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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Washington, DC for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Washington, DC that averages $31,880 a year in 2025-26, compared with $11,950 for state residents (national averages; Washington, DC has a single public university). The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Washington, DC average) | $31,880 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Washington, DC
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $33,002 | $39,734 | $53,846 |
| Public university | $54,882 | $61,614 | $75,726 |
| Private university | $68,002 | $74,734 | $88,846 |
Living costs in Washington, DC
Across Washington, DC's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $2,407 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $1,204 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $1,066 a month; prices in Washington, DC are 9.9% above the US average.
In total, expect about $2,270 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC area | $2,407 | $1,204 | $2,260 |
Washington, DC vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $27,910 | $1,903 | $53,246 |
| Washington, DC ★ | $31,880 | $2,270 | $61,614 |
| Virginia | $40,150 | $1,756 | $63,724 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Washington, DC?
About $61,614 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $31,880, living about $27,234, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $74,734 and a community college about $39,734. That makes Washington, DC the 16th most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
