I understand but best not to compare to others. You chose GW and I understand why - but now you have to deal with it.
I don’t portend to be a transfer expert but it seems reasonable to bring this up. A payment plan, especially in a field where finding a decent paying job is difficult and you may want more school - well that’s just going to saddle you for many years with debt.
So to me, it seems reasonable to bring it up - as long as you also touch upon why the schools is good for you.
There are schools that meet 100% need for transfers.
Have you looked at a Cornell’s NPC, for example - or really any Ivy. Check schools like Denison, Dickinson, F&M, Lafayette, Emory, Gtown, W&L and more - to see if they meet need. New York has the TAP program for CUNY/SUNY, etc.
I’m not convinced you need a GW school in the field. My own daughter interned at a strong DC think tank and had 7 offers from a regional school in SC. When you watch some of the government hearings, the key players come from schools like Christopher Newport or Kent State and more. You can achieve your goals from many places, even any place.
Bing has a Politics Philosophy and Law degree. Geneseo has a PPE (econ) degree. I believe Northeastern, Pomona, Penn, Richmond, Rochester, UVA and Yale has similar degrees.
Check and see if transfers get full aid.
I wouldn’t worry about IR - at some it will be under IS or others Poli Sci.
Yes, please don’t burden yourself financially. I’m not sure if you went to a CUNY, would you have a place to say or would TAP or Excelsior cover room and board - but others might know.
Best of luck in your future.