Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in DC.
Best Private Colleges in DC
- Georgetown University
- George Washington University
- American University
- Howard University
- The Catholic University of America
- Gallaudet University
- Trinity Washington University
- Georgetown University
- George Washington University
- Howard University
- American University
- The Catholic University of America
- Gallaudet University
- Trinity Washington University
- Trinity Washington University 97%
- The Catholic University of America 86%
- Gallaudet University 59%
- Howard University 53%
- George Washington University 49%
- American University 41%
- Georgetown University 12%
- Howard University 14 to 1
- George Washington University 12 to 1
- Trinity Washington University 12 to 1
- Georgetown University 11 to 1
- American University 11 to 1
- The Catholic University of America 11 to 1
- Gallaudet University 6 to 1
- George Washington University $62,200
- Georgetown University $62,052
- The Catholic University of America $54,186
- American University $53,889
- Howard University $31,050
- Trinity Washington University $25,610
- Gallaudet University $17,712
- Georgetown University $56,592
- The Catholic University of America $52,190
- American University $38,139
- Howard University $35,556
- George Washington University $33,930
- Gallaudet University $18,180
- Trinity Washington University $15,120
- Trinity Washington University
- Gallaudet University
- The Catholic University of America
- Howard University
- American University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- Trinity Washington University
- Gallaudet University
- The Catholic University of America
- American University
- Howard University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- Georgetown University 12%
- American University 41%
- George Washington University 49%
- Howard University 53%
- Gallaudet University 59%
- The Catholic University of America 86%
- Trinity Washington University 97%
- Gallaudet University 6 to 1
- Georgetown University 11 to 1
- American University 11 to 1
- The Catholic University of America 11 to 1
- George Washington University 12 to 1
- Trinity Washington University 12 to 1
- Howard University 14 to 1
- Gallaudet University $17,712
- Trinity Washington University $25,610
- Howard University $31,050
- American University $53,889
- The Catholic University of America $54,186
- Georgetown University $62,052
- George Washington University $62,200
- Trinity Washington University $15,120
- Gallaudet University $18,180
- George Washington University $33,930
- Howard University $35,556
- American University $38,139
- The Catholic University of America $52,190
- Georgetown University $56,592
What are DC’s Colleges & Universities?
- 6 Research Universities
- 6 Graduate Schools
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 4 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 2 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
DC’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 7 private universities in DC. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in DC, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Private Colleges in DC
- #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in DC 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #7 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
- #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
- #13 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #23 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #23 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $62,051Expenses: $22,644Starting Salary: $125,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgetown University known for?
Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Education
- Business
- Communications
- Economics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
- #3 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
- #5 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #6 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #7 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
- #10 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #7 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 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: $60,946Expenses: $18,745Starting Salary: $82,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is George Washington University known for?
George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Communications
- Business
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Medical
- Education
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
- #4 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #9 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #2 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
- #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #12 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #15 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #4 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
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: $53,889Expenses: $17,814Starting Salary: $67,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is American University known for?
American University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Economics
- Education
- Business
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024 #3 Best Colleges in DC 2024 #4 Best Research Universities 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: $31,050Expenses: $20,400Starting Salary: $54,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Howard University known for?
Howard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Political Science
- Law
- History
- Literature
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #13 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Research Universities in DC 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #23 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in DC 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
76%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at The Catholic University of America
Cost of Degree: $54,186Expenses: $20,820Starting Salary: $60,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is The Catholic University of America known for?
The Catholic University of America’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Law
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Physics
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in DC 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in DC 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools 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: $17,712Expenses: $22,000Starting Salary: $34,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Gallaudet University known for?
Gallaudet University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Education
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- History
- Political Science
- Medical
- Literature
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #8 Best Colleges in DC 2024 #14 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: $25,610Expenses: $15,080Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity Washington University known for?
Trinity Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- Economics
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- History
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
DC’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest
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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.