Colleges in District of Columbia

There are 21 accredited colleges and universities in District of Columbia. They admit an average of 51% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $26,246 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in District of Columbia

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in District of Columbia. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC12%
George Washington UniversityWashington, DC44%
American UniversityWashington, DC47%
Howard UniversityWashington, DC35%
Gallaudet UniversityWashington, DC61%
The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, DC84%
NewU UniversityWashington, DC99%
Trinity Washington UniversityWashington, DC99%
Windsor UniversityWashington, DC
University of the Potomac-Washington DC CampusWashington, DC
Washington DC VA Medical CenterWashington, DC
Strayer University-Global RegionWashington, DC
Institute of World PoliticsWashington, DC19%
Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of StudiesWashington, DC
University of the District of ColumbiaWashington, DC30%
MedStar Washington Hospital CenterWashington, DC
Levine MusicWashington, DC
Strayer University-District of ColumbiaWashington, DC
Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and FamilyWashington, DC
The Chicago School at Washington DCWashington, DC75%
Wesley Theological SeminaryWashington, DC13%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in District of Columbia

Universities in District of Columbia with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Trinity Washington UniversityWashington, DC$9,302
NewU UniversityWashington, DC$9,390
University of the District of ColumbiaWashington, DC$10,648
Gallaudet UniversityWashington, DC$15,845
Strayer University-Global RegionWashington, DC$17,833

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in District of Columbia?

There are 21 accredited colleges and universities in District of Columbia in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 51% of applicants and cost about $26,246 per year after aid.

What is the best college in District of Columbia?

Georgetown University is the highest nationally ranked university in District of Columbia. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 21 District of Columbia colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in District of Columbia?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in District of Columbia is about $26,246 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

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