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Program Fees

The costs for fellows participating in DCSI are:
  • A $150 spring course fee
  • A summer program fee based on your residency
    • In State: $3,500
    • Out of State: $5,000

So, for an In-State student in Summer 2024, the total cost of the above (without the optional housing) is $3,650. For an Out of State student, it is $5,150.

If you choose to live in DC housing provided by the W&M Washington Center during the DC Summer Institutes, there is the additional non-refundable cost of $4,500 for a double room or $7,000 for a single room (pending availability).

Dropping/Withdrawing from Institutes

*PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 

1.) The spring 1-credit course is a required part of the DC Summer Institutes.  Students who wish to drop the 1-credit spring class have until the drop deadline date at 11:59 pm on the below corresponding date to do so. If students drop by this deadline, the class fee charge will be removed, but students will forfeit their previously paid $1,500 in deposits for DCSI. Students who drop after the withdrawal deadline date at 11:59 pm on the below corresponding date will still be responsible for all tuition, fees, and housing charges. No refunds will be provided, and no charges removed after the withdrawal date at 11:59 pm on the below corresponding date. The drop and withdrawal deadlines are as follows:

Drop and withdraw deadlines for each Institute.
Institute Drop Deadline Withdraw Deadline

Representation in American Politics

February 26, 2024

March 6, 2024

Leadership & Community Engagement

February 20, 2024

March 3, 2024

Digital Citizenship

April 8, 2024

April 20, 2024

Students who drop the spring course will be removed from the DC Summer Institutes.

2.) As stated above, all fees associated with the DC Summer Institutes are non-refundable. Dropping or withdrawing from the program is outlined by the dates listed below:

  • In order to drop from the DC Summer Institutes, you will need to send an email from your W&M account to [[ktwilson, TYLER WILSON, PROGRAM COORDINATOR]] by 11:59 pm on:
    • Drop deadline (see above) for the spring 1-credit course
      • Deposit forfeit, no further charges
    • Case-by-case in consultation with the Registrar for the two-week course
      • After the original withdrawal deadline, Full charges remain
    • Case-by-case in consultation with the Registrar for the 10-week internship course
      • After the original withdrawal deadline, Full charges remain

All drop requests must be submitted by email, no other communication will be considered a formal drop request.

In order to withdraw your DC Summer Institutes courses, you will need to send an email from your W&M account to [[ktwilson, TYLER WILSON, PROGRAM COORDINATOR]]  by 11:59 pm on:

  • Withdraw deadline (see above) for the spring 1-credit course
    • Full charges remain
  • Case-by-case in consultation with the Registrar for the two-week course
  • Case-by-case in consultation with the Registrar for the 10-week internship course

You will then receive a grade of “W.”  No other communication will be considered a formal drop request.

How fellows are billed:

Upon acceptance to the DC Summer Institutes, fellows will receive communication about a non-refundable $500 program deposit (which will later be applied toward your summer bill).

  • The $500 invoice is due:
    • December 1 (Fall Cycle students)
    • February 1 (Winter Cycle students) 

In February/March, housing invoices go out for any DCSI student wishing to live in W&M housing in DC.

  • A non-refundable Rent Deposit of $1,800 is due on March 18.

On March 1, a second non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is due (which will later be applied toward your summer bill).  

After paying the second deposit, students will be registered for the two summer courses, and the following will be billed on their May W&M Student Accounts eStatement which is due June 1.

  • The remainder of the program fee:
    • In-State: $2,000
    • Out-of-State: $3,500
  • A non-refundable one-time registration fee of $25
  • A non-refundable one-time comprehensive fee of $55
  • IF APPLICABLE: Remainder of the non-refundable housing charges of $2,700/$5,200 
Financial Aid

Currently enrolled and matriculated W&M students can take out student loans, private loans, or their parents can take out a PLUS Loan to cover the cost of the D.C. Summer Institutes. Students must complete a FAFSA form to apply for loans. Students must also complete a Summer Aid Application. For questions regarding this process, please contact the W&M Financial Aid office.

Additional Student Spending

The average cost per student will vary; however, most students report spending roughly $100 per week on "groceries and other necessities".

What your Tuition and Fees Will Cover

In addition to the academic credit you’ll receive from the College for completing the D.C. Summer Institutes, your tuition and fees cover:

  • Faculty and staff salaries
  • Staff support during your internship search and throughout the summer
Virginia 529

The Virginia529 Prepaid plan only pays the full-time (or part-time for PT students) tuition charge on the student account. It does not pay any individual course or program fees.
If a family has one of the other Va529 programs (inVEST, CollegeAmerica, or CollegeWealth) those funds may cover D.C. program fees depending on the individual program guidelines. Questions regarding your plan may be obtained from the website www.virginia529.com or by calling toll-free 888-567-0540.
For questions, please contact the Bursar's Office at 757-221-1300.

Veterans Education Benefits

Students are able to use veteran education benefits (GI Bill®) for their participation in Study in D.C. academic programs.

If you have additional questions about the DVS review and veterans education benefits in general, email [[caward01,Carolyn Ward]], Veterans Benefits Officer.