2021 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area

Best Colleges

30 results

Georgetown University
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.75 out of 5 1,202 reviews
#1 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Junior: I am reminded everyday how incredibly lucky I am to be a student at Georgetown University. I truly believe that there is a place for everyone here. Interested in Political Science? Pre-Med? Theology? Languages? International Affairs? GEORGETOWN IS THE PLACE TO BE! No matter their interests, Georgetown students and faculty are united by the spirit of Cura Personalis—"care for the whole person." My peers at Gtown are the most multi-faceted and driven people I have ever met.

Tucked away in a beautiful residential neighborhood, yet walking distance from the heart of Washington DC, Georgetown's location is unmatched. Georgetown has a STELLAR reputation among employers in both the public and private sectors. The Georgetown network includes countless successful professionals, ranging from politicians on Capitol Hill, medical researchers at the NIH, executives on Wall Street, and diplomats in the State Department. I am looking forward to seeing where my Georgetown education will take me.
Read 1,202 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
14% Acceptance Rate
$28,442 Net Price
1380-1550 SAT Range
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George Washington University
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.62 out of 5 2,063 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Sophomore: I love thé location and the variety of different opportunities GWU gives to their students. In addition, the academic is competitive, but it works well when realizing the skills you learn to bring for the real world. There are many interesting and fascinating organizations to make yourself feel a part of and at home. Eventually, you will find your group of friends, and creates a lifetime of college memory and experience through it all! Can’t forget about the 15 minute walk to the monuments!
Read 2,063 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
41% Acceptance Rate
$38,829 Net Price
1280-1470 SAT Range
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University of Maryland - College Park
4 Year
College Park, MD
Rating 3.65 out of 5 5,267 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Alum: I loved so many things about University of Maryland, College Park. The entire experience was great, with just a few small items to improve (the campus is hilly to walk around! great for exercise, less great on sticky summer days). The professors and academics are world-class at a private institute, very invested in the teaching and helping students. The campus feels safe, diversity, inclusive and welcoming. There is a large student body, which means a lot of opportunities to meet other great people. Overall, it felt like a great to attend Maryland, both for the academics, the experience, broadening your horizons while learning about yourself and the world.
Read 5,267 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
44% Acceptance Rate
$17,723 Net Price
1280-1470 SAT Range
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American University
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.58 out of 5 2,404 reviews
#4 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Junior: I am glad I am getting my education at American University. They are known for having an excellent Political Science department, and they do! I am very fond of all my professors and they have very impressive resumes. They have been a wonderful tool in regards to learning and finding internships. I have also met some of my best friends at this school. I have a few issues with the administration though. They don't take racist incidents or mental health issues seriously. AUPD thinks their an actual police department and are very controlling as well as biased. The school has a real issue when it comes to helping students in general. Also, the overall culture of the school is toxic and concerning.
Read 2,404 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$40,469 Net Price
1210-1390 SAT Range
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The Catholic University of America
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.43 out of 5 946 reviews
#5 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Alum: As someone that specializes in the Middle East, politics and Islam, CUA provided a robust education while not being too strenuous. For this reason, I almost switched to Georgetown. I'm glad, however, that I didn't. Attending CUA allowed me to get a great education while also having the time to pursue an amazing career and get internship opportunities that I couldn't anywhere else.

Most of my friends from the other schools are unfortunately making less. I attribute this to the saturated market that their schools provide. Meanwhile at Catholic our different alumni/university connections that come from fellow Catholic scholars, politicians, leaders and professionals, etc. will allow you to have a jumping off point that is more personal and forgiving when starting out. These connections are great because being at a Catholic school with many other Catholics (even if u are not) means you have a wide range of networks to use that are less maximized at say Gtown, GW or AU.
Read 946 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
85% Acceptance Rate
$36,331 Net Price
1020-1230 SAT Range
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George Mason University
4 Year
Fairfax, VA
Rating 3.66 out of 5 4,618 reviews
#6 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Senior: I absolutely love my Forensics Department! We have brand new machines some police departments cannot even afford in their labs. We have Ex-FBI workers who direct and teach classes in our department are all super nice and approachable.

