Best Colleges in District of Columbia (2026)
17 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
17
Colleges
$54,615
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$26,765
Avg Net Price
64%
Avg Admit Rate
53%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
District of Columbia is home to 17 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. Georgetown University leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $54,615 on average ten years after enrollment. Whether you're looking for a flagship research university, a liberal arts college, or a career-focused program, District of Columbia offers diverse options across all price points.
Quick Facts — District of Columbia Colleges
Top 10 Colleges in District of Columbia by Graduate Earnings
Ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Public and private nonprofit only.
Admit
13%
Net Price
$40,815
Grad Rate
95%
Earnings
$103,494
Admit
47%
Net Price
$36,586
Grad Rate
84%
Earnings
$90,873
Admit
83%
Net Price
$29,561
Grad Rate
79%
Earnings
$73,250
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$56,899
Admit
100%
Net Price
$9,302
Grad Rate
49%
Earnings
$53,804
Admit
N/A
Net Price
$10,648
Grad Rate
33%
Earnings
$44,236
Admit
58%
Net Price
$15,845
Grad Rate
47%
Earnings
$43,101
Most Affordable Colleges in District of Columbia
Lowest average net price after grants and scholarships. Public and private nonprofit only.
Washington, DC
49% grad rate
Washington, DC
33% grad rate
Washington, DC
47% grad rate
Washington, DC
79% grad rate
Washington, DC
84% grad rate
Popular Majors
Compare the best colleges for top fields of study — ranked by graduate earnings nationwide.
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Find my District of Columbia collegeAll Colleges in District of Columbia
All 17 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 62% | $41,943 | 75% | $77,370 |
| Bennett Career Institute | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $11,824 | N/A | $22,568 |
| Gallaudet University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 58% | $15,845 | 47% | $43,101 |
| George Washington University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 47% | $36,586 | 84% | $90,873 |
| Georgetown University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 13% | $40,815 | 95% | $103,494 |
| Howard University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 41% | $50,539 | 70% | $63,066 |
| National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 100% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NewU University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Saint Michael College of Allied Health | Washington | Private For-Profit | 75% | $38,751 | N/A | N/A |
| Strayer University-District of Columbia | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 0% | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Global Region | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $17,833 | 14% | $40,092 |
| The Catholic University of America | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 83% | $29,561 | 79% | $73,250 |
| The Chicago School at Washington DC | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $56,899 |
| The Salon Professional Academy-Washington DC | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $17,528 | N/A | $20,809 |
| Trinity Washington University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 100% | $9,302 | 49% | $53,804 |
| University of the District of Columbia | Washington | Public | N/A | $10,648 | 33% | $44,236 |
| University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 33% | $34,961 |
Showing 17 of 17 schools