University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus logo

University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

Grad Rate
50%
Enrollment
266
Tuition
$6,660
Median Salary
$34,961
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of the Potomac offers an intimate, career-focused learning environment where small class sizes foster direct interaction with faculty. It feels like a close-knit professional community rather than a sprawling traditional campus, with a serious emphasis on practical skills. The urban setting integrates students directly into the bustling life of Washington DC.

Academics & Majors

The university specializes in career-oriented education with a strong focus on Business & Marketing, leveraging its prime location for networking. Classes are typically small, ensuring personalized attention and hands-on teaching quality. While research opportunities are more limited compared to large research universities, students benefit from real-world projects and internships.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

50%
Graduation Rate
75%
Retention Rate
266
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$6,660
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,868
After financial aid
Total Cost
$21,791
Cost of attendance/year
26.3%
Receive Pell Grants
11%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Washington

Students have unparalleled access to Washington DC's monuments, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle. For fun, they explore the National Mall, attend cultural events, and enjoy diverse dining and nightlife options. The city offers endless internship and networking opportunities beyond the classroom.

Local Rent Check

$1,803 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Washington
Explore Washington

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$26,640
$0Est. 4 Years: $26,640

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($34,961):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a major urban area, so standard city safety precautions are necessary. The university likely has security measures in place, but the safety of the surrounding neighborhood depends on the specific location within DC.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely low tuition cost compared to most private universities.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Washington DC offers vast internship and networking opportunities.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from instructors.
  • โœ“ Focus on practical, career-oriented majors like Business & Marketing.

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates may indicate challenges with student support or preparedness.
  • โœ— Median earnings 10 years post-graduation are below the national average.
  • โœ— Limited campus life and traditional college experiences due to the urban professional setting.

Notable Alumni

Hadi Partovi
CEO and founder of Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to expanding computer science education.
Michael Chasen
Co-founder and former CEO of Blackboard Inc., a leading educational technology company.
Arianna Huffington
Founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global (Note: While she is a prominent figure associated with DC media, her direct affiliation with Potomac may be more general to the DC educational landscape; verify specific alumni status if possible).

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of the Potomac is known for its career-focused education, particularly in business and management fields. It offers a private education at a relatively low tuition cost, with small class sizes that provide personalized attention. Its key distinction is its location in Washington DC, providing students with direct access to internships and networking in the capital.

The University of the Potomac is generally considered to have an open admissions policy or a high acceptance rate, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. While specific acceptance rate data is not provided, the relatively small enrollment of 266 students suggests a personalized admissions process. Applicants should focus on demonstrating clear career goals and readiness for college-level work.

Campus life is professional and commuter-focused, with a smaller, more intimate student body. Students often balance their studies with internships and part-time jobs in the city. Social life is integrated into Washington DC, with students exploring museums, monuments, and diverse neighborhoods rather than participating in a traditional residential campus experience.

The low tuition of $6,660 makes it financially accessible, but the average net price of $18,868 and median earnings of $34,961 require careful consideration. The value depends heavily on how well students leverage DC internships to build their careers. For students focused on business and networking in the capital, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Federal Government Agencies Lockheed Martin Capital One George Washington University Hospital National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Smart Start Score
54

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 602
  • In-State Tuition $6,660
  • Zip Code 20005

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.2% โ™€ 53.8%

The Money Talk

With an in-state and out-of-state tuition of $6,660, the listed tuition is exceptionally low, but the average net price of $18,868 indicates significant living costs and other fees. The 10-year median earnings of $34,961 are below the national average for college graduates, which suggests a careful cost-benefit analysis is needed. The value may be higher for those who leverage DC internships to build a strong career path early on.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $6,660
Housing (12 mo) $21,636
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $35,496
With avg financial aid:
$18,868/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.