The overall atmosphere on campus is great. I love going back in the fall: beautiful colored leaves everywhere, cultural celebrations and festivals right outside in the main courtyard, the food options are decent and the close locations of relative buildings to each other saves me travel time when rushing in between classes. I love that I have attended GMU the last few years, and will be returning in the spring for my master's
Read 4,618 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
87% Acceptance Rate
$20,157 Net Price
1110-1320 SAT Range
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Howard University
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.44 out of 5 3,749 reviews
#7 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Alum: My experience at Howard University was overall great. I was a student-athlete, so I didn't get the full experience of just being a student but I still had a lot of fun. The party life was great my freshman year and the professors I had were very relatable. I mainly hung around my track teammates and would spend a good chunk of my time at practice, getting treatment, or traveling for meets. This would be tough to balance with school at times, but I was able to maintain a stellar GPA during my matriculation. Some weekends, I would go to parties, kickbacks, or just explore DC. Homecoming was always the best time of the year; I'll definitely come back as am alum! Most of all, my favorite part about Howard was the camaraderie and diversity. I was surrounded by bright, ambitious people who looked just like me. I was inspired by students here because their aspirations and goals in life were high, just like mine. I made so many connections and friendships that I know will last a lifetime.
Read 3,749 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$21,428 Net Price
1130-1280 SAT Range
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Gallaudet University
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.52 out of 5 438 reviews
#8 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Junior: Gallaudet University has been a vital part of my education. Coming from a mainstream environment and not having ASL knowledge, I was a good student but lacked confidence and social skills. Through my time at Gallaudet, I have learned ASL and steadily gained more confidence and even more learning about elementary and secondary topics I missed out on.

Some problems I have had, however, have been related to expectations. I have often felt that expectations for us are much lower than those for students at other universities. Just because we are Deaf, we must achieve less? I feel that we need to be pushed more and held to higher standards. At Gallaudet, we often have to find our own enrichment and our own challenges.
Read 438 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
61% Acceptance Rate
$15,639 Net Price
780-1040 SAT Range
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Marymount University
4 Year
Arlington, VA
Rating 3.65 out of 5 794 reviews
Junior: Marymount University is a college that you can make your experience your very own. There are plenty of on-campus resources for all of your needs. This is a great place for anyone who loves to show their leadership or aspires to be a leader in any way. Faculty and Staff are amazing and love to have an impact on their students in many ways they can. Here you will not be another number for the school to have you will be an individual person; people will know you around campus by name! Yes, including your professors! I love MU Apply now and have an amazing Experience!
Read 794 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
81% Acceptance Rate
$27,843 Net Price
940-1190 SAT Range
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University of Maryland - Global Campus
4 Year
Adelphi, MD
Rating 3.92 out of 5 1,952 reviews
Junior: This school has been incredible! As a full time employee with a varying schedule, UMGC has allowed me to work on my own time completely online. There’s no attendance, just do the assignments and turn them in before the week is over. It’s absolutely amazing, I wish more universities did online courses like this.
Read 1,952 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$14,635 Net Price
— SAT Range
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University of the District of Columbia
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.46 out of 5 607 reviews
Junior: I am an international student transferring in this university to finish my Bachelor Degree, and I really like it. The teacher are engaged in their work and helpful to make you success in your field. The university is open to diversity and understand well the challenge to study abroad!
Read 607 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$15,886 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Washington Adventist University
4 Year
Takoma Park, MD
Rating 3.42 out of 5 284 reviews
Senior: Washington Adventist University is a good school, They have been very wonderful helping me throughout my program due to the fact I have Sickle Cell Anemia they have been amazing. The professor are awesome they are always around whether on campus or by email. Library and Science build is available when you need to use the computer or study. The new nursing building is wonderful. My experience so far has been great, I can't complain.
Read 284 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
59% Acceptance Rate
$18,754 Net Price
820-1030 SAT Range
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Bowie State University
4 Year
Bowie, MD
Rating 3.43 out of 5 1,219 reviews
Junior: Bowie State University is an evolving institution that is gaining traction in the STEM field. The first Black institution in Maryland formed in 1864, our pride is in the advancement of our people and people of other minorities. The liveliness in the cultures and the opportunities for career development has shaped the students into becoming well rounded professionals. Everyone on campus knows each other which means no one is left behind. We build each other up with the help from our professors and staff. The loyalty we show to each other is learned through the loyalty our forefathers showed to each other during their hardships and just like them, we overcome and prosper.
Read 1,219 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
80% Acceptance Rate
$14,321 Net Price
860-1030 SAT Range
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Strayer University - Virginia
4 Year
Arlington, VA
Rating 3.9 out of 5 387 reviews
Sophomore: I’m currently enrolled at Strayer as a Business Admin. Student. It’s been the easiest courses to learn yet and the teachers are very versatile and encouraging. Every teacher or staff member I’ve been in contact with has had my best interest at heart and kept me on track to reaching my goals of graduating college early!
Read 387 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$24,041 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Trinity Washington University
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.37 out of 5 483 reviews
Freshman: What I have experienced in Trinity Washington so far is that it is a very welcoming environment. Many professors help you find help whether it is for their class, getting adjusted to college life, or even keeping students informed of possible financial help. Trinity helps you as much as they can to find what interest you and could be your potential career. They also make sure you get the proper help you are looking for when it comes to finding a job or even how to pay for school. They outline what classes students should be taking depending on your major. Professors are understanding as well when students can not make it to class due to difficult circumstances. Above all Trinity has many support groups and clubs that many students can go to, to feel part of the campus and new environment that they are in.
Read 483 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
97% Acceptance Rate
$15,738 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Chamberlain College of Nursing - Virginia
4 Year
Arlington, VA
Rating 4 out of 5 53 reviews
Sophomore: I am on my second year of a 3 year accelerated BSN program and I have to say that although it is challenging it is also very gratifying. I received a grant which helped me pay for my education and provided an opportunity to save for the second and third year. If you decide to study at Chamberlain in VA, the year will be broken up into 6 sessions, each session is 8 weeks long. It is generally 2-3 courses per session. You will experience quizzes, group projects, midterms, finals. The actual nursing courses have 3 exams per session instead of 2. I do believe that this school is doing a great job preparing me for my NCLEX so far. I also know a couple of now nurses, Chamberlain graduates, who had passed their boards and had no problem finding a job. Financials wise, the whole 3 years comes up to about $85,000 - $90,000 plus books, uniform. Grant opportunities, government and private loans are always available and Chamberlain does a great job explaining the options to you.

