Choosing which college to attend is a big deal. Do you go with a famous name or affordability? For the football team or the Greek system? For most of us, or our parents, it was a question of where we could get the best education in the field we want to go into, at the best price. For most college students, it doesn’t have to be an Ivy League school. But for those who have their heart set on it, one of those schools is going to cost you a bit more.
The average professor at George Washington makes just under $200k annually, with an average of 120 hours of contact with students per year.
Which comes to $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 of the 2026-2027 school year (in other words, starting this fall) will reach a milestone, but not a good one. The price tag per year for students will reach nearly $100,000. All GW undergraduate students will pay a three percent increase in tuition, bringing that total to $72,000. Returning students will face a cost of $98,165, and new students who are required to live on the Washington, D.C.-area campus, where all their expenses are included, will pay $95,155. That is an average per student increase of roughly $3,000.
READ MORE: Poll: By 2-1 Margin, Voters Say College Education Not Worth It
But, of course, tuition itself is just one expense. There is also housing and food. Second-, third-, and fourth-year students will pay around $21,520. Then there are books, transportation, and other assorted fees, which come to an estimated $4,225. Then there are the “mandatory” fees, which total $420. This would have anyone, parent or student, reaching for the smelling salts. But GW University says to relax, “The actual total cost of attendance varies by student.”
In a statement, GW Assistant Director, Media Relations, Julia Garbitt said,
“GW is committed to providing a world-class educational experience while maintaining accessibility and affordability. The university is proud to attract and retain talented students who will make significant contributions at and beyond our university. Many factors determine how much merit or need-based aid a student may receive. University leadership determines tuition and fees each year as part of annual budget planning.”
98 grand to learn how to hate jews and your country. https://t.co/pzsBxbaalJ
— Chris Krok (@chriskrokshow) April 1, 2026
And yes, Garbitt really did use the word “affordability.” One female student said of the rate hike, “I think that’s an extremely high amount. Like, definitely a big, big change.” A male student said that GW is a “great place,” but that students “expect great resources and a great school by paying that tuition.” He added, “And hey, if it’s going to go up, the quality better go up as well.”
So is all of this worth it? According to U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of best U.S. universities, Princeton comes in at number one with a 2026-27 annual cost of $94,624, just under GW, which is ranked 59th. Elite colleges and universities are on their way to pricing themselves out of being an option for young people.
GenZers are figuring out fast that trade school might be the way to go. Almost half, 42 percent of GenZers, are working in blue-collar or skilled trade jobs. They acquire the skills they need in half the time and can make a six-figure salary with none of the debt.
ALSO READ: In the Era of AI, New Poll Says Americans’ Views on Blue-Collar Work Are Changing
This fall’s incoming freshmen at GW will rack up nearly half a million dollars in debt by the time they graduate in four years. At that rate, they will pay off their student loans at the same time they apply for Social Security.
Every single student should be asking the administration and everyone running the university, “what exactly do I get for that $98,000, besides a piece of paper that says 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 kids get the education they deserve.
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