Best Grad Schools in DC 2025

Badge for BEST IN DC GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in DC offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Key Takeaways

  • The best grad schools in DC are known for their rigorous academic standards that emphasize outstanding research, contemporary curriculum, and student engagement. Graduate students must meet these academic standards through intensive study of their chosen fields.
  • Graduate schools in Washington DC are in the best position to provide abundant opportunities for students interested in a wide array of disciplines. Students choose from graduate programs in business administration, computer science, engineering, and the performing arts.
  • Being in the nation’s capital also means easy access to a wide range of networking and employment opportunities! Washington DC, after all, is filled with the world’s largest corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Best Grad Schools in DC in 2025

  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

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best gradaute schools in DC saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

There are 7 doctorate-granting graduate schools in DC. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the DC is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in DC 2024

  1. #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
    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: $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.

    Compare school
  2. #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
    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: $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.

    Compare school
  3. #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
    Other Rankings

    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
  4. #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
    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: $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
  6. #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
    Other Rankings

    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.

    Compare school
  7. #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
    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: $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
  8. #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
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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:

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.
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DC’s Best Grad School 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

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archieve

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. George Washington University
  2. Georgetown University
  3. American University
  4. Howard University
  5. The Catholic University of America
  6. Gallaudet University
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