MA Liberal Studies at Georgetown: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

Georgetown University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a 30-credit graduate program spanning humanities, social sciences, sciences, and ethics. The degree takes 2 to 5 years to complete on a flexible full-time or part-time basis. Classes meet weekday evenings, making it ideal for working professionals and career changers. International students must meet TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0, and no GRE or GMAT is required. The Fall 2027 intake begins in September, with a total program cost of USD 40,380 (INR 38.48 Lakhs).

This program trains critical thinkers who bridge disciplines, write with clarity, and navigate complex problems across policy, business, education, and nonprofit sectors. What sets it apart is the flexibility to customize coursework around your interests while completing a master’s thesis, the lack of standardized test requirements, and Georgetown’s DC location—home to world-class museums, think tanks, and government agencies. Ideal applicants are recent graduates exploring career direction, mid-career switchers seeking intellectual growth, and international professionals building analytical skills for advancement.

• No GRE or GMAT required—admission focuses on your writing sample and statement of purpose, not test scores.
• Interdisciplinary curriculum lets you design your path rather than follow a preset specialization track.
• Evening classes accommodates full-time employment, and part-time options spread tuition across multiple years.

Also Check: Georgetown University M.A. Liberal Studies Admission

Georgetown University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Fees and Living Costs 2027

The M.A. Liberal Studies program costs USD 40,380 for all 30 credits. Tuition is charged per credit hour and varies slightly by term; international students pay the same rate as domestic students. Below is the full cost breakdown.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.3 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Tuition is charged per credit hour and is approximately USD 1,346 per credit in Fall and Spring 2027, with slightly lower rates in Summer 2026 (USD 1,294).
• The application fee is waived for applicants meeting the April 1 priority deadline; after that, a USD 50 non-refundable fee applies.
• Health insurance is mandatory for students enrolled in 8 or more graduate-level credits and typically costs USD 2,500 to USD 3,500 annually.
• No separate student fees beyond tuition; transcript and degree conferment fees are included in your program cost.

Cost of Living in Washington, D.C. for M.A. Liberal Studies Students

Washington, D.C. is one of the most expensive U.S. cities for student living. Most graduate students live in shared apartments in neighborhoods near the Metro (Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, U Street Corridor, or Arlington, Virginia). On-campus housing is not available for graduate students in this program.

Cost Reality for International Students: Budget USD 18,000 to USD 25,000 annually for living costs in D.C. Combined with tuition, expect a total cost of USD 58,380 to USD 65,380 per year if studying full-time. Part-time study spreads tuition over more years, reducing annual outlay but extending program duration.

Georgetown University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Admission 2027

Georgetown’s M.A. Liberal Studies accepts applications year-round but prioritizes Fall intake. The program is open to international and domestic students; there is no minimum work experience requirement. Admission is competitive but not as rigid as undergraduate programs—Georgetown values your statement of purpose and writing quality over test scores.

• The only intake is Fall; Georgetown does not admit students for Spring or Summer starts in this program.
• Applying by April 1 waives the USD 50 application fee and ensures your I-20 is processed in time for a summer visa interview.
• Applicants missing the final June 15 deadline must reapply for Fall 2028.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Georgetown does not publish a minimum GPA, but a 3.0 GPA or higher is generally expected. You do not need exceptional grades if your writing sample and statement of purpose are strong. International applicants must have official transcripts evaluated through WES, SPAN, or ECE.

English Language Proficiency

International students whose native language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency. TOEFL and IELTS are the accepted tests. Test scores are valid for two years and must be on file by your program start date.

• TOEFL 100 is equivalent to IELTS 7.0 and is a solid threshold for graduate-level coursework and writing assignments.
• Most Indian applicants find IELTS preparation more straightforward because it uses pen-and-paper and human-graded speaking; TOEFL is computer-based with AI-assisted speaking evaluation.
• Prep timeline: Budget 3 to 4 months for serious study if your baseline is 85+; 6 to 8 months if you are below 80.
• Test waivers are rare; Georgetown may waive English testing only if you completed your bachelor’s degree in English at an institution where English was the medium of instruction and you can provide proof.

Tip for Indian Students: Georgetown’s lack of a GRE/GMAT requirement is a major advantage—you avoid years of test prep. Focus on crafting a compelling statement of purpose (200 to 300 words per prompt) and submitting a strong writing sample (5 to 10 pages) that demonstrates clear thinking and polish. Admissions officers value your voice here more than standardized metrics.

Georgetown University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Application 2027

Applications open in fall and close on your chosen deadline. The process is online only and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Submitting early reduces the risk of missing deadlines and provides a clearer pathway for visa processing.

• Credential evaluation (WES, SPAN, ECE) must be sent directly to Georgetown and typically arrives within 2 to 4 weeks; order it immediately after you decide to apply.
• Two letters of recommendation should come from supervisors, professors, or mentors who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and ability to succeed in graduate work.
• Your statement of purpose has four separate prompts; respond to each in 200 to 300 words. Avoid generic phrases like "I want to grow" and instead explain a specific problem or question that draws you to liberal studies.
• The writing sample (5 to 10 pages) should be your best academic or professional writing—ideally a college paper, thesis chapter, or work report that demonstrates research and clear argumentation.

