by our College Data Analytics Team
With all of the graduate school options in District of Columbia, narrowing things down is no easy task. We have ranked **6** programs by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology.
So you can compare your options, College Factual reviewed 6 graduate schools 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.
Here is the early-career salary range across the top-ranked graduate schools:
Learn more about these excellent graduate schools below:
Our analysis found Georgetown University to be the best graduate school in District of Columbia. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $79,632. Georgetown University students take on a median of $16,483 in debt.
A rank of #2 makes George Washington University one of the top graduate schools in District of Columbia. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. George Washington University graduates report median early-career earnings of $73,749. George Washington University students take on a median of $22,910 in debt.
The strong outcomes at American University earned it the #3 place in District of Columbia. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. Median early-career earnings reach $54,585. American University students take on a median of $24,139 in debt.
Wesley Theological Seminary came in at #4 on this year's Best Graduate Schools ranking in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, Wesley Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,160 early in their careers.
You'll be in good company at Catholic University Of America, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. Catholic University Of America graduates report median early-career earnings of $65,120. Graduates carry a median of $25,771 in student loans.
Howard University landed the #6 spot in District of Columbia this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. About 70% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,810. Early-career graduates earn a median of $58,495. Graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans.
The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Based in Washington, DC, The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,934 early in their careers.
Trinity Washington University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. Students from in state pay about $26,610 in tuition and fees. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $56,796. Typical student debt is $31,194.
Strayer University Global Region did well this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Washington, DC, Strayer University Global Region is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 8%. 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 landed the #10 spot in District of Columbia this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Gallaudet University graduates 47% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $19,654 in tuition and fees. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $44,489. Students borrow a median of $24,123 to complete a degree here.
University Of The District Of Columbia did well this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Washington, DC. About 44% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $5,662 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Early-career graduates earn a median of $57,060. Typical student debt is $32,304.
Potomac College Washington ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best graduate schools. Based in Washington, DC, Potomac College Washington is a private for-profit institution. Potomac College Washington graduates 27% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,660 in tuition and fees.
Strayer University District Of Columbia placed #13 among the best graduate schools in District of Columbia. Located in Washington, DC, Strayer University District Of Columbia is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,920. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,916 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $45,932 to complete a degree here.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked graduate schools only.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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.