Best of luck!
Read 53 Reviews
grade A minus
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$33,982 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Strayer University Online
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 4.28 out of 5 159 reviews
Sophomore: So far so good, I was nervous about starting back to college after taking a very long break. The staff was excellent and caring and now I’m recommending Strayer University Online to everyone I know that mentions coming back to school! I started the Semester in July and six weeks in I’m loving my online experience! The work is not over hard or time consuming and the teaching staff is great!
Read 159 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$23,458 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Strayer University - District of Columbia
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.91 out of 5 469 reviews
Senior: I absolutely love Strayer University! I'm a part of the Global campus as I talk all online classes. This school, the professors, and the curriculum will help to advance my studies in Forensic Accounting.
Read 469 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$26,625 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Strayer University - Maryland
4 Year
Suitland, MD
Rating 3.75 out of 5 251 reviews
Freshman: My experience at Strayer University was good. I enjoy learning new strategies and building creative thinking to help come up with future better grades, also to build better thinking and last not least be a future graduate. What I also like about Strayer University is being able to explore mentally and come up with thinking skills on how to complete my class assignments and make sure that my assignment is done on time. What I would like to see change at Strayer University is hopefully come up with some better solutions for the students like myself while dealing with the covid-19. Also I would to see change at Strayer University is making sure that what is required at Strayer University while dealing with this covid-19 that everything is being followed and not getting not fully completed!
Read 251 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$20,749 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Capitol Technology University
4 Year
Laurel, MD
Rating 3.46 out of 5 144 reviews
Sophomore: When I first came to Capitol Technology University, it was hard to believe that it was a 4-year university just based on its looks.

The idea of attending a big school was startling. How could you get a quality education with a hundred other students vying for the professor's attention? And how would that teacher split his or her attention a hundred different ways?

But that was not a problem with Capitol. My largest in-person class (before COVID) had less than 20 students. Teaching felt personal, and office hours were accessible.

There are two things that I'd like to change about Capitol: First is its tuition, though it is understandable, it being a private school. $20,000+ can be daunting for incoming freshman students and is one of the determining factors when choosing a school. My second issue is the lack of diversity in majors. I was slightly disappointed to realize that there was not a major for video game design.

