Best Grad Schools in DC 2025

Best Grad Schools in DC 2024

1. Last Year’s Ranking:

   1. Georgetown University
   2. George Washington University
   3. Howard University
   4. American University
   5. Catholic University of America
   6. Gallaudet University
   7. University of the District of Columbia
2. #1

   Georgetown University

   Washington , DC

   #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025

   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: $65,081

   Expenses: $23,660

   Starting Salary: $125,200

   Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Georgetown University is a private Jesuit university that offers numerous graduate degrees and is widely known for the excellence of their academics.

   What we love about Georgetown University:

   At Georgetown University, you can reflect on your spiritual faith and take advantage of opportunities that will allow you to collaborate with faculty and peers. The school is bursting with innovation and vibrant energy that allows you to become a well-rounded professional.

   Georgetown University is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a school that highly values collaboration.

   Georgetown University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Would like a bigger social scene and more activities.

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3. #2

   George Washington University

   Washington , DC

   #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

   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: $64,798

   Expenses: $19,325

   Starting Salary: $82,400

   Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   George Washington University offers flexible programs that are suitable for any kind of learner. They have more than 240 graduate degree offerings, perfect for working adults looking to grow in their careers.

   What we love about George Washington University:

   George Washington University employs world-renowned faculty who can support and work alongside you. During and after studies, graduates will have built valuable networks and professional connections that can benefit their careers.

   George Washington University is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a school that allows you to build a network early on.

   George Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer to have more financial aid options.

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4. #3

   Howard University

   Washington , DC

   #1 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in DC 2025 #3 Best Colleges in DC 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $31K

   Acceptance

   53%

   Graduation

   70%

   Student body

   13K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1170/23

   Career Outlook for degree at Howard University

   Cost of Degree: $33,344

   Expenses: $21,286

   Starting Salary: $54,500

   Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Howard University prepares graduate students for a life committed to excellence. The school is a leader in the STEM fields and has produced graduates who have impacted industries all over the world.

   What we love about Howard University:

   Howard University has a rich history as well as a plethora of research projects among their faculty, which graduate students can take part in.

   Howard University is ideal for students who:

   Want to participate in collaborative academic research.

   Howard University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer to study at a less rigorous school.

   Compare school
5. #4

   American University

   Washington , DC

   #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

   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: $56,543

   Expenses: $19,632

   Starting Salary: $67,700

   Cost Recoup Time: 17 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   American University has an excellent array of graduate degree offerings. When you enroll in this university, you become part of a network filled with leaders, scholars, and activists. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to pursue your passions and turn your dreams into reality.

   What we love about American University:

   American University provides advanced research opportunities to learners, as well as opportunities to develop your leadership skills significantly.

   American University is ideal for students who:

   Want to develop their leadership skills.

   American University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer to attend a school with more financial aid options.

   Compare school
7. #5

   The Catholic University of America

   Washington , DC

   #13 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $54K

   Acceptance

   86%

   Graduation

   76%

   Student body

   5K

   Career Outlook for degree at The Catholic University of America

   Cost of Degree: $55,834

   Expenses: $21,950

   Starting Salary: $60,500

   Cost Recoup Time: 19 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   The Catholic University of America emphasizes excellence in its research and teaching. It’s a Catholic research university that has been producing artists, scholars, industry leaders, historians, medical leaders, and engineers who make national contributions.

   What we love about the Catholic University of America:

   Get ready to experience a collaborative and supportive environment when you enroll at the Catholic University of America. The university is committed to balancing the importance of research and religious growth.

   The Catholic University of America is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a Catholic research university.

   The Catholic University of America might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer to attend a more diverse school.

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8. #6

   Gallaudet University

   Washington , DC

   #1 Most Affordable Colleges in DC 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in DC 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024

   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: $19,658

   Expenses: $22,092

   Starting Salary: $34,300

   Cost Recoup Time: 18 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Gallaudet University was the first college for deaf students in the United States and has created considerable and diverse opportunities for its students.

