Best Research Universities in DC 2024
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
- Georgetown University
- George Washington University
- American University
- Howard University
- Catholic University of America
- Gallaudet University
- Georgetown University
- George Washington University
- Howard University
- American University
- Catholic University of America
- Gallaudet University
- 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
- American University 11 to 1
- Georgetown University 11 to 1
- Catholic University of America 11 to 1
- Gallaudet University 6 to 1
- George Washington University $62,200
- Georgetown University $62,052
- Catholic University of America $54,186
- American University $53,889
- Howard University $31,050
- Gallaudet University $17,712
- Georgetown University $56,592
- Catholic University of America $52,190
- American University $38,139
- Howard University $35,556
- George Washington University $33,930
- Gallaudet University $18,180
- Gallaudet University
- Catholic University of America
- Howard University
- American University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- Gallaudet University
- 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%
- Catholic University of America 86%
- Gallaudet University 6 to 1
- American University 11 to 1
- Georgetown University 11 to 1
- Catholic University of America 11 to 1
- George Washington University 12 to 1
- Howard University 14 to 1
- Gallaudet University $17,712
- Howard University $31,050
- American University $53,889
- Catholic University of America $54,186
- Georgetown University $62,052
- George Washington University $62,200
- Gallaudet University $18,180
- George Washington University $33,930
- Howard University $35,556
- American University $38,139
- 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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
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
- #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
- #21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
- #25 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #25 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
- #1 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #8 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #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 2025
- #12 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students 2025
- #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: $65,081Expenses: $23,660Starting 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 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
- #1 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
- #2 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
- #2 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2025
- #3 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #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: $64,798Expenses: $19,325Starting 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 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
- #4 Best Colleges in DC 2024
- #9 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees 2025
- #25 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #3 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
- #8 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #12 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #14 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
- #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: $56,543Expenses: $19,632Starting 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 2025 #3 Best Colleges in DC 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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: $33,344Expenses: $21,286Starting 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 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: $55,834Expenses: $21,950Starting Salary: $60,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 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 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
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: $19,658Expenses: $22,092Starting 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
Find the Best Research Universities in DC for Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
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 research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.