2023 Best Colleges in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,238 reviews

Freshman: Truly one of the best undergraduate experiences out there! Teaching staff, social scene, academic offers outside of the classroom (speaker, events, etc), traditions, and the surrounding area make Georgetown incredibly special. Sure you can get a great education at a number of schools on this list, but you can’t get the Georgetown experience anywhere else. Everyone is super hardworking, optimistic/grounded (none of the Ivy snark or pessimism), and most importantly looking to give back. I’m not catholic (I’m frankly not even religious), but the Jesuit values and inclusive nature of the school gives a one of a kind education for the mind, body, and soul. It might seem like a pain to fill out another application (I know it sucks and should be updated), but it will be the best pain you’ve ever put yourself through!... Read 1,238 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $30,710

• SAT range 1380-1550

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,151 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 2,151 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 43%

• Net price $40,308

• SAT range 1270-1450

• College Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  5,426 reviews

Freshman: UMD College Park is a great school with lots of opportunities to learn, grow and get involved! This school is huge! The campus is beutiful and there is construction going on to increase student housing options. Although I do not participate in sports currently, I have attended a football game on campus and experienced a very vibrant and enthusiastic athmosphere during the game! Besides, you do not need to join any sports team to get a good workout around here. Just walking to classes can give you a pretty good workout every day! For fun activities outside of campus you can easily commute to Bethesda or DC, but there are plenty of places to eat and shop right outside of campus! I've had some amazing teachers and only one that was unprofessional. I prefer to take in person classes, but I have experienced online education as well over the summer due to limited class offerings. Overall, I recommend this school for the many advantages and great resources it can offer!... Read 5,426 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $17,643

• SAT range 1270-1480

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,486 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 2,486 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $37,319

• SAT range 1220-1390

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  966 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 966 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $36,228

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Fairfax, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  4,827 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 4,827 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $18,285

• SAT range 1100-1300

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  3,897 reviews

Sophomore: I will say this to anyone considering attending Howard. College is truly what you make it. Reading a lot of the negative comments about Howard I feel like people really didn’t get the Howard experience they deserved. There ARE nice dorms on campus but it’s up to YOU to pick them. The party scene on campus is what YOU make it and what parties YOU choose to attend. The student life on campus is vibrant and there’s always something to do! The yard is always bursting with life.There’s a larger sense of unity and purpose when you walk through campus. Don’t listen to bad reviews left by students whose opinion is based on a singular experience. Don’t even listen to just my review. Take your time and really ask students on campus what the Howard experience is.Ask them about the good parts and the bad parts but don’t let them make you think that the bad things will always outweigh the good. As for the “elitist” student body, don’t fall for the facade because most of us are regular black kids.... Read 3,897 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $23,233

• SAT range 1130-1260

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  448 reviews

Alum: Before Gallaudet, I didn’t know any sign language. I learned the language, joined softball, found new friends, and a new way of life. Immersing myself into the deaf community, I found a piece of myself I had been looking for. A piece that I couldn’t find elsewhere, with other people, but I found it and no one can take from me. My issues with Gallaudet is that it is split between Deaf, deaf, Hard-of-hearing, and hearing. The Deaf were considered elite and looked down upon hard-of-hearing people including me solely because of my background, upbringing, and way of life. I hated it. I also had an issue with the education perspective. I was a psychology major and was a bit disappointed with the education I got. I felt the majority of examples of any psychology topic had an example related to hearing loss. There are many issues and they chose to focus on hearing loss because they are a deaf university. I hoped for the examples and topics to reach beyond the four walls of hearing loss.... Read 448 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $18,410

• SAT range 780-1040

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  817 reviews

Graduate Student: Having been a highly involved student participating in various student clubs and organizations all throughout Marymount (MU) for many years, you have the opportunity to gain insight in what occurs behind the scenes. No institution is ever perfect. Just like other schools, MU has many areas for improvement. Though what makes up for these areas for improvement are the individuals and relationships you build within this community. Leaving high school, I knew I wanted a to attend a small-scaled institution and working through various positions on campus including student-leadership positions, I had the ability to create long-lasting relationships with so many individuals on campus, from other students, staff, and faculty. No matter what university you attend, you make the experience how you want it to be. From being a reserved high school student, Marymount and its opportunities for students to grow has made me a proud individual and given me the skillset to succeed in the real world.... Read 817 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $24,224