Beyond that, the quality of education at Capitol is superb.
Read 144 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
83% Acceptance Rate
$23,854 Net Price
1020-1230 SAT Range
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Stratford University
4 Year
Fairfax, VA
Rating 3.94 out of 5 212 reviews
Senior: I am still attending but will be done March 2021. However, Stratford is a great school to attend. I actually work as am work study student . I attend and work at the Stratford University ( Alexandria Campus). Professors are very respectful and are here to help
Read 212 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$14,339 Net Price
— SAT Range
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University of Management & Technology
4 Year
Arlington, VA
Rating 3.8 out of 5 35 reviews
Sophomore: The University of Management and Technology is perfect for students with a busy schedule. I have just completed my Associates degree and I am working on starting my Bachelors degree. Going to this school has made my college experience wonderful and stress free. The staff is helpful and any questions I have are answered promply. Thanks you UMT for helping me further my education!
Read 35 Reviews
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$11,207 Net Price
— SAT Range
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DeVry University - Virginia
4 Year
Arlington, VA
Rating 3.77 out of 5 126 reviews
College Sophomore: DeVry is about average when it comes to cost, but the school does try to help with school scholarships and sending information to you about looking for outside funding as well. I love the programs offered and the support that is given to you by the advisory team and your professors.
Read 126 Reviews
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$30,541 Net Price
— SAT Range
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IGlobal University
4 Year
Vienna, VA
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$19,167 Net Price
— SAT Range
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University of the Potomac - Vienna
4 Year
Falls Church, VA
grade unavailable
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$21,564 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Norfolk State University
4 Year
Norfolk, VA
Rating 3.49 out of 5 1,453 reviews
Junior: Behold the Green and Gold! Norfolk State University is a 4 year historically Black college that is known for its immaculate STEM and athletic programs. It has a very rich and diverse culture within its student body campus. This school is located in the Norfolk/ Hampton Roads area and is the highlight of Norfolk's education system. As a student at Norfolk State, you can always expect to be doing something on campus. The Spartan tradition offers daily activities during the day that are inclusive for all types of students. This type of learning environment offers hands-on and top of the line resources such as the new Writing Center and the Spartan Sucess center. The main goal for the students of Norfolk State is to create professional individuals to become leaders in the world. Therefore, If you are looking for a school with diversity, culture, and tradition; then, Norfolk State is for you!
Read 1,453 Reviews
grade C+
Overall Niche Grade
92% Acceptance Rate
$12,645 Net Price
860-1040 SAT Range
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Hollins University
4 Year
Roanoke, VA
Rating 3.59 out of 5 508 reviews
Sophomore: Hollins is a wonderful place to complete an undergraduate education! Not only is the education top-notch, with professional, caring professors, but so is the atmosphere. Students here are truly passionate about what they do, whether it be in academics or extracurricular activities. If you're looking to be surrounded by an awesome group of people while taking fascinating classes, Hollins is the place for you.
Read 508 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
71% Acceptance Rate
$20,457 Net Price
1070-1300 SAT Range
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Roanoke College
4 Year
Salem, VA
Rating 3.64 out of 5 723 reviews
Sophomore: I love Roanoke College! I didn't ever expect to go here and it sort of just happened. It was originally my backup school, but I loved it so much and everything fell into place. The size of the college is wonderful-- you'll never have a professor who doesn't know who you are. It's big enough that you see new people every day, and small enough that you'll wave hi to at least one person you know walking across campus. The environment is welcoming, and campus safety does a great job in their dealings with students and with the more serious issues that occur on all college campuses. Academics at Roanoke are no joke! Don't expect to come here and not do any work... the low retention rate is because of freshman who either drop out mid-year or they don't come back for sophomore year. But don't let that scare you-- if you find something that you love to do, that studying and work all ties together and the payoff is amazing!
Read 723 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
75% Acceptance Rate
$27,180 Net Price
1050-1260 SAT Range
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2021 Best Colleges in the Washington, D.C. AreaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Georgetown University

George Washington University

University of Maryland - College Park

American University

The Catholic University of America

George Mason University

Howard University

Gallaudet University

Marymount University

University of Maryland - Global Campus

University of the District of Columbia

Washington Adventist University

Bowie State University

Strayer University - Virginia

Trinity Washington University

Chamberlain College of Nursing - Virginia

Strayer University Online

Strayer University - District of Columbia

Strayer University - Maryland

Capitol Technology University

Stratford University

University of Management & Technology

DeVry University - Virginia

IGlobal University

University of the Potomac - Vienna

Norfolk State University

Hollins University

Roanoke College