by our College Data Analytics TeamGeorgetown University ranks #1 of 11 colleges in College Factual’s 2027 Best Bachelor’s Degree Colleges in District of Columbia ranking, which scores schools on more than 20 measures of academic quality and student outcomes. The top 11 colleges average a 58% six-year graduation rate and $74,422 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 **11** colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2027 methodology.
To help you make your decision, College Factual reviewed 11 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.
Georgetown University leads the 11 ranked colleges in District of Columbia, followed by George Washington University (#2) and American University (#3). Learn more about these excellent colleges below:
Georgetown University tops our 2027 ranking of the best colleges in District of Columbia. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Georgetown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Georgetown University graduates report median early-career earnings of $79,632. Georgetown University students take on a median of $16,483 in debt.
The strong outcomes at George Washington University earned it the #2 place in District of Columbia. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Early-career graduates earn a median of $73,749. Typical student debt is $22,910.
A rank of #3 makes American University one of the top colleges in District of Columbia. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Early-career graduates earn a median of $54,585. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans.
Out of the 11 colleges in District of Columbia in this year's ranking, Catholic University Of America landed the #4 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,120 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,771 to complete a degree here.
Out of the 11 colleges in District of Columbia in this year's ranking, Howard University landed the #5 spot. Set in Washington, DC, Howard University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,810. Median early-career earnings reach $58,495. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete a degree here.
Trinity Washington University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $26,610 in tuition and fees. Early-career graduates earn a median of $56,796. Students borrow a median of $31,194 to complete a degree here.
Strayer University Global Region did well this year, earning the #7 position. Strayer University Global Region is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. About 8% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,920. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $59,916. Graduates carry a median of $45,932 in student loans.
Gallaudet University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Gallaudet University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Gallaudet University graduates 47% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,654. Gallaudet University graduates report median early-career earnings of $44,489. The median student debt is $24,123.
University Of The District Of Columbia ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best colleges. Based in Washington, DC, University Of The District Of Columbia is a public institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,662, compared with $12,514 for out-of-state students. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $57,060. Graduates carry a median of $32,304 in student loans.
Potomac College Washington came in at #10 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Potomac College Washington posts a six-year graduation rate of 27%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,660.
Strayer University District Of Columbia came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Set in Washington, DC, Strayer University District Of Columbia is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,920. Strayer University District Of Columbia graduates report median early-career earnings of $59,916. Typical student debt is $45,932.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
This list is compiled 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
Read more about our data sources and methodologies.