Program costs and scholarships

Completing an internship is an investment in your future and a great way to differentiate yourself from other students in the job market. The Washington Internship Institute offers the most affordable internship program in DC. For the semester experience, most students pay close to what they normally pay to attend their college or university-- keeping the program accessible for students across the country. 

** If you attend a Washington Internship Institute partner school, your fees may vary from the figures below. For specific cost and financial aid information, please contact your WII campus representative. **

Washington Internship Institute Fees

Spring 2024

  • Program Fee: $7,700*

  • Housing Fee: $5,400**

  • Refundable Housing Deposit: $200

  • Application Fee: $50

Summer 2024

  • Program Fee: $5,700*

  • Housing Fee: $4,400**

  • Refundable Housing Deposit: $200

  • Application Fee: $50

Fall 2024

  • Program Fee: $8,000*

  • Housing Fee: $5,600**

  • Refundable Housing Deposit: $200

  • Application Fee: $50 (Students from partner institutions do not pay the application fee for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Check if your school is a partner here)

*You will need to submit a non-refundable registration deposit upon acceptance to the program. The registration deposit is $500 for enrolled undergraduate students or $1,000 for recent graduates. The registration deposit will be applied to your balance. 

**Housing is a required piece of our study-away program. WII’s provided apartments are two bedroom, two bathroom layouts accommodating four students each. There are no single rooms available. Students who have a medical or personal reason to do so, may apply for a housing exemption at the time of their application, which is subject to WII’s approval. Housing commitments are binding. Changes made to a student’s housing commitment before the application deadline may result in a $500 cancellation fee. There are no changes to the housing commitment after the application deadline has passed.

Program Fee includes:

  • Individual attention from Washington Internship Institute staff to ensure an internship placement that meets your specified interests

  • Internship Seminar and Core Course

  • Personal advising and internship support from Washington Internship Institute staff

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Regrettably, scholarships are not available for the Summer program.

Contact your adviser or school’s financial aid office to determine how your financial aid may be applicable towards paying your Washington Internship Institute program and housing fees. For students who need additional funding, the Washington Internship Institute offers need-based scholarships and a Working Student Support Award.

Need-Based Scholarships

The Washington Internship Institute offers partial scholarships to students with significant need. Scholarship determinations are based on Student Aid Reports (SARs) that students submit during the application process. Preference is given to students who are enrolled in a college or university at the time of their internship with the Washington Internship Institute and who apply and submit their SAR before the application deadline. Decisions will be made approximately one week after the application deadline, and students will be notified via email.

Working Student Support Award

Many students work to put themselves through college, and often an unpaid internship is just not financially viable. To help these select students be able to participate in our program, we have instituted the Working Student Support Award. For two students each term who have worked at least 10 hours a week during the school year and demonstrate financial need, we will award $2000 to help offset costs while in Washington, DC. Preference is given to students who are enrolled in a college or university at the time of their internship with the Washington Internship Institute.

To be considered for the scholarship, students will need to upload to WII Link before the application deadline:

  • Their Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA

  • Evidence of their work record during the school year (e.g., timesheet)

  • A 250 word statement explaining what they have learned balancing work and school and how they hope the internship will prepare them for their future career