Best Colleges in District of Columbia 2026

The District of Columbia's higher education landscape is dominated by private institutions, with all top 5 schools being privately operated. Georgetown University leads the rankings, followed by George Washington University and American University. These schools excel through strong academic programs, extensive research opportunities, and strategic location in the nation's capital. Howard University stands out as a historically Black university offering diverse academic pathways. When evaluating DC colleges, students should consider internship access through government and nonprofit connections, campus resources, and financial aid packages. With only 7 qualifying institutions total, students have a focused but competitive selection of schools that leverage their proximity to federal agencies and international organizations for enhanced learning experiences.

Schools Ranked

$59,498

Avg. Earnings

61.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 12 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Graduation Rate	Median Earnings	Acceptance Rate	In-State Tuition
1	Georgetown University Washington, District of Columbia	94.3%	$103,494	12.2%	$65,081
2	George Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	85.2%	$90,873	49.0%	$64,990
3	American University Washington, District of Columbia	78.5%	$77,370	40.6%	$56,543
4	Howard University Washington, District of Columbia	68.9%	$63,066	53.4%	$33,344
5	University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus Washington, District of Columbia	50.0%	$34,961		$6,660
6	The Catholic University of America Washington, District of Columbia	81.3%	$73,250	85.6%	$55,834
7	University of the District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia	26.3%	$44,236		$6,152
8	Gallaudet University Washington, District of Columbia	46.6%	$43,101	59.2%	$18,382
9	Saint Michael College of Allied Health Washington, District of Columbia	83.9%		57.6%	$19,405
10	Strayer University-Global Region Washington, District of Columbia	20.0%	$40,092		$13,920
11	Trinity Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	44.4%	$53,804	97.0%	$26,110
12	Career Technical Institute Washington, District of Columbia	55.8%	$30,227