Analysis
George Washington's Real Estate bachelor's program lacks direct outcome data, but national benchmarks for this major suggest a relatively balanced financial picture. With first-year earnings around $55,000 and debt near $20,500—both estimated from peer programs—graduates would face a manageable debt burden of about 38% of their starting salary. That's considerably better than many undergraduate programs, though it's worth noting that real estate is offered at only 70 schools nationally, making this a relatively specialized degree path.
The program's value hinges significantly on GW's location advantage. Real estate careers often depend heavily on local market knowledge and professional networks, and Washington's unique blend of commercial, government, and residential property markets could provide distinct opportunities that national averages don't capture. The university's 15% Pell Grant rate and 1433 average SAT score suggest a student body with resources and academic preparation, which may translate to better networking opportunities—a crucial factor in real estate success.
For families evaluating this program, the core question is whether GW's Washington connections justify choosing this particular school over less expensive alternatives, especially given that we're working with estimates rather than actual GW graduate outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, but real estate income often varies dramatically based on individual hustle and market conditions, making early-career figures potentially less predictive than in more structured fields.
Where George Washington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all real estate bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Real Estate bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,990 | $54,665* | — | $20,530* | — | |
| $68,237 | $98,763* | — | $19,500* | 0.20 | |
| $64,701 | $75,702* | $101,813 | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $60,438 | $74,912* | — | $20,500* | 0.27 | |
| $11,205 | $73,239* | $100,995 | $20,500* | 0.28 | |
| $12,859 | $72,769* | $72,701 | $19,000* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $54,665* | — | $21,126* | 0.39 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with real estate graduates
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Real Estate Brokers
Real Estate Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At George Washington University, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 28 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.