2026 Best General Studies Schools in District of Columbia

General Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools to find the best for general studies students.

What’s on this page:

• Best General Studies Schools in District of Columbia

Best Schools for General Studies in District of Columbia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall general studies education in District of Columbia.

Top Schools in General Studies

1

George Washington University
Washington, DC

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

10 General Studies Degrees Awarded

$73,749 Median Starting Salary

Our analysis ranked George Washington University the best school in the country for a degree in general studies. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. About 10 general studies degrees were awarded at George Washington University in the most recent year. Students who receive their general studies degree from George Washington University earn around $73,749 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general studies from George Washington University

2

Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC

Associate's Degree Highest Degree Type

40 General Studies Degrees Awarded

$50,283 Median Starting Salary

Trinity Washington University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best general studies schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 40 general studies degrees were awarded at Trinity Washington University in the most recent year. Graduates of the general studies program make about $50,283 in their early career. Trinity Washington University graduates carry a median of $23,323 in student loans. See the full general studies program report for Trinity Washington University

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 4 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.