2021 Best Colleges in the Washington, D.C. Area

About this List

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Colleges

30 results

Georgetown University
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.76 out of 5 1,204 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 1,204 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 2,073 reviews
#2 Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. Area
Sophomore: My overall experience at George Washington University has been very pleasant! Although I spent my first semester at the university due to COVID-19, the online environment that professors and advisors created was amazing! I received so much help from the GW faculty and they were very understanding in all situations during these dire times.
Read 2,073 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 5,273 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 5,273 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 2,412 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 2,412 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 4,630 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 4,630 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 3,752 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 3,752 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 1,968 reviews
Junior: The advisors are amazing. The financial aid office is so kind. My professors have been awesome. I chose last minute to apply to UMGC. I was helped every step of the way. I could not believe the advisors were available so late in the evening. They helped me to get into he courses I needed. They also helped me with getting my transfer credits to the school. I have not been n college in 20 years. It was scary going back to school. I have been a dental hygienist for 20 years but due to a car accident I know have permanent damage to my spine. My career as a hygienist will not be possible any longer. But when the going gets tough, the tough go back to school! I could not have done this with out the advisors. I hope I can afford to continue and get my degree.
Read 1,968 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 1,223 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 1,223 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 3.91 out of 5 389 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 389 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 University - Tysons Corner
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 3.48 out of 5 146 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 146 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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Eastern Mennonite University
4 Year
Harrisonburg, VA
Rating 3.74 out of 5 346 reviews
Freshman: I have just started my process into Emu's program for nursing and I'm also getting involved in their soccer team. Just starting out is really scary but I have gone through the process with extremely helpful people who have took me around and assisted me no matter the problems I was having. I am very excited to start there as the experience has already been great and I have heard numerous good things. Diving into this process was not easy but with the help of staff it was easy to get anything solved so this experience so far as been excellent and I'm ready for the next four years there.
Read 346 Reviews
grade B+
Overall Niche Grade
65% Acceptance Rate
$24,936 Net Price
980-1220 SAT Range
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South University - Richmond
4 Year
Glen Allen, VA
Rating 3.79 out of 5 157 reviews
Niche User: If you are looking for a small, dedicated and incredibly well run university that can provide you with an incredible education and a pathway to a great career, South University-Richmond is a wonderful choice! South gives you a flexible way to get an Associates, Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate degree in person or virtually. Great, great school!
Read 157 Reviews
grade C
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$20,681 Net Price
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The Catholic University of America
4 Year
Washington, DC
Rating 3.43 out of 5 946 reviews
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
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour

2021 Best Colleges in the Washington, D.C. Area

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 University - Tysons Corner

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

Eastern Mennonite University

South University - Richmond

The Catholic University of America