Best Colleges in District of Columbia

All 18 colleges in District of Columbia, ranked by overall quality and led by Georgetown University, George Washington University and American University. 1 public, 17 private. median out-of-state tuition $19,654. lowest in-state tuition $3,535 at Windsor University. Each school below shows its acceptance rate, tuition and average SAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best college in District of Columbia?

Based on our overall rankings, Georgetown University is the top-ranked college in District of Columbia. Other strong choices include George Washington University, American University, The Catholic University of America.

How many colleges are in District of Columbia?

We track 18 four-year colleges in District of Columbia, including 1 public institutions and 17 private ones.

How much does college cost in District of Columbia?

The average out-of-state tuition across colleges we track in District of Columbia is approximately $19,654 per year. In-state students at public schools typically pay significantly less, and most schools offer financial aid that reduces the effective cost.

What are the best public colleges in District of Columbia?

The best public colleges in District of Columbia include University of the District of Columbia. Public universities typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents.

What are the best private colleges in District of Columbia?

The best private colleges in District of Columbia include Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University. Private colleges may offer more generous financial aid despite higher sticker prices.

How are these District of Columbia rankings determined?

Our overall rankings are calculated independently from publicly available data including U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and aggregated student-experience signals — not from US News or any other publication.

1. Georgetown University — Washington, DC · 12.9% acceptance · SAT 1,487 · $68,017 tuition · 95% grad rate
2. George Washington University — Washington, DC · 47.1% acceptance · SAT 1,433 · $67,710 tuition · 84% grad rate
3. American University — Washington, DC · 62% acceptance · SAT 1,381 · $58,771 tuition · 75% grad rate
4. The Catholic University of America — Washington, DC · 82.8% acceptance · $58,378 tuition · 79% grad rate
5. Howard University — Washington, DC · 41.3% acceptance · SAT 1,213 · $35,810 tuition · 70% grad rate
6. Trinity Washington University — Washington, DC · 99.5% acceptance · $26,610 tuition · 49% grad rate
7. Gallaudet University — Washington, DC · 58.1% acceptance · SAT 868 · $19,654 tuition · 47% grad rate
8. University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus — Washington, DC · $6,660 tuition · 39% grad rate
9. University of the District of Columbia — Washington, DC · $12,514 tuition · 33% grad rate
10. Strayer University-Global Region — Washington, DC · $13,920 tuition · 23% grad rate
11. Strayer University-District of Columbia — Washington, DC · $13,920 tuition
12. NewU University — Washington, DC · $16,500 tuition
13. The Chicago School at Washington DC — Washington, DC
14. Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies — Washington, DC
15. Wesley Theological Seminary — Washington, DC
16. Institute of World Politics — Washington, DC
17. Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family — Washington, DC
18. Windsor University — Washington, DC · $3,535 tuition

Best Colleges in District of Columbia on PickACampus