Planning your finances is an important step toward your experience in Washington, D.C. Please keep in mind that while the program's housing cost is a fixed amount, all other figures (food, transportation) are estimates based on average student spending.
Estimated Cost Table
QUARTERS | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 | Winter 2027 | Spring 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Cost | $3,845 | $4,285 | $4,010 | $3,900 |
| Books | $496 | $496 | $496 | $496 |
| Living Expenses | $2,035 | $2,035 | $2,035 | $2,035 |
| Personal | $1,147 | $1,147 | $1,147 | $1,147 |
| Transportation | $1,169 | $953 | $953 | $953 |
| Healthcare | $1,226 | $1,226 | $1,226 | $1,226 |
| Total Expenses* | $9,918 | $10,358 | $10,083 | $9,973 |
*Total does not include tuition. For Academic Year (Fall/Winter/Spring), standard campus tuition applies. For Summer, tuition is optional and required only if you enroll in units.
Housing Costs & Policies
Housing costs are determined by the UCDC Center. The total cost is calculated based on a daily rate. Students may not request a prorated reduction for late arrival or early departure.
Note: We post official costs as they are released. For quarters not yet listed, you should anticipate a 3-5% increase from one year to the next.
Payment Schedule
The total housing cost is billed to your MyBill account in three monthly installments, due on the 15th of each month starting the month you arrive.
- Installment 1: Due 15th of arrival month.
- Installment 2: Due 15th of 2nd month.
- Installment 3: Due 15th of 3rd month.
Lump-Sum Option: You may request to pay the entire balance at once by contacting the Washington Program office at least one month prior to the first due date.
Other Expense Details
- Tuition: Same as a regular quarter on campus.
- Airfare: Students should book early. Check out Google Flight Finder, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Expedia. Preferred airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Expect $40-80 for transit from airport to center.
- Local Transit: The UC Washington Center provides a Metro card for getting around D.C.. (Fall, Winter, Spring quarters only)
- Health Insurance: You may maintain your current insurance if it covers out-of-network care. UC SHIP is valid in D.C..