2024 Best Colleges 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

• 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 3.65 out of 5  2,205 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 2,205 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 50%

• Net price $31,240

• SAT range 1310-1490

• 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 3.69 out of 5  4,938 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 4,938 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,841

• SAT range 1140-1350

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  868 reviews

Junior: I am thrilled to share my experience as a student at MU. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew I had found the perfect institution for my educational aspirations. MU is an extraordinary place that truly embodies excellence in education, fostering personal growth, and nurturing a vibrant community. One of the standout features of MU is its exceptional faculty. The profs are not only highly knowledgeable and accomplished in their fields but also deeply passionate about teaching. They go above and beyond to create an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging students to think critically and explore their full potential. The dedication of the faculty to student success is evident in their accessibility and willingness to provide guidance and support both inside and outside the class. MU offers a wide array of clubs, org, and extrac activities that cater to various interests, allowing students to pursue their passions and develop leadership skills.... Read 868 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $26,717

• SAT range 970-1170

• 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

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  4,000 reviews

Sophomore: As a rising sophomore at Howard University, my overall experience has been positive. Howard University promotes and funds research projects, allowing all students to participate in ground-breaking research in various fields. Over the summer, I am studying gerontology with paid, hands-on research through a program at Howard University. I have also been allowed to perform fully-funded research on bacteriophages and publish two research proposals. Also, the environment of Howard University is very welcoming, especially as an HBCU. Howard University welcomes students from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds because it values diversity and inclusivity. This diverse range of viewpoints encourages a lively learning environment and advances cultural awareness and appreciation. I love Howard University and I definitely recommend it to interested high schoolers!... Read 4,000 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $26,870

• SAT range 1080-1290

• 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

• Takoma Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  301 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Washington Adventist University as both a mother and a nursing student has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. As a mother, I have been grateful for the university's supportive environment and family-friendly policies, which have allowed me to pursue my educational goals while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood. As a nursing student, I've been impressed by the high-quality education and hands-on training provided by the university. The faculty's expertise and dedication to their students' success have been evident throughout my academic journey. The clinical experiences have been invaluable, helping me develop the skills and confidence necessary for a career in nursing. Overall, Washington Adventist University has not only enriched my life academically but has also supported my role as a mother, making it a place where I can thrive both personally and professionally.... Read 301 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $13,414

• SAT range 820-1030

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  501 reviews

Junior: My overall experience has consisted of passionate and supportive professors throughout my science classes. Advisors are always there to guide when things get rough. Overall, Academics are great love and enjoy the classes.... Read 501 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $12,815

• SAT range —

• Adelphi, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  2,167 reviews

Graduate Student: This is my third semester, and the advisors are outstanding! They follow-up and help with any questions. UMGC is diverse and provides a work-life balance for graduate students who are mainly working full-time. This university offers online classes, which is a lifesaver. The only downside is that the scholarships are hidden on the website. You will need to contact providing your information to observe all potential scholarships. In general, no universities offer honors programs to graduate students who earn a GPA of 3.8 or higher. This is unfortunate because honors provide a healthy motivation for higher grades and effort toward education. Overall I love this University.... Read 2,167 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,228

• SAT range —

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  631 reviews

Junior: While being a student at UDC, I have developed many skills such as interpersonal skills, computer literacy, critical thinking, and written/ oral communication skills that will help me further my education and become a better person off campus. The campus is very interactive with the students when it comes to homecoming, basketball games, and other activities outside of sports. Even though my school is a smaller HBCU, the Firebird pride is big and strong! The Academic Department of UDC is also great, the professors and advisers are very helpful to push you toward your end goals and even long-term goals after graduating. They mold each student to be a leader for their community and help all students understand and grow in each skill. UDC is one of many HBCUs that want to see their students progress inside and outside the classroom.... Read 631 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,354

• SAT range —

• 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

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  397 reviews

Junior: I have navigated my degree course without the help of a student advisor since starting in 2021. Watch the classes they set up for you, I had at least one wrong class every quarter that was not in my degree plan. My professor offers unique insight and fun learning enviroments, however; the student advisors could use some work as their feedback isn't very constructive. This could present itself as challenging to a new student without a workplace or previous knowledge of learning paths.... Read 397 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,047

• SAT range —

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  199 reviews

Freshman: So far my experience pursuing my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration at Strayer University is amazing! I'm currently taking courses at Strayer online. Not only was I provided with a laptop by Strayer, I also have two amazing Professors! The combination of these things have made it a fun and easy experience not only going back to school, but also learning new topics dealing with technology. The work industry today revolves around technology and being proficient in the use of technology, so Strayer making this information so accessible is a plus! This knowledge will benefit me in my career, and in my personal life. The only thing I would change would be to add more Live Zoom Sessions that involves going through that week's work as a class.... Read 199 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,776

• SAT range —

• Vienna, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  61 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 61 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,386

• SAT range —

• Suitland, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  259 reviews

Freshman: Strayer is AWESOME! My recruiter Patrick Shaw got me lined up and I was enrolled before I knew it. My professors Edinger and Bonner are super helpful. Strayer has an online program that is perfect for my busy schedule. I just finished my 1st week and am looking forward to getting into week 2 of my B.S. in I.T...It feels great going back to school after all these years. I'm 52 and feel like a kid again... Sort of. But it is giving me some pride and ambition completing the well laid out coursework.... Read 259 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,401

• SAT range —

• Laurel, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  152 reviews

Sophomore: During my time at Capitol Technology University, I was impressed by the strong sense of community among students and faculty. The small class sizes fostered a close-knit environment where professors were approachable and readily available for questions and discussions. This personal interaction greatly enhanced the learning experience and allowed for meaningful relationships to form. The thing they should change is that while the practical focus of the curriculum was beneficial, at times it felt a bit overwhelming. The fast-paced nature of the programs sometimes made it challenging to fully grasp complex concepts before moving on to the next topic. It would have been helpful to have more opportunities for in-depth exploration and practical application. Additionally, the campus facilities, while functional, could benefit from updates. Some of the classrooms and labs seemed outdated, and investing in modern equipment and technology would further enhance the learning experience.... Read 152 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $24,946

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  25 reviews

Freshman: The responsibility they have for students is something I REALLY ADMIRE. They are always there for you to have your back. in different kinds of circumstances they would show you a way to solve the problem. The admissions office, in particular, handles your application process.... Read 25 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,867

• SAT range —

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  35 reviews

Sophomore: What I enjoy the most is the flexibilty the university offers. The school students a self pace program that allows students to fit classes to their busy schedule. The staff and techs are very military friendly and support the service members. I attend college on line and would not change anything, all my experiences have been great.... Read 35 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,075

• SAT range —

• Falls Church, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Freshman: University of the Potomac, be it Washington D.C, Virginia, Chicago Campus is the best University any International Student could ask of though their tuition fees for International student is a cutthroat. The student admission officer is hospitable and patient, DSOs, Professors/Lecturers have endurance and teaches with layman understanding, classmates are friendly and student life is minimal... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,564

• SAT range —

• Vienna, VA•

• 4 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,709

• SAT range —

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  127 reviews

Freshman: DeVry University offers great flexibility. I experienced absolutely no stress while I do my assignments and submit them. Resources like the library, tutoring services and the professors themselves are of great help. The discussions are very informative and help you understand various points of views of different people.... Read 127 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $17,203

• SAT range —

• North Bethesda, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: Excellent course quality and instructors. Labs are hands on and extremely useful. The skills I have learned have already helped greatly in my professional career in Cybersecurity.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —