Welcome to the Parents page! Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about the Washington Program. To see first hand how past students evaluate the Washington experience, click here to watch our streaming videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Washington Program?
The Program's mission is to enhance undergraduate education, support graduate and faculty research, increase UC Davis visibility in the nation's capital, and link Washington, DC alumni with our students and campus. Students are able to gain professional experience through internships and work with faculty members in small seminar courses while earning 15 units of credit toward graduation. Living in Washington, DC is a new and exciting experience for Washington Program participants. Known for its international atmosphere and cultural diversity, Washington, DC is a unique and stimulating environment. Although the Program is academically intense, students are able to take advantage of a variety of activities offered through the UC Center. Come join us!
How do we learn more about the Program?
The Program Staff are here to assist parents and students via email, over the phone, or in person with any questions they have about the Program. We are also able to mail interested parties a copy of our program DVD with detailed information on all aspects of participating in the Program and living in Washington, DC. Please contact Cheryl Purifoy for a free copy of the DVD. Students are also welcome to attend our Information Meetings each quarter or stop by our office on the second floor of South Hall.
When going through the application process, where can students find help?
Campus Staff and Student Advisors are available to help! Please visit the second floor of South Hall for drop-in advising or to set-up an appointment.
Is the UC Davis Washington Program competitive?
The UC Davis Washington Program is a competitive program. Physically we have limited space in the UC Washington Center and can only accept 41 students during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. During the Summer Quarter, we can only accommodate 30 UC Davis students in the Center. We operate a waiting list based on the student demand and qualification of the applicant pool per quarter. Students who are not admitted based on qualification or space limitation are encouraged to meet with Program staff to discuss a subsequent application. To ensure student's success in this rigorous program, we do have a competitive application process guided by strict admissions criteria, which is outlined on the web site.
How many units do students receive for the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters?
During the Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters, students receive 15 units of credit; 7 units for your internship, 4 units for the Research Seminar, and 4 units for the Upper-Division Elective Course. During the Summer Quarter, students have the option of enrolling in a 7-unit course to supplement their internship. Students who take the course offering, pay the summer sessions rate per unit plus an application fee, just as they would on campus. Alternatively, students may elect to enroll in the internship only option with transcript notation. The internship-only option has a program fee of $200; no other university fees must be paid.
How much is tuition?
University tuition fees for the Washington Program are the same as a quarter on campus.
In addition to tuition, how much does the quarter in Washington, DC Cost?
While it depends on a student's spending habits, a quarter in Washington, DC will be about $2,000–$3000 more than a quarter in Davis. The housing cost is approximately $2500-$3000 for the entire quarter. Tuition fees are the same as if the student was enrolled in classes here in Davis. Additional costs for food, travel and entertainment will be different for every person depending on spending habits.
Is Financial Aid/Awards available for Washington Program?
Yes - If the student is currently receiving financial aid, their financial aid package may be increased by $2500 to help defray the higher cost of living in Washington, DC. If they are currently not eligible to receive financial aid, the higher cost of living in Washington, DC may change their eligibility status and make them eligible for financial aid during the quarter that they participate in the Washington Program. Financial aid is available in on a more limited basis in for the summer program. Please contact Lorie Trapani in Financial Aid for more information. To help defray costs, the Washington Program provides some additional financial aid and awards, most of which are need based.
What do students do about their apartment in Davis while they are in Washington, DC?
Many students sublease their apartment in Davis while they are in Washington, DC. Program staff are happy to discuss various options with both parents and students.
Do students need a car, or is it easy to get around Washington, DC ?