Best Colleges in the Washington, D.C. Area (2023 Rankings)

It may come as no surprise that Washington, D.C., is home to some of the best colleges in the country! Whether you want to study politics and law or arts and humanities, D.C. won't leave you at a loss for options.

Check out our college rankings of the best universities in the D.C. area, complete with a breakdown of what each has to offer.

Georgetown University - Washington, D.C.

In-state Tuition: $57,928

Fast facts:

• 7,357 undergraduate students
• 17% acceptance rate
• 90% (4-year)/94% (6-year) graduation rates

Georgetown University is a prestigious Carnegie R1-ranked international research university. Established in 1789, Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit higher education institution in the United States.

Students enjoy an exceptional 11:1 student-to-professor ratio, cutting-edge research facilities, and a 104-acre campus full of stately buildings. Due to Georgetown's wide range of degree programs, the university is also home to over 12,000 graduate students.

Whether you want to earn your bachelor's degree from the School of Arts & Sciences, a master's degree from the university's prestigious Law School, or a Ph.D. from the School of Medicine, Georgetown has you covered. Check out Georgetown's NCAA Division I athletics teams, get involved with one of over 350 student clubs, or join the crew that takes care of Georgetown's adorable mascot, Jack the Bulldog.

George Washington University - Washington, DC

Tuition: $58,640

Fast facts:

• 11,763 undergraduate students
• 43% acceptance rate
• 79% (4-year)/85% (6-year) graduation rates

George Washington University (GW) is yet another prestigious Carnegie R1-rated research institution in the heart of the nation's capital. The private university offers around 140 undergraduate and 330 graduate degree programs in everything from Engineering and Media to Law, Medicine, and Public Affairs.

Join the 6,400 GW students who live on campus, which is just blocks away from the White House and plenty of incredible monuments and museums. You'll find over 500 clubs and student organizations on campus, as well as plenty of exceptional internship opportunities in the D.C. area.

University of Maryland - College Park, MD

In-state Tuition: $10,779

Out-of-state tuition: $36,891

Fast facts:

• 30,875 undergraduate students
• 51% acceptance rate
• 70% (4-year)/87% (6-year) graduation rates

Less than ten miles northeast of D.C., you'll find The University of Maryland College Park (UMD), a large public research university that brings plenty of perks to the table. UMD offers over 100 areas of study for undergraduates, 115 master's programs, and over 80 doctoral degree programs.

Learn from an expert faculty that includes two Nobel laureates, six Pulitzer Prize winners, and even an Emmy winner. With over 800 student clubs, athletics teams that play in the Big Ten Conference, and a killer recreation facility, you'll always find plenty to do on the UMD campus.

Howard University - Washington, D.C.

Tuition: $28,440

Fast facts:

• 7,857 undergraduate students
• 39% acceptance rate
• 52% (4-year)/64% (6-year) graduation rates

Howard University is a prestigious private research university and consecutively ranks among the top HBCUs in the nation. Howard offers over 130 areas of study and a diverse range of bachelor, graduate, professional, and doctoral degree programs.

If you love to act, you'll appreciate Howard's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. You can also get involved with the university's Greek scene or check out one of over 250 student clubs and organizations.

American University - Washington, D.C.

Tuition: $51,361

Fast facts:

• 7,953 undergraduate students
• 39% acceptance rate
• 74% (4-year)/79% (6-year) graduation rates

American University (AU) is a private Methodist research university that's all about inclusivity, sustainability, and hands-on learning. Whether you're interested in a bachelor's degree or enrollment in a graduate school or professional program, AU has you covered with over 250 areas of study to choose from.

Check out the AU Eagles sports teams, consider living in a Learning Community of like-minded students, or get involved with one of the many student clubs and Greek chapters you'll find on campus. First-year students can look forward to the school's annual All-American Welcome, a multi-week celebration designed to introduce new students to the community.

The Catholic University of America - Washington, D.C.

