by our College Data Analytics Team
Looking for the best colleges for the money in District of Columbia? We have ranked 7 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. You are viewing our No Aid ranking, which weighs each school’s published sticker price (tuition, fees, and room and board) before financial aid — use Customize Your Rankings below to narrow the list.
So you can compare your options, College Factual reviewed 7 schools to produce this 2026 best-value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
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After analyzing 7 schools in District of Columbia to determine which deliver the best value. We steer clear of subjective measures and weigh objective factors instead.
The first step is the school’s combined average tuition, fees, and room and board — what a student pays before aid, which is why this is our No Aid ranking. Value also depends on the quality of the education, not just the price. We weigh cost against outcomes such as graduation rates, educational resources, and what graduates earn.
The result is a ranking of schools that give you the most for your money. View our full ranking methodology.
Your ideal school depends on your goals and budget. Drill down by location and field of study, or explore related rankings below. Start by picking a degree level:
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Trinity Washington University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in District of Columbia. Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,610. Trinity Washington University students take on a median of $31,194 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,804. Set against $31,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Gallaudet University came in at #2 on this year's best-value ranking in District of Columbia. Located in Washington, DC, Gallaudet University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,654. Gallaudet University students take on a median of $24,123 in debt. Gallaudet University alumni report median earnings of $43,101 a decade after entry. Set against $24,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gallaudet University has an acceptance rate of 58%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The District Of Columbia earned it the #3 place in District of Columbia. Set in Washington, DC, University Of The District Of Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,662, compared with $12,514 for out-of-state students. University Of The District Of Columbia students take on a median of $32,304 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,236 ten years out. Set against $32,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
You'll get strong value at Potomac College Washington, which ranked #4 this year. Potomac College Washington is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,660. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,961.
Strayer University Global Region came in at #5 on this year's best-value ranking in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, Strayer University Global Region is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,920. Strayer University Global Region students take on a median of $45,932 in debt. Strayer University Global Region alumni report median earnings of $40,092 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $45,932 median debt.
Catholic University Of America ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best colleges for the money. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt is $25,771. Catholic University Of America alumni report median earnings of $73,250 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,771 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Bennett Career Institute came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Washington, DC, Bennett Career Institute is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $9,833 in student loans. Bennett Career Institute alumni report median earnings of $22,568 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,833 median debt.
George Washington University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their program here. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.
Georgetown University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete their program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,494. That is a strong return on a $16,483 median debt. About 13% of those who apply are admitted.
Career Technical Institute ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best colleges for the money. Career Technical Institute is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Students borrow a median of $9,620 to complete their program here. Median earnings reach $30,227 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,620 median debt.
The Salon Professional Academy Washington Dc came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. The Salon Professional Academy Washington Dc is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. The median program debt is $9,936. The Salon Professional Academy Washington Dc alumni report median earnings of $20,809 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Saint Michael College Of Allied Health landed the #12 spot for value in District of Columbia this year. Based in Washington, DC, Saint Michael College Of Allied Health is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,405 in tuition and fees. The median program debt is $20,486. Saint Michael College Of Allied Health has an acceptance rate of 75%.
American University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best colleges for the money. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. American University students take on a median of $24,139 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $77,370. That is a strong return on a $24,139 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%.
Howard University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Washington, DC, Howard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,810. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete their program here. Median earnings reach $63,066 ten years out. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Howard University has an acceptance rate of 41%.
Newu University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best colleges for the money.
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position.
Pontifical Faculty Of The Immaculate Conception At The Dominican House Of Studies ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best colleges for the money.
Pontifical John Paul Ii Institute For Studies On Marriage And Family ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best colleges for the money.
Strayer University District Of Columbia came in at #19 in this year's value ranking.
National Conservatory Of Dramatic Arts came in at #20 in this year's value ranking.
Windsor University landed the #21 spot for value in District of Columbia this year.
Institute Of World Politics placed #22 among the best values in District of Columbia.
Wesley Theological Seminary came in at #23 in this year's value ranking.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
These rankings are produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 7 schools evaluated. References
Read more about our data sources and methodologies.