Best Colleges in District of Columbia (2026)
24 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
24
Colleges
$53,594
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$26,516
Avg Net Price
61%
Avg Admit Rate
62%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
District of Columbia is home to 24 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. Georgetown University leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $53,594 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
$39,433
Grad Rate
95%
Earnings
$103,494
Admit
44%
Net Price
$37,454
Grad Rate
85%
Earnings
$90,873
Admit
84%
Net Price
$32,798
Grad Rate
79%
Earnings
$73,250
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$62,668
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$56,899
Admit
99%
Net Price
$12,233
Grad Rate
41%
Earnings
$53,804
Admit
N/A
Net Price
$14,693
Grad Rate
30%
Earnings
$44,236
Admit
61%
Net Price
$14,085
Grad Rate
45%
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
41% grad rate
Washington, DC
45% grad rate
Washington, DC
30% grad rate
Washington, DC
79% grad rate
Washington, DC
85% 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 24 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 47% | $41,945 | 79% | $77,370 |
| Arizona State University - Washington D.C. | Washington | Public | N/A | N/A | N/A | $62,668 |
| Bennett Career Institute | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $11,108 | 49% | $22,568 |
| Career Technical Institute | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $19,920 | 56% | $30,227 |
| Gallaudet University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 61% | $14,085 | 45% | $43,101 |
| George Washington University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 44% | $37,454 | 85% | $90,873 |
| Georgetown University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 13% | $39,433 | 95% | $103,494 |
| Howard University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 35% | $47,919 | 69% | $63,066 |
| Institute of World Politics | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NewU University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 99% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Relay Graduate School of Education - Washington D.C | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Saint Michael College of Allied Health | Washington | Private For-Profit | 64% | $39,699 | 89% | N/A |
| Strayer University-District of Columbia | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-Global Region | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $18,918 | 24% | $40,092 |
| The Catholic University of America | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 84% | $32,798 | 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 | $22,151 | 81% | $20,809 |
| Trinity Washington University | Washington | Private Nonprofit | 99% | $12,233 | 41% | $53,804 |
| University of the District of Columbia | Washington | Public | N/A | $14,693 | 30% | $44,236 |
| University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus | Washington | Private For-Profit | N/A | $18,868 | 50% | $34,961 |
| Wesley Theological Seminary | Washington | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Showing 24 of 24 schools