Application Tip: Submit by April 1 if you are an international student; the fee waiver and earlier I-20 issuance make a measurable difference. If you submit in June, you have only 1.5 months before classes start to secure your visa, which is stressful and risky if there are delays in form processing or visa interviews.

Georgetown University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Scholarships 2027

Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies does not offer large merit scholarships or need-based aid packages for this program. However, federal loans, external scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement are available. Indian students typically fund this degree through personal savings, family support, or education loans from banks like HDFC, ICICI, or Axis.

The total program cost of USD 40,380 (INR 38.48 Lakhs) stretched over two years equals approximately INR 19.24 Lakhs per year—manageable through education loans capped at INR 20 Lakhs per annum at many Indian banks. Some employers reimburse tuition for employees pursuing degrees; check if your current company has a professional development fund.

Georgetown does not award GRE-based merit scholarships, nor are there Georgetown-specific full-ride programs for this degree. The university’s need-based aid is reserved for undergraduate and full-time professional (e.g., MBA) students. If you are an international student, budget for self-funding or external loans.

Scholarship Reality: Expect to self-fund this program. Focus on education loans (typically 6% to 9% interest in India) or employer tuition assistance. A two-year, part-time enrollment (spreading the USD 40,380 across 3 to 4 years) can ease annual cash flow and align with promotions or bonuses at your current workplace.

Georgetown University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Salary 2027

A master’s degree in liberal studies does not lead to a single career path; instead, it opens doors in consulting, public policy, nonprofit management, business development, and higher education. Salary depends more on your industry and role than on the degree itself.

Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies reports that alumni work at organizations including the World Bank, American Express, the U.S. State Department, nonprofit think tanks, and Fortune 500 companies. A typical first-year salary for a professional with a master’s degree in policy, communications, or business roles ranges from USD 55,000 to USD 75,000 (INR 52.41 Lakhs to INR 71.48 Lakhs). After five years, median earnings reach USD 80,000 to USD 110,000 (INR 76.24 Lakhs to INR 1.05 Crore), depending on industry.

The degree strengthens critical thinking, writing, and cross-disciplinary problem-solving—skills highly valued in consulting, government, education, and international development. Many graduates use the credential to transition from operations or technical roles into strategy or leadership positions where the salary jump is significant.

Source: Georgetown School of Continuing Studies Career Outcomes Report, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages data.

ROI Reality: Expect to recover your USD 40,380 tuition investment within 5 to 7 years through a mid-career salary increase. The actual return depends on whether you use the degree to transition into a higher-paying sector or role. Part-time study while employed ensures you earn during your studies, improving your overall ROI.

United States Visa M.A. Liberal Studies 2027

International students attend on an F-1 student visa. Once you are admitted and pay your deposit, Georgetown issues Form I-20, which you use to apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in India. The visa process takes 2 to 8 weeks depending on consulate workload; applying early is critical.

• The F-1 visa permits full-time study and work on-campus (up to 20 hours per week during school, full-time during breaks).
• After graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months, allowing full-time U.S. work in a field related to your studies.
• If your employer sponsors an H-1B visa, the salary threshold is approximately USD 104,000 (INR 99.18 Lakhs), and the visa pathway is competitive but open to liberal studies graduates in policy, consulting, and business roles.
• A green card (permanent residency) is available through employment sponsorship but typically takes 7 to 15 years; the timeline depends on your country of origin and employer.

Read More: U.S. Post-Study Work Visa and Optional Practical Training

Visa Reality: F-1 visa approval is straightforward for admitted students; rejection is rare if you have an I-20, proof of finances, and a clean background. Securing OPT and then H-1B sponsorship requires employer interest in your role. Many liberal studies graduates stay in the U.S. on OPT for 1 to 2 years to build experience before deciding on H-1B sponsorship or returning home.

Georgetown University Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Ranking 2027

Georgetown University is a top-ranked research institution globally. While the M.A. in Liberal Studies is not separately ranked by QS or THE, Georgetown’s strength in humanities and overall prestige provide context for the program’s quality.

• Georgetown ranks #24 among all U.S. universities, placing it in an elite tier for research output, faculty credentials, and alumni networks.
• In humanities subjects (covering history, philosophy, languages, literature), Georgetown ranks #69 nationally and 101–125 globally—a respectable position for a research university.
• The M.A. in Liberal Studies benefits from Georgetown’s resources: world-class libraries, visiting scholars, and proximity to D.C.’s policy and nonprofit sectors.

Honest Take: Georgetown is not ranked higher than Yale, Harvard, or Princeton, but it is widely recognized for strong humanities education and excellent career outcomes in government, international affairs, and consulting. The M.A. in Liberal Studies will be respected by employers, and the credential gains credibility from Georgetown’s overall standing.