Best Research Universities in DC 2024

Badge for BEST IN DC RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Interested in attending a STEM school in DC? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Best Research Universities in DC 2024

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  1. Georgetown University
  2. George Washington University
  3. American University
  4. Howard University
  5. The Catholic University of America
  6. Gallaudet University
  1. Georgetown University
  2. George Washington University
  3. Howard University
  4. American University
  5. The Catholic University of America
  6. Gallaudet University
  1. The Catholic University of America 86%
  2. Gallaudet University 59%
  3. Howard University 53%
  4. George Washington University 49%
  5. American University 41%
  6. Georgetown University 12%
  1. Howard University 14 to 1
  2. George Washington University 12 to 1
  3. Georgetown University 11 to 1
  4. American University 11 to 1
  5. The Catholic University of America 11 to 1
  6. Gallaudet University 6 to 1
  1. George Washington University $62,200
  2. Georgetown University $62,052
  3. The Catholic University of America $54,186
  4. American University $53,889
  5. Howard University $31,050
  6. Gallaudet University $17,712
  1. Georgetown University $56,592
  2. The Catholic University of America $52,190
  3. American University $38,139
  4. Howard University $35,556
  5. George Washington University $33,930
  6. Gallaudet University $18,180
  1. Gallaudet University
  2. The Catholic University of America
  3. Howard University
  4. American University
  5. George Washington University
  6. Georgetown University
  1. Gallaudet University
  2. The Catholic University of America
  3. American University
  4. Howard University
  5. George Washington University
  6. Georgetown University
  1. Georgetown University 12%
  2. American University 41%
  3. George Washington University 49%
  4. Howard University 53%
  5. Gallaudet University 59%
  6. The Catholic University of America 86%
  1. Gallaudet University 6 to 1
  2. Georgetown University 11 to 1
  3. American University 11 to 1
  4. The Catholic University of America 11 to 1
  5. George Washington University 12 to 1
  6. Howard University 14 to 1
  1. Gallaudet University $17,712
  2. Howard University $31,050
  3. American University $53,889
  4. The Catholic University of America $54,186
  5. Georgetown University $62,052
  6. George Washington University $62,200
  1. Gallaudet University $18,180
  2. George Washington University $33,930
  3. Howard University $35,556
  4. American University $38,139
  5. The Catholic University of America $52,190
  6. Georgetown University $56,592

What are DC’s Colleges & Universities?

DC’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

DC's Best Research Universities Badge
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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 6 research universities in DC. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

Best Research Universities in DC 2023

  1. #1

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $62,051
    Expenses: $22,644
    Starting Salary: $125,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgetown University known for?

    Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    George Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024 #2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/32

    Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $60,946
    Expenses: $18,745
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is George Washington University known for?

    George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    American University

    Washington , DC
    #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/30

    Career Outlook for degree at American University

    Cost of Degree: $53,889
    Expenses: $17,814
    Starting Salary: $67,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is American University known for?

    American University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Gallaudet University

    Washington , DC
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in DC 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    920/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Gallaudet University

    Cost of Degree: $17,712
    Expenses: $22,000
    Starting Salary: $34,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gallaudet University known for?

    Gallaudet University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Find the Best Research Universities in DC for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Georgetown University
  2. George Washington University
  3. The Catholic University of America
  4. Howard University
  5. American University
  6. Gallaudet University

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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