   What we love about Gallaudet University:

   At Gallaudet University, all kinds of learners will be empowered through the school’s learning opportunities and student services.

   Gallaudet University is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a school that supports deaf people.

   Gallaudet University might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer cheaper tuition rates.

   Compare school
9. #7

   University of the District of Columbia

   Washington , DC

   #23 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in DC 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #7 Best Colleges in DC 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $6K

   Graduation

   35%

   Student body

   5K

   Career Outlook for degree at University of the District of Columbia

   Cost of Degree: $6,152

   Starting Salary: $39,400

   Offering unique opportunities exclusive to Washington DC, the University of the District of Columbia provides valuable opportunities to students. They offer 70 graduate programs and emphasize student’s academic and personal growth.

   What we love about the University of the District of Columbia:

   The University of the District of Columbia is committed to community service. There are many opportunities for learning and earning extra credit.

   The University of the District of Columbia is ideal for students who:

   Want to attend a school that offers diverse learning opportunities.

   The University of the District of Columbia might not be the best fit for students who:

   Prefer to go to a school with a more prestigious reputation.

   Compare school

• Build your own college ranking

Washington DC’s Pride: Top-Rated Grad Schools

Did you know that Washington DC is home to one of the most educated populations in the United States? Nearly 50% of its residents have at least a bachelor’s degree—and it’s among the reasons for its popularity in academia!

The best grad schools in DC provide in-state, out-of-state, and international students with excellent graduate education in diverse disciplines.

These graduate schools are also vital in the District’s culture, society, and economy, as well as in its politics including its influence on public policy. Indeed, graduate students are considered potential movers-and-shakers of the country due to their intensive graduate school education!

Major Universities with Graduate Schools in Washington DC

The Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area represents 17 colleges and universities based in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The Smithsonian Institutions are also consortium members.

As a nonprofit educational association, the consortium promotes the common mission of its member universities, namely, the advancement of student knowledge, skills, and experiences. The emphasis is on education, culture and society, and science and technology, which Washington DC graduate schools are known for.

The consortium engages in cross-campus partnerships that promote convenient course cross-registration and library access, among other services, for students. The member-universities also engage in joint programs in education, procurement, and public safety training, to name a few initiatives.

The 17 member universities of the consortium are:

• American University
• The Catholic University of America
• Gallaudet University
• George Mason University
• The George Washington University
• Georgetown University
• Howard University
• Marymount University
• National Defense University
• National Intelligence University
• Northern Virginia Community College
• Prince George’s Community College
• Trinity Washington University
• Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
• University of the District of Columbia
• University of Maryland, College Park
• Johns Hopkins University

These colleges and universities are major innovation centers and employers with more than 30,000 jobs—and growing. In terms of enrollment, more than 80,000 students are enrolled in a Washington DC Consortium university—or one in six residents!

These colleges and universities also make a significant impact on the economy—close to $2 billion per year. Indeed, students in graduate schools will find that their colleges and universities are among the best places to work, too.

Reasons to Be in Washington DC for Your Graduate Studies

Aside from being home to the best graduate schools in the nation, if not the world, Washington DC is a consistent top-ranking presence in reputation surveys for the best college towns. Graduate students can look forward to these benefits in pursuing their graduate studies here:

• Rich opportunities for practical experiences. Internships and apprenticeships, research opportunities, and jobs are aplenty.
• Networking opportunities like you’ve never had before. Washington DC is a busy city filled with professionals in a wide array of disciplines so you will never run out of people to learn from.
• History is unfolding right before your eyes. Many of the world’s most influential organizations, from the US federal government to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have their headquarters here.
• Amazing architecture in every corner. The White House, The Capitol, and the Supreme Court are just a few of the awe-inspiring buildings in Washington DC—there are plenty of museums, theaters, and memorials to see. Plus, the shopping and entertainment options are the best.