Virginia
Rank #43
In-state tuition$16,090
Out-of-state$40,150
4-year sticker$64,360
All states
2025-26
Virginia vs District of Columbia College Cost
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition by $7,454/yr.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
Virginia vs District of Columbia side by side
District of Columbia
Rank #6
In-state tuition$8,636
Out-of-stateN/A
4-year sticker$34,544
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition
$7,454 per year cheaper ($29,816 over 4 years, tuition only). Net price after financial aid may differ—use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
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Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
Key takeaways — college cost comparison
- District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition by $7,454/yr ($29,816 over 4 years). Virginia: $16,090. District of Columbia: $8,636.
- Virginia ranks #43 nationally; District of Columbia ranks #6 (lowest = #1).
- One state does not report out-of-state data.
- Room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) is not included in tuition figures.
- Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check /529-calculator for deduction/credit details.
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators.
Virginia vs District of Columbia: in-state tuition comparison
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition: $8,636/yr (rank #6) vs $16,090/yr (rank #43) in Virginia. That's a $7,454 annual gap, or $29,816 over 4 years (tuition only, before aid).
Room & board is not included. Add US average room & board ($13,900/yr) to estimate COA: Virginia ≈ $29,990/yr; District of Columbia ≈ $22,536/yr.
These are sticker prices from College Board. Net price after federal Pell Grants, state aid, institutional scholarships, and merit awards is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Out-of-state tuition: Virginia vs District of Columbia
District of Columbia does not report out-of-state data. Virginia out-of-state: $40,150/yr.
Community college costs in Virginia and District of Columbia
Virginia: $5,691. District of Columbia: N/A.
Many students complete general education requirements at community college and transfer to a 4-year institution with junior standing, saving tens of thousands in tuition. Verify transfer pathways and articulation agreements with your target 4-year school.
529 plan tax benefits: Virginia vs District of Columbia
Both Virginia and District of Columbia residents can open 529 college savings plans. State tax benefits vary: some states offer unlimited deductions, others cap deductions at $1,000–$10,000/yr, and a few offer flat tax credits instead of deductions.
Use our /529-calculator to compare Virginia (VA) and District of Columbia (DC) tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and evaluate superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers under SECURE 2.0 Act rules.
Who this comparison helps
- Families comparing Virginia and District of Columbia for college relocation decisions.
- High school students weighing in-state vs out-of-state tuition in Virginia or District of Columbia.
- 529 savers in Virginia or District of Columbia setting contribution targets based on tuition trends.
- Guidance counselors comparing public college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs (this comparison covers public 4-year and 2-year only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
College cost comparison checklist
- Compare in-state tuition: Virginia $16,090 vs District of Columbia $8,636.
- Four-year sticker: Virginia $64,360 vs District of Columbia $34,544 (tuition only).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
- Check 529 plan tax benefits in Virginia and District of Columbia using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Virginia vs District of Columbia college cost FAQs
District of Columbia has lower public 4-year in-state tuition by $7,454 per year. Virginia: $16,090/yr in-state (rank #43). District of Columbia: $8,636/yr in-state (rank #6).
District of Columbia does not report out-of-state data. Virginia out-of-state: $40,150/yr.
Four years of sticker tuition (no room & board): Virginia ≈ $64,360 in-state, District of Columbia ≈ $34,544 in-state. Add room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check our /529-calculator for state-by-state deduction/credit details. Virginia: VA. District of Columbia: DC.
No. These are published sticker tuition and fees for public 4-year in-state and out-of-state. Net price after grants, scholarships, and state aid is typically lower. Local flagship and regional campus costs also vary.
Virginia: $5,691. District of Columbia: N/A.
Most state financial aid programs are limited to residents attending in-state public institutions. A few states (e.g., DC TAG) allow portability. Check your home state's higher education agency for out-of-state eligibility rules.
No. You can keep your existing 529 plan or roll it over to another state's plan. You may lose state tax benefits if you move, but federal tax-free growth and withdrawals remain. Consult a tax advisor for your situation.
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition ($7,454/yr), but net price after aid may differ. Compare state financial aid programs, 529 tax benefits, and institutional aid packages using college net price calculators.