Skip to main content

Small Colleges in District of Columbia

9 schools in District of Columbia. See our methodology.

The Catholic University of America stands apart among District of Columbia's small colleges with graduates earning $73,250 annually, nearly double the earnings at other institutions in this group. Trinity Washington University offers the most affordable path at $12,233 net cost while maintaining strong connections to D.C.'s nonprofit sector. These 9 small colleges serve 8,539 students total, with graduation rates spanning from 26.3% at University of the District of Columbia to 83.9% at Saint Michael College of Allied Health. Federal employment opportunities create unique advantages for graduates, particularly from specialized programs at Gallaudet University, which serves deaf and hard-of-hearing students with 59.2% acceptance rates. Career Technical Institute graduates enter the workforce earning $30,227, reflecting entry-level positions in government contracting and healthcare support roles that anchor D.C.'s economy.
9
Schools
$21,757
Avg. Net Price
$45,667
Avg. Earnings
55.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in District of Columbia

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 266 $18,868 50.0%
2 3,063 $32,798 81.3% 85.6%
3 3,080 $14,693 26.3%
4 879 $14,085 46.6% 59.2%
5 123 $39,699 83.9% 57.6%
6 1,415 $12,233 44.4% 97.0%
7 370 $19,920 55.8%
8 309
9 34 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Catholic University graduates earn significantly more than other small college alumni?

Catholic University graduates average $73,250 annually, benefiting from strong alumni networks in D.C.'s policy and legal sectors. The university's 81.3% graduation rate and established connections to federal agencies and major nonprofits create pathways to higher-paying positions in government relations and advocacy organizations.

How affordable are small colleges in Washington D.C. compared to major universities?

Net costs range from Trinity Washington's $12,233 to Saint Michael College's $39,699. University of the District of Columbia offers public education at $14,693, while Gallaudet provides specialized deaf education services at $14,085, making small college education accessible despite D.C.'s high living costs.

Where do graduates from these small colleges typically find employment?

D.C.'s federal government employs many graduates, with earnings ranging from $30,227 to $73,250. Trinity Washington graduates earning $53,804 often work in nonprofit management, while Gallaudet's specialized programs connect to federal accessibility initiatives and deaf community services throughout the region.

Is Gallaudet University's acceptance rate competitive for specialized education?

Gallaudet accepts 59.2% of applicants, reflecting selective admission for its unique deaf and hard-of-hearing programs. With 879 students, it maintains small class sizes while graduates earn $43,101 annually, often in specialized roles requiring sign language skills and disability advocacy expertise.

How do graduation rates vary among D.C.'s small colleges?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 26.3% at University of the District of Columbia to 83.9% at Saint Michael College of Allied Health. Catholic University achieves 81.3% completion, while Career Technical Institute's 55.8% rate reflects its focus on workforce preparation rather than traditional four-year degrees.

Related

Small Colleges Nationally All Colleges in District of Columbia Cheapest Programs in District of Columbia

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.