by our College Data Analytics TeamGeorgetown University ranks #1 of 16 colleges in College Factual’s 2027 Best Colleges in District of Columbia ranking, which scores schools on more than 20 measures of academic quality and student outcomes. The top 16 colleges average a 58% six-year graduation rate and $67,141 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, narrowing things down is no easy task. We have ranked **16** schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2027 methodology.
So you can compare your options, College Factual reviewed 16 colleges on more than 20 objective measures 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.
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Georgetown University leads the 16 ranked colleges in District of Columbia, followed by George Washington University (#2) and American University (#3). Here are the top-ranked colleges:
Our analysis found Georgetown University to be the best college in District of Columbia. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Early-career graduates earn a median of $79,632. Graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans.
The strong outcomes at George Washington University earned it the #2 place in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $73,749. Typical student debt is $22,910.
The strong outcomes at American University earned it the #3 place in District of Columbia. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. American University graduates report median early-career earnings of $54,585. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans.
A rank of #4 makes Wesley Theological Seminary one of the top colleges in District of Columbia. Set in Washington, DC, Wesley Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Median early-career earnings reach $53,160.
Catholic University Of America came in at #5 on this year's Best Colleges ranking in District of Columbia. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. 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.
Howard University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Set in Washington, DC, Howard University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,810. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $58,495. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete a degree here.
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc placed #7 among the best colleges in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc is a private not-for-profit institution. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc graduates report median early-career earnings of $73,272.
Trinity Washington University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Trinity Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,610. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $56,796. Graduates carry a median of $31,194 in student loans.
Strayer University Global Region came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Based in Washington, DC, Strayer University Global Region is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 8% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,920. Strayer University Global Region graduates report median early-career earnings of $59,916. The median student debt is $45,932.
University Of The District Of Columbia came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Set 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,662, compared with $12,514 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,060 early in their careers. Graduates carry a median of $32,304 in student loans.
Potomac College Washington landed the #11 spot in District of Columbia this year. Potomac College Washington is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 27%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,660.
Gallaudet University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Washington, DC, Gallaudet University is a private not-for-profit institution. Gallaudet University posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,654. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $44,489. The median student debt is $24,123.
Strayer University District Of Columbia did well this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Washington, DC, Strayer University District Of Columbia is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,920. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $59,916. Students borrow a median of $45,932 to complete a degree here.
Saint Michael College Of Allied Health landed the #14 spot 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,782 early in their careers. The median student debt is $20,486.
The Salon Professional Academy Washington Dc placed #15 among the best colleges in District of Columbia. The Salon Professional Academy Washington Dc is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Median early-career earnings reach $19,048. The median student debt is $9,936.
Bennett Career Institute came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Located in Washington, DC, Bennett Career Institute is a private for-profit institution. Bennett Career Institute graduates report median early-career earnings of $20,316. Students borrow a median of $9,833 to complete a degree here.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
These rankings are produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Colleges are scored on 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.