2026 Best Value Education Schools in District of Columbia

1

Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC

For return on investment in education, no school beat Trinity Washington University this year. Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $26,610 in tuition and fees. Education graduates carry a median of $31,194 in student loans. Education graduates of Trinity Washington University earn a median of $64,855 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

University Of The District Of Columbia is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Washington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Typical student debt for education graduates is $11,200. Early-career education graduates make about $71,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Strayer University Global Region
Washington, DC

Strayer University Global Region came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Located in the city of Washington, Strayer University Global Region is a large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,920. Education graduates carry a median of $45,932 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Strayer University Global Region generally make around $47,858. Set against $45,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

George Washington University
Washington, DC

George Washington University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical student debt for education graduates is $22,910. Education graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $74,574 early in their careers. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%.

5

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Georgetown University earned it the #5 place for education. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Education graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $62,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted.

6

American University
Washington, DC

American University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Education graduates of American University earn a median of $64,200 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%.

7

Howard University
Washington, DC

Howard University placed #7 among the best values for education. Howard University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $35,810 in tuition and fees. Education graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $58,495. That is a strong return on a $25,498 median debt. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted.