2022 Best Colleges in the Washington, D.C. Area

Georgetown University

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,209 reviews

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 1,209 Reviews

• grade A+

• 14% Acceptance Rate
• $28,442 Net Price
• 1380-1550 SAT Range

George Washington University

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.62 out of 5  2,095 reviews

Freshman: Since I am only a freshman here at George Washington University, I am still pretty new to the school, however, I feel that this was the perfect fit for me. I truly love the atmosphere and campus as a whole along with the great restaurants and businesses nearby. Also, by having a metro stop within our campus, it has allowed for my friends and me to travel throughout DC to get a great feel for the area!...Read 2,095 Reviews

• grade A

• 41% Acceptance Rate
• $38,829 Net Price
• 1280-1470 SAT Range

University of Maryland - College Park

• 4 Year
• COLLEGE PARK, MD
• Rating 3.66 out of 5  5,306 reviews

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 5,306 Reviews

• grade A

• 44% Acceptance Rate
• $17,723 Net Price
• 1280-1470 SAT Range

American University

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,422 reviews

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 2,422 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 36% Acceptance Rate
• $40,469 Net Price
• 1210-1390 SAT Range

The Catholic University of America

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.43 out of 5  949 reviews

Freshman: I'm a freshman and I've liked every professor I've had there so far and the students are also great. You will find every type of person at CUA as well as opportunites that you can't get anywhere else. We have great interships and clubs. The campus is beautiful and there's so many cool things you can do. It's the sort of place you will love no matter who you are or where you're from. My tips for anyone thinking about going here is to get an air purifier because almost all colleges have mold problems in their dorm halls but it's always kept hush hush no matter where you go. I also recommend not taking a 300 class freshman year. I did it because I did not think there would be a drastic differece between that and a 200. There's a massive difference! 100s and 200s are fairly easy intro classes, 300s assume you've got experience. They are also a lot more work since you're going to have to write your term paper in that class. That being said, CUA is definately worth the money trust me...Read 949 Reviews

• grade B+

• 85% Acceptance Rate
• $36,331 Net Price
• 1020-1230 SAT Range

George Mason University

• 4 Year
• FAIRFAX, VA
• Rating 3.66 out of 5  4,667 reviews

Freshman: Mason is a fantastic place to spend my time. My professors are intelligent, interesting, and encouraging; they WANT you to succeed! and they definitely respond to emails very quickly when you have questions due to a topic or homework given. The campus is stunning and cutting-edge. Above all, the property is located just outside of Washington, DC, and has great views on campus especially in the fall with the leaves falling. Although not as opulent or prestigious as Yale or Harvard, GMU will provide you with invaluable professional connections that will help you advance in your career. The people you will meet are amazing and will become your lifetime friends. The food dining halls are good and love the JC for fast food. There are many resources on campus to help you. My advisor is amazing always responds quickly and is always helpful. Classmates are always helpful when you need extra help. so far, I've met with study groups! there are so many people on campus that fundraise...Read 4,667 Reviews

• grade B+

• 87% Acceptance Rate
• $20,157 Net Price
• 1110-1320 SAT Range

Howard University

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.44 out of 5  3,767 reviews

Freshman: Despite some challenges, Howard University was an excellent choice. I am able to thrive in an outstanding academic environment with a rich heritage of scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, engineers, doctors, and lawyers, among other professions. My professors have been engaging and enthusiastic. I am thrilled about my major and the courses I took first semester. I met some of the brightest and creative people from a diversity of backgrounds. A significant part of my growing is learning about my community and how to better met their needs beyond traditional community opportunities. I am learning how long-term engagement changes the trajectory of communities. I will build on the legacy of service.I look forward to great spring semester!...Read 3,767 Reviews

• grade B+

• 36% Acceptance Rate
• $21,428 Net Price
• 1130-1280 SAT Range

Gallaudet University

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.52 out of 5  438 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Gallaudet University was of great importance to me because of its wonderful impacts in the lives of students from diverse culture.I love the school because it provides a condusive learning environment and housing a great number of both local and foreign students.It's offers wonderful courses. It produces professors and great people. It's an inclusive learning hub .I , therefore, recommend that school to anybody that is looking for a good school to start with and the Gallaudet University could be the better option.Read 438 Reviews

• grade B

• 61% Acceptance Rate
• $15,639 Net Price
• 780-1040 SAT Range

Marymount University

• 4 Year
• ARLINGTON, VA
• Rating 3.66 out of 5  796 reviews

Freshman: I love how diverse the environment is. We have students from a myriad of cultures and backgrounds. Everyone is very accepting and friendly. I love how many on-campus activities there are to do daily; especially doggy de-stress! The only thing I would change is the dining hall food. Since being at Marymount, I have adapted to eating new things, but some days the food is disgusting...Read 796 Reviews

• grade B minus

• 81% Acceptance Rate
• $27,843 Net Price
• 940-1190 SAT Range

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 B minus

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $14,339 Net Price
• — SAT Range

University of Maryland - Global Campus

• 4 Year
• ADELPHI, MD
• Rating 3.94 out of 5  2,000 reviews

Junior: My experience with my school as been a great one! I feel like the academic advisors help you to the best of their ability and they check in on you occasionally to see how your classes are going. They provide you with great resources when necessary! I have been with this school for 3 years now and majority professors at the university , are attentive, and provide interesting resources to keep the students engaged. There are people from all over the world at my school, so I believe it to be a very diverse university. The one thing I would like to see change is giving more tutoring options for the classes they know students have trouble with, this will stop students from being so anxious, and withdrawing/failing the class. I would also like it if there were more employment opportunities for students. Overall I am pleased with my university and glad to be graduating from it soon...Read 2,000 Reviews

• grade C+

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $14,635 Net Price
• — SAT Range

University of the District of Columbia

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.47 out of 5  612 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 612 Reviews

• grade C+

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $15,886 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Trinity Washington University

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.38 out of 5  487 reviews

Freshman: My experience sp far has been amazing. I am a student of color who attended a school with an approximately 2% population of BIPOC students. Attending Trinity, an all-girls catholic school, the majority of the people being in the BIPOC category has been really helpful in terms of understanding myself and other people in my group. I have found the community to be welcoming. So if you are a student of color, TWC is a place for you. The only two sectors that need improvement are food and social life. On-campus activities are limited and the food could be better...Read 487 Reviews

• grade C+

• 97% Acceptance Rate
• $15,738 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Washington Adventist University

• 4 Year
• TAKOMA PARK, MD
• Rating 3.43 out of 5  289 reviews

Freshman: The school is pretty decent, they have a sound education system. They are Christian-based so they provide programs that can help build you spiritually. The Professors are kind, considerate, and ensure the students learn optimally and become better versions of themselves. They don't have so much scholarships, that was my major problem with the school and they're fond of controlling the students beyond necessary making them feel like little children sometimes. Other than that, the school is amazing, culturally diversed, has a nice and peaceful enviroment, good teaching methods, and religious...Read 289 Reviews

• grade C+

• 59% Acceptance Rate
• $18,754 Net Price
• 820-1030 SAT Range

Strayer University - Virginia

• 4 Year
• ARLINGTON, VA
• Rating 3.91 out of 5  389 reviews

Graduate Student: Good learning experience. The course work seemed like a lot at the time but I feel prepared for my future career. I attended Strayer after dropping out of college in 2007 and graduated 2021! Best decision I ever made!...Read 389 Reviews

• grade C

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $24,041 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Bowie State University

• 4 Year
• BOWIE, MD
• Rating 3.44 out of 5  1,227 reviews

Senior: Bowie State University primarily provided camaraderie with other people and essential experience concerning media vocations. I am grateful for the Honors Society that accepted me without difficulty and assisted whenever I requested help. Communication professors disseminated resources and advice about technology usage, opportunity applications, broadcast regulations, camera angles, product treatments, and schedule organization. The news anchoring and field reporting lessons were highly efficient in demonstrating the necessities of media businesses. On a minor note, the cafeterias have diverse food options and sufficient seating arrangements...BSU should allow for a method to monitor card balance on their Bulldog Connection website. The DIT personnel should investigate how to improve or strengthen the on-campus internet connection. BSU should lower the costs of classes for those without membership in any programs...Read 1,227 Reviews

• grade C

• 80% Acceptance Rate
• $14,321 Net Price
• 860-1030 SAT Range

Strayer University - Online

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 4.29 out of 5  168 reviews

Sophomore: Truthfully my experience with Strayer University has been amazing. From the moment I asked for information and started the process to now being an Honor's Student in my sophomore year. From my advisors to the coaches I have encountered all my questions were answered. When all my classes have started all my teachers have been very active in communicating. They have made it clear they are here for me and if they can not provide the help I need they will provide assistance to point me in the right direction. I have had several personal big life changes bad and good since starting school (having a baby) and my teachers were very understanding and helpful in keeping me on the right track. They sent encouraging videos, checked in if I had not turned in work, and congratulated me on working hard and getting good grades. ...When the people around you care it makes you want to succeed. I love being a student at Strayer University. I am still in awe at my progress. I would not change anything.Read 168 Reviews

• grade B+

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $23,458 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Chamberlain University - Tysons Corner

• 4 Year
• ARLINGTON, VA
• Rating 4.02 out of 5  54 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 54 Reviews

• grade B+

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $33,982 Net Price
• — SAT Range

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 minus

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $20,749 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Capitol Technology University

• 4 Year
• LAUREL, MD
• Rating 3.44 out of 5  143 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 143 Reviews

• grade B minus

• 83% Acceptance Rate
• $23,854 Net Price
• 1020-1230 SAT Range

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

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $11,207 Net Price
• — SAT Range

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

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $30,541 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Strayer University - District of Columbia

• 4 Year
• WASHINGTON, DC
• Rating 3.92 out of 5  472 reviews

Freshman: I love Strayer University! They are easy to work with. The class size is great. Allows my schedule to happen and still do school. Flexible. Professors are amazing and so are their teams. Allows connections to be made across the country. Many ways to earn your degree. Allows me to work around running my business and my family obligations. Classes are fairly easy and fast-paced or go slow if you need. The tutors and advisors are amazing. Class login is simple and the sites used to do your work have an easy-to-use user interface. ...I would highly recommend using this school for post-secondary education. Just can't say enough positive about it. I do wish tuition was lower since it's an online school I don't think should be charged out-of-state tuition. That would be the only recommendation I would have to change if I could. Strayer is the choice for me and my family. I recommend it to all of my acquaintances and peers looking for higher education. Strayer is an amazing School I am so glad...Read 472 Reviews

• grade unavailable

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $26,625 Net Price
• — SAT Range

IGlobal University

• 4 Year
• VIENNA, VA

• grade unavailable

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $19,167 Net Price
• — SAT Range

University of the Potomac - Vienna

• 4 Year
• FALLS CHURCH, VA

• grade unavailable

• 100% Acceptance Rate
• $21,564 Net Price
• — SAT Range