by our College Data Analytics TeamGeorge Washington University ranks #1 of 8 colleges in College Factual’s 2027 Best Associate’s Degree Colleges in District of Columbia ranking, which scores schools on more than 20 measures of academic quality and student outcomes. The top 8 colleges average a 49% six-year graduation rate and $70,312 in median earnings five years after graduation.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
With all of the college options in District of Columbia, it can be hard to know where to start. This list ranks **8** schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2027 methodology.
To arm you with the information you need, College Factual evaluated 8 colleges across over 20 objective factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, and per-student spending, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). Learn more about our ranking methodology.
George Washington University leads the 8 ranked colleges in District of Columbia, followed by Catholic University Of America (#2) and Trinity Washington University (#3). Here are the top-ranked colleges:
George Washington University earned the #1 spot in this year's Best Colleges ranking in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Median early-career earnings reach $73,749. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans.
Catholic University Of America came in at #2 on this year's Best Colleges ranking in District of Columbia. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Catholic University Of America posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Catholic University Of America graduates report median early-career earnings of $65,120. Catholic University Of America students take on a median of $25,771 in debt.
Out of the 8 colleges in District of Columbia in this year's ranking, Trinity Washington University landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,610. Early-career graduates earn a median of $56,796. The median student debt is $31,194.
Out of the 8 colleges in District of Columbia in this year's ranking, University Of The District Of Columbia landed the #4 spot. Located in Washington, DC, University Of The District Of Columbia is a public institution. University Of The District Of Columbia graduates 44% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $5,662 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,514. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $57,060. University Of The District Of Columbia students take on a median of $32,304 in debt.
The strong outcomes at Strayer University Global Region earned it the #5 place in District of Columbia. Set in Washington, DC, Strayer University Global Region is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 8% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,920. Median early-career earnings reach $59,916. Strayer University Global Region students take on a median of $45,932 in debt.
Potomac College Washington landed the #6 spot in District of Columbia this year. Potomac College Washington is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Roughly 27% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,660.
Strayer University District Of Columbia placed #7 among the best colleges in District of Columbia. Strayer University District Of Columbia is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,920. Median early-career earnings reach $59,916. Typical student debt is $45,932.
Saint Michael College Of Allied Health did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Washington, DC, Saint Michael College Of Allied Health is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,405. Saint Michael College Of Allied Health graduates report median early-career earnings of $74,782. The median student debt is $20,486.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and per-student spending drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.