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Head-to-head comparison

George Washington University vs Trinity Washington University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Washington DC · vs · Private nonprofit, Washington DC

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Washington, DC

George Washington University

Net price / year
$36,586
Earnings, 10 years
$90,873
Payback
3.4 yrs

Option B Washington, DC

Trinity Washington University

Net price / year
$9,302
Earnings, 10 years
$53,804
Payback
6.8 yrs
The verdict

George Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $146,344 in 3.4 years versus 6.8 years at Trinity Washington University, on median earnings of $90,873 vs $53,804 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorge Washington UniversityTrinity Washington University
Net price / yr$36,586$9,302
Total net cost$146,344$37,208
Median earnings, 10 yrs$90,873$53,804
Median debt$20,449$28,250
Payback3.4 yrs6.8 yrs
20-year net return$703,916$71,672

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, George Washington University or Trinity Washington University?

Trinity Washington University, at $9,302 a year after aid versus $36,586 — a gap of $27,284 a year, or $109,136 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do George Washington University or Trinity Washington University graduates earn more?

George Washington University graduates report a median $90,873 ten years after entry, $37,069 more than the $53,804 at Trinity Washington University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, George Washington University or Trinity Washington University?

George Washington University: its completers carry a median $20,449 in federal loans versus $28,250 at Trinity Washington University, a difference of $7,801. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

84% of students finish at George Washington University, against 49% at Trinity Washington University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

George Washington University vs Trinity Washington University: frequently asked questions

Is George Washington University or Trinity Washington University a better value?
George Washington University. It clears its $146,344 net cost in about 3.4 years versus 6.8 years at Trinity Washington University, on median earnings of $90,873 vs $53,804 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, George Washington University or Trinity Washington University?
Trinity Washington University: $9,302/yr net price after aid versus $36,586/yr at George Washington University — a difference of $27,284 a year, or about $109,136 over four years.
Do George Washington University or Trinity Washington University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn a median $90,873 ten years after entry, versus $53,804 at Trinity Washington University — a $37,069 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.