Top Colleges in Washington DC

Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Updated: June 6th, 2024

Looking to go to school in DC? Here’s a list of all the schools in Washington DC proper, ranked in order of our Top Colleges index. But remember – these are only the options in DC proper. There are plenty of other options in the surrounding DMV, such as the University of Maryland – College Park, Marymount, and George Mason.

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Top college scholarships for
DC Students

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Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

Top College, Top Affordability

Top College

Top College: Affordability

Located in the heart of Washington, DC, Georgetown is home to the oldest school of international affairs in the United States. Students interested in politics will find a bounty of…Read More

Located in the heart of Washington, DC, Georgetown is home…Read More

12% acceptance

96% graduation rate

7,343 undergrads

$35,965 net price

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George Washington University

Washington, DC • Private, Non-Profit, City

Top College

Located in Washington, D.C., George Washington University is known for its strong programs in international affairs, political science, and public policy. The university's location provides students with unique opportunities for…Read More

Located in Washington, D.C., George Washington University is known for…Read More

49% acceptance

85% graduation rate

10,798 undergrads

$34,462 net price

American University

Washington, DC • Private, Non-Profit, City

American University (AU), located in Washington, D.C., offers students unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning in the heart of the nation's capital. Established in 1893, AU is known for its strong…Read More

American University (AU), located in Washington, D.C., offers students unparalleled…Read More

41% acceptance

79% graduation rate

7,669 undergrads

$43,412 net price

The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC • Private, Non-Profit, City

The Catholic University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year college located in Washington, District Of Columbia. There are currently 2,958 undergraduates at CUA and the school’s acceptance rate is…Read More

The Catholic University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year…Read More

86% acceptance

76% graduation rate

2,958 undergrads

$33,417 net price

Gallaudet University

Washington, DC • Private, Non-Profit, City

Gallaudet University is a private, non-profit 4-year college located in Washington, District Of Columbia. There are currently 910 undergraduates at Gallaudet and the school’s acceptance rate is 59%. The tuition…

Gallaudet University is a private, non-profit 4-year college located in…Read More

59% acceptance

44% graduation rate

910 undergrads

$12,167 net price

Howard University

Washington, DC • Private, Non-Profit, City

Did you know that Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most renowned historically black universities in the United States? Founded in 1867, Howard is known for…Read More

Did you know that Howard University, located in Washington, D.C.,…Read More

53% acceptance

70% graduation rate

9,243 undergrads

$45,180 net price

About the Data

We sort colleges on our lists according to their Scholarships360 Top Colleges Index Score. This score is calculated using up-to-date information taken directly from the College Scorecard. Additional information is sourced from the colleges themselves, as well as other publicly available information. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

State grants in Washington D.C.

D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant

The D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant is a need based grant for residents of Washington D.C.. In order to qualify for this grant, students must attend an eligible postsecondary institution in Washington D.C. and be a first time college student.

D.C. Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program

The D.C. Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program is a need based program that provides financial assistance to Washington D.C. students getting either an associates or bachelors degree at certain colleges and universities. There are a wide range of institutions eligible for the program, from community colleges to larger universities.

Washington D.C. Tuition Reciprocity

Unfortunately, Washington D.C. does not currently have any tuition reciprocity agreements with other states in the US. This means that no states have offered to give tuition discounts for Washington D.C. residents attending schools in their state, and vice versa, out of state students do not have the opportunity to receive in-state tuition rates at Washington D.C. schools.

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Frequently asked questions about colleges in Washington D.C.

What is the hardest school in Washington D.C. to get into?

The school with the lowest acceptance rate in Washington D.C. is Georgetown University with an acceptance rate of 12%. It’s important to remember that if you are thinking about applying to Georgetown, that it is considered a hidden ivy, which means the application process is somewhat more rigorous. That being said, don’t be discouraged from applying just because of the acceptance rate!

Does Washington D.C. have tuition reciprocity?

Unfortunately, not. Washington D.C does not have any tuition reciprocity agreements with any neighboring states. So if you are not a Washington D.C. resident, you will likely have to pay an out of state rate, rather than an in state rate for tuition.

Why should I study in Washington D.C.?

Naturally, since Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, this is a great place to be for any students interested in politics or US history. The District of Columbia also has many great educational opportunities, from community colleges to larger universities. By studying here, you’ll get the opportunity to see plenty of historical monuments, visit museums, and even see the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring!

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Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Top Colleges in Washington DC

Scholarships360 is recommended by

Georgetown University

George Washington University

American University

The Catholic University of America

Gallaudet University

Howard University

About the Data

State grants in Washington D.C.

D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant

D.C. Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program

Washington D.C. Tuition Reciprocity

Other college lists to explore

Frequently asked questions about colleges in Washington D.C.

What is the hardest school in Washington D.C. to get into?

Does Washington D.C. have tuition reciprocity?

Why should I study in Washington D.C.?

3 reasons to join scholarships360