by our College Data Analytics TeamWith all of the graduate school options in District of Columbia, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Our ranking highlights 18 programs by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology.
So you can compare your options, College Factual evaluated graduate schools using more than 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.
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Learn more about these excellent graduate schools below:
Our analysis found Georgetown University to be the best graduate school in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Median early-career earnings reach $79,632. The median student debt is $16,483.
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. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Median early-career earnings reach $73,749. Typical student debt is $22,910.
Out of the 18 graduate schools in District of Columbia in this year's ranking, American University landed the #3 spot. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish 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 graduate schools 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.
Out of the 18 graduate schools in District of Columbia in this year's ranking, Catholic University Of America landed the #5 spot. Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Catholic University Of America posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. Catholic University Of America graduates report median early-career earnings of $65,120. Typical student debt is $25,771.
Howard University did well this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,810. Howard University graduates report median early-career earnings 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. Located in Washington, DC, The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Washington Dc is a private not-for-profit institution. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $76,934.
Trinity Washington University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best graduate schools. Set in Washington, DC, Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Trinity Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,610. Trinity Washington University graduates report median early-career earnings 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. Set in Washington, DC, Strayer University Global Region is a private for-profit institution. Strayer University Global Region posts a six-year graduation rate of 8%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,920. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,916 early in their careers. Graduates carry a median of $45,932 in student loans.
University Of The District Of Columbia came in at #10 in this year's ranking. University Of The District Of Columbia is a public school based in Washington, DC. University Of The District Of Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 44%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. University Of The District Of Columbia graduates report median early-career earnings of $57,060. The median student debt is $32,304.
Gallaudet University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Washington, DC, Gallaudet University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,654. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,489 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,123 to complete a degree here.
Potomac College Washington placed #12 among the best graduate schools in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, Potomac College Washington is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 27%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,660.
Strayer University District Of Columbia placed #13 among the best graduate schools in District of Columbia. Strayer University District Of Columbia is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $13,920 in tuition and fees. Strayer University District Of Columbia graduates report median early-career earnings of $59,916. Typical student debt is $45,932.
Saint Michael College Of Allied Health placed #14 among the best graduate schools in District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, Saint Michael College Of Allied Health is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,405. A year after graduating, students earn a median of $74,782. Typical student debt is $20,486.
The Salon Professional Academy Washington Dc landed the #15 spot in District of Columbia this year. Located in Washington, DC, The Salon Professional Academy Washington Dc is a private for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $19,048 early in their careers. Typical student debt is $9,936.
National Conservatory Of Dramatic Arts ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best graduate schools. Based in Washington, DC, National Conservatory Of Dramatic Arts is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,600 in tuition and fees.
Career Technical Institute came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Career Technical Institute is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Early-career graduates earn a median of $23,242. The median student debt is $9,620.
Bennett Career Institute placed #18 among the best graduate schools in District of Columbia. Bennett Career Institute is a private for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Median early-career earnings reach $20,316. Students borrow a median of $9,833 to complete a degree here.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked graduate schools only.
These rankings are produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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.