Yes. NewU University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Accreditation was granted June 25, 2026 and is retroactive to March 12, 2025, so every NewU graduate holds a degree from an accredited university. NewU is also licensed by the DC Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC) and VA-approved for education benefits. Details on our About page.

NewU University offers a radically different approach to college: affordable, in person or online, and done in 3 years. Located in Washington, DC, NewU combines the academic rigor of a traditional university with the agility and support of a small college. Classes meet Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 3 pm, every student works in a learning team, and every student meets a professor one-on-one every month. Our first two classes, 2025 and 2026, graduated in three years with no student loans, and our accreditor recognized NewU for affordability: a 62% tuition discount rate against a 56% national average. If you are comparing colleges, ask: Who will know my name? Who will get me ready for life after college? And who will help me graduate without debt? At NewU, the answer is yes to all three.

Not sure what to major in? That’s okay—many students aren’t. You don’t have to declare your major until the end of your first year here. At NewU, you can explore options while staying on track to graduate in 3 years. We offer career-ready majors like Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Computer & Data Science, and more. You’ll work closely with faculty and career advisors to align your major with your goals, and you can even double major effortlessly and at no extra cost. We believe college should help you discover your path—not pressure you to lock it in too early.

From day one, NewU focuses on your future. Our NewU Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (NICE) and our hands-on career labs and Coaching for Success monthly 1:1 sessions help you gain real-world experience, build your network, and develop career-ready skills. Students intern at startups, nonprofits, and major companies across DC. We offer resume workshops, mock interviews, and personalized coaching. NewU grads are equipped for full-time jobs, grad school, or launching their own ventures—whatever success looks like for you. See some of our student stories here.

NewU was built to be affordable. Avoid student loans with our free e-books for all classes and tuition just $150 per credit out-of-pocket for most students. We don’t charge hidden fees, and our degree takes 3 years, not 4—saving you time and money.

Most of our students qualify for and receive generous aid. We also offer named scholarships and help you access outside funding. No need to take on crushing student debt—NewU is committed to keeping college within reach.

NewU is now VA-approved so veterans, active duty military, reserve, National Guard, as well as spouses and dependents may use their educational benefits here. If this applies to you, learn more here.

Check out our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate or read our cost comparison to other colleges in DC here.

It’s always $0 to apply. Because we believe that anyone who graduates from high school deserves the right to go to college, our application is simple – just a copy of your high school transcript or diploma can get you a letter of admission (no obligation to enroll). Find the application form here.

NewU students learn on our micro campus in the heart of Washington, DC, one of the most exciting and opportunity-filled cities in the world, or online from anywhere, in real time or recorded, class by class. Either way, classes are small, every student is seen and supported, and you work in a learning team with people who know your name. We host events, workshops, and career visits on campus and across the city. It’s college life, just smarter, faster, and more focused on what matters.