Best Colleges in DC 2024

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By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in DC. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Best Colleges in DC 2024

  1. Georgetown University
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Law, Political Science, Criminal Justice
  2. George Washington University
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Political Science, Criminal Justice, Law
  3. Howard University
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Social Work, Education, Political Science
  4. American University
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Political Science, Criminal Justice, Law
  5. The Catholic University of America
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Religious Studies, Nursing, Law
  6. Gallaudet University
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Communications, Education, Social Work
  7. University of the District of Columbia
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Education, Law, Political Science
  8. Trinity Washington University
    • Most Popular Degree Programs: Nursing, Political Science, Education

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 8 colleges and universities in DC that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in DC below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in DC.

Best Colleges in DC 2023

  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

    Rooted in Jesuit values, Georgetown University encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and exploration that allows students to pursue diverse academic interests. You’ll take on complex real- world challenges through innovative research and coursework with the help of a faculty comprised of renowned scholars, practitioners, and leaders in various fields.

    What we love about Georgetown University:

    With a strong emphasis on international affairs, the university offers numerous study abroad programs, partnerships with prestigious institutions worldwide, and a diverse student body representing over 130 countries.

    Georgetown University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a variety of residence amenities and co-living facilities.

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

    Are not as interested in activism, public service, and community engagement.

    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 Grad Schools in DC 2025 #2 Best Private 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: $64,798
    Expenses: $19,325
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    George Washington University provides a dynamic environment where students can thrive academically and personally through the university’s strong degree programs, diverse student body, and numerous research opportunities. The university offers extensive resources for career development, including academic counseling, networking events, and over 11,000 internship programs in D.C. and beyond.

    What we love about George Washington University:

    The school fosters a vibrant campus life where students can grow and build relationships by joining different student organizations, cultural and athletic events, and community service initiatives.

    George Washington University is ideal for students who:

    Would like to engage in cutting-edge research alongside renowned faculty members in modern laboratories.

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

    Are not passionate about diversity and inclusivity.

    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 Grad Schools in DC 2025 #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

    As a historically Black university, Howard University boasts a legacy of academic excellence and social activism. With a diverse student body and faculty, the school instills a sense of social responsibility in its students and encourages them to make a positive impact in their communities.

    What we love about Howard University:

    Graduates will benefit from the university’s strong alumni network, allowing them to connect with various companies for employment and join clubs for events and networking opportunities.

    Howard University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a diverse set of degree programs and areas of study to choose from.

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

    Have a limited budget for boarding since on-campus housing costs tend to run high.

    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

    With numerous international partnerships and exchange programs, American University offers a diverse campus community that is focused on global education and cross-cultural understanding. The university also emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and community engagement initiatives.

    What we love about American University:

    The school takes inclusivity up a notch through initiatives like inclusive teaching seminars, which empower faculty to create more welcoming classrooms, and the Diversity Supplier Program, which partners with minority-owned businesses.

    American University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a vibrant campus arts scene that includes performing arts programs, galleries, and cultural events.

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

    Are not interested in learning about sustainability practices like food composting, use of reusable water bottles, and upcycling old clothing.

    Compare school
  5. #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 maintains a strong religious identity by integrating faith into its academic and extracurricular activities such as retreats and mission trips. The school’s campus features historic architecture and a picturesque backdrop for students to enjoy and explore.

    What we love about The Catholic University of America:

    The campus community is known for student participation and diverse cultural exchange, featuring organizations such as the Black Student Alliance, the Chinese Club, and the Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students.

    The Catholic University of America is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a private university that offers low tuition rates.

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

    Prefer an institution that is not affiliated with any particular religious denomination.

    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 Grad Schools in DC 2025
    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’s unique bilingual approach, incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) and English, fosters a dynamic learning environment where students enhance their communication skills and cultural understanding. The school drives innovation and knowledge advancement through its research centers, focusing on deaf and linguistics studies.

    What we love about Gallaudet University:

    The school is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in deaf education, offering a diverse range of programs and educational centers for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

    Gallaudet University is ideal for students who:

    Have diverse needs since the university’s Student Accessibility Services ensures that they will be given equal access to academic and extracurricular activities.

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

    Lack enthusiasm for learning American Sign Language (ASL).

    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 Grad Schools in DC 2025

    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

    The University of the District of Columbia is known for offering quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, preparing students for the workforce through state-of-the-art laboratories and research opportunities. By partnering with community colleges, the school paves the way for its students to pursue higher education and workforce programs.

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

    Through the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE), the university collaborates with local organizations to address community needs and organizes initiatives that promote food security and agricultural practices.

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

    Are enthusiastic about sustainability practices, renewable energy projects, and carbon footprint reduction efforts.

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

    Seek a more personalized learning experience with smaller class sizes.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Trinity Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $26,110
    Expenses: $15,190
    Starting Salary: $43,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Aside from offering career-focused programs, Trinity Washington University’s academic approach is centered on experiential learning through internships in notable organizations like the United States Capitol and the White House. With a commitment to social justice, the school’s programs include discussing issues about poverty, discrimination, and inequality.

    What we love about Trinity Washington University:

    The university’s Women’s Leadership Program empowers students to take on leadership roles, both on campus and in their communities, through workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events.

    Trinity Washington University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a supportive learning environment where faculty members provide personalized attention and guidance.

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

    Prefer not to attend campus activities and cultural events.

    Compare school
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DC’s Best Colleges in 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 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. Georgetown University
  2. George Washington University
  3. The Catholic University of America
  4. Howard University
  5. American University
  6. Gallaudet University
  7. Trinity Washington University
  8. University of the District of Columbia
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Student Submitted Questions on the Best Colleges in Washington DC

Grace asks, “How do DC colleges integrate their proximity to Capitol Hill into courses related to public policy, political science, or journalism?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Many schools try to provide students with access to political institutions, media, and think tanks so that they can gain real world experience in the political sphere. While the specifics differ based on the school, many schools feature internship connections with political groups or organizations, policy innovation labs, investigative reporting workshops, site visits and hearings, and more.

Brad asks, “What student organizations and affinity groups are popular across multiple DC campuses?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Colleges and universities in Washington DC tend to be known for their cultural and ethnic organizations such as Black Student Alliance, Latino Student Association, South Asian Student Association, etc. There are also many LGBTQ+, religious, and political groups available for students. The exact nature and type of groups available will depend on the particular college a student goes to, but you should be able to see which groups are featured on the school’s website.

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