2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,259 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Georgetown University as a Freshman has been phenomenal. The very first month has been the most memorable. Due to how open the community was, I was able to meet new people every single day and also, I was able to find my long-life friends immediately! The community was so diverse that I had never heard a single negative comment. It was purely all just having fun and sharing honest thoughts. Now, throughout the school year, as a Freshman, I went through many obstacles. One of the most common ones is sickness. However, because of the flexibility that the professors had, I was able to succeed in class. Georgetown's flexibility and resources are so great that even though I was sick some days, I still had a smile on my face. Although it's only my first year, I can definitely say that I started off with no regrets.... Read 1,259 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $23,049

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,206 reviews

Alum: I only attended GW for my final year of grad school (and entirely online because of COVID), but I absolutely loved all of the professors, students, and content that I came into contact with through the university. GWU was actually a very close second in my choices for undergrad, and I sometimes still wish I had chosen GW. The location is ideal for many majors and the city environment can be especially fruitful for those seeking to adapt to or continue to enjoy the more vibrant city life (as opposed to more rural campuses). The international and political exposure are particularly exceptional here. Overall, I’m very proud to have graduated from this wonderful institution. I think their excellent Student Success Services staff and generous financial aid alone show an impressive commitment to their students. Raise High!... Read 2,206 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 50%

• Net price $31,240

• SAT range 1310-1490

• College Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  5,517 reviews

Junior: The University of Maryland is truly a place like no other. Stepping foot on campus is like walking into an alternate universe. The students are excited, the campus seems to become more beautiful everyday and the list goes on and on. I have had such an amazing experience at Maryland so far and it can all be attributed to the spirit, culture and personality of the school. All professors are willing to lend a hand whenever needed and meeting new classmates each semester will always be one of my favorite parts. The classes offered are very interesting as they range from the psychology of happiness to Brazilian cinema, you can truly do it all here. I would not change anything about my experience this far academically but one thing I would like to see is a larger presence at our football games. We have so much spirit and we should all be going to cheer the players on! Other than that University of Maryland is truly a special place!... Read 5,517 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $17,146

• SAT range 1330-1510

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,533 reviews

Freshman: Amazing professors with such interesting insight to their expertise. Clubs and involvement possibilities are plentiful for many different kinds of interests. Class sizes are perfect, there are some bigger lectures but most classes are capped at 35. Diverse selection of classes. What really drew me to American University is the CLEG major-communications, legal institutions, economics, and government. The variety of topics covered gives a full comprehensive education to plan for any path ahead, especially my goal of law school. Obviously being in the DC area is a large part of the American University experience, plentiful opportunities to work, intern, learn, and even just have fun. There are some struggles with freshman housing and food places receiving health code violations. There is a bit of a culture issue at American between some Greek life and general competitive nature of the University, but overall I have really enjoyed my time here. I can't wait to continue my education!... Read 2,533 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $28,622

• SAT range 1280-1440

• Fairfax, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  4,940 reviews

Freshman: Although my experience with George Mason University is still relatively early on, I can attest that GMU has thorough communication from not only their website, but with the academic advisor. The website is easy to navigate and inviting. We also have visited the campus on several occasions for a spring orientation and then the main freshman orientation event. Both orientation sessions were very organized from the beginning with what to expect before arriving until the completion of the event. During the orientation, we had the pleasure of meeting faculty and students who truly enjoyed their job of welcoming us to the university. We enjoyed the tour of the campus, housing and dining areas. All of the dining halls provided exceptional food variety and can say everything we ate was delicious! GMU has been provided us with nothing but stellar experiences despite the challenges of the ever changing post pandemic lifestyle on campus.... Read 4,940 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,841

• SAT range 1140-1350

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  979 reviews

Sophomore: The Catholic University of America is an amazing school! It offers a great academic experience with its small class sizes and experienced professors. The campus is beautiful and the university does a wonderful job fostering community among the students and helping everyone achieve their full potential. With the location in DC, there are many opportunities for students to have fun off campus as well as find great opportunities for internships and other academic pursuits. My only complaint is the food service. However, the university is currently constructing a new dining hall so the students have high hopes for improvement. The high cost of tuition combined with room and board is a rather large obstacle for many students, but it is well worth the investment. CUA is also very generous with their scholarship money, and the financial advisors will do anything they can to meet the financial needs of their students. As a CUA student, I find my needs both academic and living well met.... Read 979 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $35,520

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Bowie, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  1,324 reviews

Senior: I love BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY, If I had to say my favorite thing about attending Bowie is that it is a big, loving, supporting family there. Everyone knows everyone and you can talk to whoever about whatever and not be judged or looked at differently. When I first came to be, I was accepted for who I was as a person, everyone is very friendly and open to getting to know you. I would definitely recommend BSU to any and everyone because it is so fun being there. The professors are very helpful and kind and are always willing to help you and they will go out their way to make sure that you as a student understand what they are teaching. I love my school so much! And I am glad and grateful that I made the decision to go to Bowie for 4 years and I am so excited to see how my last year will be at THE ILLUSTRIOUS BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY.... Read 1,324 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $14,290

• SAT range 840-1020

• Annandale, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,916 reviews

Freshman: Overall, my experience with NOVA has been positive. I appreciated the range of courses and programs offered, which allowed me to explore different areas of study and find my academic interests. The professors at NOVA were knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to provide guidance and support. There were ample resources available for students, such as the library and computer labs. However, there are a few areas where I would like to see some changes. I believe NOVA could benefit from enhancing its career services and internship opportunities for students. While there were resources available, they could be more robust and better advertised to ensure students are aware of the various professional development opportunities. My overall experience with Northern Virginia Community College was positive. However, improvements in the class registration process and career services would enhance the overall experience at the college.... Read 2,916 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,627

• SAT range —

• Largo, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,160 reviews

Freshman: Prince George's Community College is the besttt! It's like the coolest place to learn and grow. The teachers are super dedicated and totally want you to succeed. They've got all kinds of awesome programs that fit your interests and future plans. The campus is top-notch with all the latest stuff you need to make the most of your education. But you know what's the best part? The vibe is totally friendly and inclusive. You make friends left and right because everyone's so cool and nice. Prince George's Community College is like a powerhouse of awesomeness, making a real impact on students and the whole community!... Read 1,160 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,291

• SAT range —

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  459 reviews

Freshman: During my visit to Gallaudet University on the open day, I had an immersive experience in the deaf world. Interacting without barriers, I witnessed the remarkable accomplishments and talents of the deaf community. The inclusive atmosphere and dedicated professors impressed me with their expertise and understanding of deaf students' needs. Gallaudet's diverse academic programs and resources showcased a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity. Overall, my transformative experience at Gallaudet University deepened my belief in the power of education and ignited a strong desire to be a part of this vibrant community, contributing to its ongoing success.... Read 459 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $25,465

• SAT range 760-1080

• Washington, DC•

• 2 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $28,359

• SAT range —