great resources and a great school when paying that tuition.” He added: “And if it’s going to go up, the quality better go up too.”
So, is it all worth it? According to U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of America’s best universities, Princeton comes in first with a 2026-27 annual cost of $94,624, just below GW, ranked 59th. Elite colleges and universities are on their way to no longer being an option for young people.
GenZ are quickly realizing that trade schools might be the way to go. Nearly half, or 42 percent of GenZers, work in manual or skilled jobs. They learn the skills they need in half the time and can earn a six-figure salary without any debt.
ALSO READ: In the age of AI, new poll finds Americans’ views on manual labor are changing
GW freshmen arriving this fall will rack up nearly half a million dollars in debt before they graduate four years from now. At this rate, they’ll be paying off their student loans at the same time they’re filing for Social Security.
Every student should ask the administration and everyone who runs the university, “What exactly am I getting for this $98,000 other than a piece of paper saying I graduated from George Washington University??? »
– Critical Thinker C (@Teclarosa23) April 1, 2026
President Trump is fighting to dismantle the Department of Education and ensure America’s children get the education they deserve.
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