Washington D.C.

PA Programs in Washington D.C.: Every Accredited Program

Washington D.C. has some of the most competitive PA programs in the country — and some of the best values for in-state residents. Here is every program, what they require, and how to decide which ones are worth your application fee.

Washington D.C. PA Programs at a Glance

Program	Location	Avg GPA	PCE Hours	Length	Tuition	Application
George Washington University PA Program	Washington, DC	Competitive	Substantial direct care expected	Review current program details	Private tuition	CASPA
Howard University PA Program	Washington, DC	Competitive	Direct care expected	Review current program details	Private tuition	CASPA
Marymount University PA Program	Arlington, VA	Competitive	Direct care expected	Review current program details	Private tuition	CASPA
Shenandoah University PA Program	Winchester, VA	Competitive	Direct care expected	Review current program details	Private tuition	CASPA
Anne Arundel Community College PA Program	Arnold, MD	Competitive	Direct care expected	Review current program details	Public-community college pricing	CASPA

* Data reflects recent reported averages. Always verify directly with each program. Tuition figures are approximate and subject to change.

Program-by-Program Breakdown

Dr. Tomei's Perspective

Washington D.C. has a concentrated range of PA programs — from George Washington University and Howard University in the urban core to regional options like Marymount in Arlington and Shenandoah in Winchester. Don't just apply to the most well-known program. Apply to programs where your GPA, patient care hours, and experience actually match the average admitted student. A strategic mix of reach, target, and safety programs is the right approach.

George Washington University PA Program

Washington, DC · Review current program details · Private tuition

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Substantial direct care expectedCASPA

A highly competitive downtown DC program. Use the program’s current admissions page to confirm course, hour, and deadline requirements before applying.

Howard University PA Program

Washington, DC · Review current program details · Private tuition

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Direct care expectedCASPA

Howard’s mission and service orientation make meaningful community-facing clinical work and a clear commitment to equity especially important.

Marymount University PA Program

Arlington, VA · Review current program details · Private tuition

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Direct care expectedCASPA

Marymount gives DC-metro applicants an Arlington-based option with access to Northern Virginia clinical settings.

Shenandoah University PA Program

Winchester, VA · Review current program details · Private tuition

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Direct care expectedCASPA

Shenandoah is a regional option for students willing to study outside the urban core while remaining connected to the broader DC-area applicant market.

Anne Arundel Community College PA Program

Arnold, MD · Review current program details · Public-community college pricing

Avg GPA: CompetitivePCE: Direct care expectedCASPA

This Maryland option is relevant for applicants building a balanced DC-metro list and should be evaluated against its current published requirements.

Dr. Tomei's Perspective

The DC metro PA market is dominated by private programs — GWU, Howard, and Marymount all carry private tuition. DC-area residents should look seriously at the Anne Arundel Community College option in Maryland and Shenandoah in Virginia for more accessible pricing. If you are a competitive applicant, GWU and Howard are worth applying to, but build a balanced list that includes the regional options.

Not Sure Which Washington D.C. PA Programs to Apply To?

Dr. Tomei helps pre-PA students build strategic school lists based on their actual stats. A free consultation can save you thousands in wasted application fees.

Schedule Free Consultation