Best Small Colleges in DC 2026

Badge for BEST IN DC SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Small colleges in DC are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Best Small Colleges in DC 2026

  1. Catholic University of America
  2. Gallaudet University
  3. University of the District of Columbia
  4. Trinity Washington University

What are DC’s Colleges & Universities?

DC’s Best Overall

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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in DC is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 8 small colleges in DC. The list below of the 30 best small colleges in DC. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Best Small Colleges in DC 2023

  1. #1

    The Catholic University of America

    Washington , DC
    #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #15 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in DC 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at The Catholic University of America

    Cost of Degree: $55,834
    Expenses: $21,950
    Starting Salary: $81,308
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is The Catholic University of America known for?

    The Catholic University of America’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Gallaudet University

    Washington , DC
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in DC 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in DC 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in DC 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in DC 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    901/15

    Career Outlook for degree at Gallaudet University

    Cost of Degree: $19,658
    Expenses: $22,092
    Starting Salary: $49,334
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gallaudet University known for?

    Gallaudet University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of the District of Columbia

    Washington , DC
    #23 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in DC 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in DC 2026 #7 Best Colleges in DC 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of the District of Columbia

    Cost of Degree: $6,152
    Starting Salary: $49,165
    What is University of the District of Columbia known for?

    University of the District of Columbia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Trinity Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in DC 2026 #8 Best Colleges in DC 2026 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $26,110
    Expenses: $15,190
    Starting Salary: $57,561
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Trinity Washington University known for?

    Trinity Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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DC’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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.

  1. The Catholic University of America
  2. Gallaudet University
  3. Trinity Washington University
  4. University of the District of Columbia

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Wisconsin and Nebraska.

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