Best Colleges in District of Columbia

17
Universities
3
Community Colleges
20
Total Institutions

Explore 20 colleges and universities in District of Columbia, ranked by the Repit College Score. Our ratings evaluate graduation rates, affordability, resources, and student experience.

#1
B+

Georgetown University

Washington, DC • 20,392 students
Private Non-Profit
94%
Grad Rate
#2
B

George Washington University

Washington, DC • 25,568 students
Private Non-Profit
85%
Grad Rate
#3
B

American University

Washington, DC • 13,019 students
Private Non-Profit
78%
Grad Rate
#4
B

Howard University

Washington, DC • 13,416 students
Private Non-Profit
69%
Grad Rate
#5
C+

The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC • 5,171 students
Private Non-Profit
81%
Grad Rate
#6
C+

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC • 3,855 students
Public
26%
Grad Rate
$14k
Net Price
51%
Off-Campus
#7
C+

Gallaudet University

Washington, DC • 1,364 students
Private Non-Profit
47%
Grad Rate
#8
C+

University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

Washington, DC • 593 students
Private For-Profit
50%
Grad Rate
#9
C

Trinity Washington University

Washington, DC • 1,865 students
Private Non-Profit
44%
Grad Rate
#10
C

NewU University

Washington, DC • 34 students
Private Non-Profit
#11
C

Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family

Washington, DC • 63 students
Private Non-Profit
#12
C

Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies

Washington, DC • 73 students
Private Non-Profit
#13
C

Wesley Theological Seminary

Washington, DC • 450 students
Private Non-Profit
#14
C

The Chicago School at Washington DC

Washington, DC • 615 students
Private Non-Profit
#15
D

Institute of World Politics

Washington, DC • 119 students
Private Non-Profit
#16
D

Strayer University-Global Region

Washington, DC • 12,782 students
Private For-Profit
20%
Grad Rate
#17
F

Strayer University-District of Columbia

Washington, DC • 353 students
Private For-Profit
0%
Grad Rate

Cities with Multiple Colleges

Washington 20 colleges

About College Rankings in District of Columbia

The Repit College Score ranks 20 colleges and universities in District of Columbia based on outcomes (graduation rates, retention), affordability (net cost, financial aid), resources (class sizes, faculty ratios), and student experience (campus life, housing options).

4-Year Universities (17): Bachelor's degree-granting institutions including public universities, private colleges, and research institutions.

2-Year Colleges (3): Community colleges and technical schools offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in District of Columbia

How many colleges are in District of Columbia?

There are 20 accredited colleges and universities in District of Columbia tracked by Repit, including 17 4-year institutions and 3 community colleges. Each school is rated using our proprietary scoring system that evaluates outcomes, affordability, and resources.

How does Repit rate colleges?

Repit rates colleges on a 100-point scale across five categories: Outcomes (graduation and retention rates), Affordability (net cost and financial aid), Resources (class sizes and selectivity), Experience (campus life and learning format), and Prestige (reputation and recognition). Each factor is weighted and combined into an overall score and letter grade.

Should I attend a public or private college in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia has both public and private institutions. Public schools often offer lower tuition for state residents, while private schools may provide more financial aid. Compare net prices and outcomes using Repit's detailed college profiles to find the best value for your situation.

Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: September 2026 | Methodology