Tuition: $49,416

Fast facts:

• 3,055 undergraduate students
• 82% acceptance rate
• 68% (4-year)/74% (6-year) graduation rates

The Catholic University of America is a private Catholic college founded in 1887 as a papally chartered higher education institution. Today, the university offers over 130 different areas of study.

First-year full-time undergraduate students are required to live on campus until they've completed their first six semesters - but once you get a load of the gorgeous 176-acre property, you'll find little to complain about! Whether you're interested in liberal arts or STEM-heavy majors, you'll find a supportive environment with plenty of great ways to get involved.

George Mason University - Fairfax, VA

In-state Tuition: $13,014

Out-of-state tuition: $37,410

Fast facts:

• 27,104 undergraduate students
• 89% acceptance rate
• 48% (4-year)/72% (6-year) graduation rates

Home of the Patriots sports teams, George Mason University (GMU) is Virginia's largest public research university. An R1-ranked research school, GMU has pioneered innovative health research into cancer detection, Lyme disease, and more.

Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's, graduate, doctoral, or professional degree, you'll find over 130 degree programs to explore. Choose from highly-rated programs like Cybersecurity and Engineering, or unique options like Computer Game Design and Sport Management.

Gallaudet University - Washington, D.C.

Tuition: $17,038

Fast facts:

• 1,019 undergraduate students
• 63% acceptance rate
• 19% (4-year)/44% (6-year) graduation rates

Gallaudet University is not only a leading private university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students but also a major research center that pioneers advances throughout the signing community. Gallaudet students are invited to choose from over 50 undergraduate majors, 25 master's degrees, and 7 doctoral programs.

With an 8:1 faculty-to-student ratio and a fully immersive English/ASL bilingual environment, you'll enjoy the chance to join a diverse student body from all over the world. Make new friendships that will last a lifetime when you explore on-campus student clubs, Greek chapters, sports teams, and more.

Trinity Washington University - Washington, D.C.

Tuition: $25,110

Fast facts:

• 1,444 undergraduate students
• 96% acceptance rate
• 22% (4-year)/46% (6-year) graduation rates

In 1897, Trinity Washington University became the nation's first Catholic liberal arts school for women. Today, the private school counts Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi among its distinguished alumni.

With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and over 70 degrees and certificate programs, you'll enjoy a welcoming environment with plenty of individual support. Take politics for a test drive when you run for student government, or join a student organization dedicated to passions like sustainability and stopping human trafficking.

University of the District of Columbia - Washington, D.C.

In-state Tuition: $6,152

Out-of-state tuition: $13,004

Fast facts:

• 3,385 undergraduate students
• Open admissions
• 21% (4-year)/23% (6-year) graduation rates

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is an HBCU with its own community college, law school, and everything in between. Whether you're interested in a bachelor's degree or doctoral program, the UDC offers an impressive range of more than 80 degree programs of all levels.

As the only public university in the District of Columbia, UDC is a popular choice among local high school graduates looking to pursue higher education. The college's wide range of offerings extends to workforce training and certificate programs, making it a solid choice for every student.

D.C.-area colleges FAQ

Does Washington, D.C., have good colleges?

Washington, D.C., has excellent colleges, including an impressive number of renowned Carnegie R1-ranked research institutions. Georgetown University and George Washington University are consistently rated among the best in the country.

Which college is closest to the White House?

George Washington University is located just a few blocks from the White House, making it an incredible home base for taking advantage of the city's many internship opportunities.

Which is better: Georgetown University or George Washington University?

Georgetown and George Washington regularly appear at the top of college rankings, and it's hard to go wrong with a degree from either. Georgetown has a smaller student body, making it a closer-knit community. Meanwhile, their Jesuit heritage contrasts GWU's more urban and cosmopolitan campus culture.

What Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are in the Washington, D.C. area?

Howard University is an incredibly prestigious D.C. area HBCU. If you prefer a public HBCU, check out The University of the District of Columbia, which offers plenty of solid programs.

Find the perfect school in the Washington, D.C., area with College Rover

Want to learn more about the best colleges in the United States? College Rover has got your back with user-friendly tools and search filters designed to help you find the best schools and programs for you!

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.