• SAT range 970-1170

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  495 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 495 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $15,295

• SAT range —

• Alexandria, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  217 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 217 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $24,436

• SAT range —

• Adelphi, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  2,109 reviews

Alum: This review is from a solely online student perspective. My experience has been positive in all but one course / interaction, which O credit to that individuals area of growth and not the institution as a whole. Classes were offered with a wide range of availability and the majority of the instructors/professors were truly invested in my success. Additionally, I had a very supportive Student Success Coach, who checked on me often and ensured that I was not facing any issues that would impact my ability to maintain my academics l, as well as my personal life. Overall, I would have gotten another degree from them but they didn’t offer the area of focus I need for my Masters. The degree is respected, so long as you perform highly, as I’m not a Masters student at a well known, highly ranked institution. Hope this helps!... Read 2,109 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,210

• SAT range —

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  623 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with being at the District of Columbia has been pretty decent. I was able to take as many classes as I wanted. What I like about the District of Columbia is that its hands-on and a lot of love. Even with that being said I have faced some challenges while attending. Some of the challenges I have faced is being subjected to figuring out how to apply or even go to the right venue on the website. I strongly believe in this University, but, when it comes to students who are transfer students there is not a lot of support, and will often have the student going in loops, I can say this because I am currently a transfer student. I would like for more support for students who are on SAP appeals, transferring, or not meeting the requirements for satisfactory of grades. Overall, The University of the District of Columbia is a great place to be at! Go Fire Birds!... Read 623 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,125

• SAT range —

• Bowie, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  1,277 reviews

Freshman: By far, I loved my experience here! I was able to meet tons of new people and I liked the diversity (even though its a predominantly black university). The campus is always being cleaned and the lawn is always kept neat and tidy. Everything has been organized and plenty of clubs and events are held. The professors I've had have been wonderful and always open to help and take out office hours for me. I believe that as long as one keeps good balance with friends, college life, and school, they would have a great experience just as I did. I can't wait to attend this university for my sophomore year!... Read 1,277 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $14,322

• SAT range 850-1020

• Takoma Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  297 reviews

Alum: I graduated from WAU when it was named Columbia Union College (CUC) in July of 1993! Alum-Class of '93! I loved WAU! It was refreshing. Great Professors, teachers, instructors. I loved the healthy meals. I participated in all things creatively. I was a contributing writer to the Columbia Journal School Newspaper! The field trips for English and Creative Writing class were amazing. The campus was clean and organized and my work on campus was fun! I sang my first solo for our Commencement Class at Graduation in 1993!... Read 297 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $17,820

• SAT range 820-1030

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  391 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 391 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,189

• SAT range —

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  180 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 180 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,585

• SAT range —

• Vienna, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  60 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 60 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $33,982

• SAT range —

• Suitland, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  256 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 256 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,401

• SAT range —

• Laurel, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  151 reviews

Senior: Pros: Capitol is a hidden gem. This school isn't trying to do too much, and quite frankly that's what makes it great. The community here is small but welcoming, and everyone has their own clique. It's not difficult to talk to people and or get involved, it really is up to you and how much you want to participate This school prepares you for what the jobs REALLY want and all the classes here have been very lenient. There are rare cases of troublesome professors, and even if that is the case a simple email of expressing your concern will go a long way Dorms are really nice. Rarely did I have any issues with the rooms and even when there was, the facilities team would help resolve them in a timely fashion Close ties with govt Cons: The labs here aren't the newest but they get the job done The tuition is pretty expensive but do offer a lot of aid Limited activities, the resident life staff needs improvement Limited food options, no meal plan/board offered, but there is a café... Read 151 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $24,638

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  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

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,207

• SAT range —

• Capitol Heights, MD•

• 4 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,180

• SAT range —

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  24 reviews

Freshman: I actually study at their new location in Chicago. Even though they are experienced not everything runs smoothly.... Read 24 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,421

• 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 67%

• Net price $17,203

• SAT range —

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  475 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 475 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $26,625

• SAT range —