Explore District of Columbia Colleges
Colleges in District of Columbia
Explore 10 colleges and universities in District of Columbia, including 1 public institutions and 9 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
10
Total Colleges
1
Public
9
Private
District of Columbia at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
4067%
Average acceptance rate for District of Columbia colleges
Avg Net Price
$27,794
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$32,566.6
For public universities
See how District of Columbia colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
District of Columbia Colleges Directory
Browse 10 colleges in District of Columbia, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
Washington, DC•Private
13%
Acceptance Rate$83,068/yr
1390-1550
95%
"Georgetown catapults politically savvy, globally minded overachievers into DC's power corridors from its Jesuit hilltop overlooking the Potomac."
Washington, DC•Private
47%
Acceptance Rate$81,356/yr
1350-1500
84%
"GWU drops you into DC's power corridors, where poli sci classes debate policy by day and you intern at the State Department by afternoon."
Washington, DC•Private
41%
Acceptance Rate$47,727/yr
1090-1320
64%
"Howard University, the capstone of HBCUs, immerses you in Black excellence amid Washington's power corridors, forging leaders who shape history."
Washington, DC•Private
62%
Acceptance Rate$71,210/yr
1280-1460
78%
"Private powerhouse in northwest DC fueling careers in policy, diplomacy, journalism, and international affairs."
Washington, DC•Private
58%
Acceptance Rate$32,404/yr
780-1022
58%
"The world's only university where deaf and hard-of-hearing students lead, and American Sign Language fills every classroom and conversation."
Washington, DC•Private
83%
Acceptance Rate$71,240/yr
N/A
76%
"Home to America's largest Catholic basilica and the only U.S. pontifical canon law faculty, right in the heart of Washington, D.C."
Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Colleges
Georgetown University is the highest-ranked university in District of Columbia, ranked #33 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at District of Columbia colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $32,567 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $33,252. After financial aid, the average net price is $27,794.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in District of Columbia is 41%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
To qualify for in-state tuition at District of Columbia public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a District of Columbia driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
District of Columbia is located in the Northeast region of the United States. Home to the Ivy League and some of America's oldest universities, the Northeast offers a rich academic tradition with diverse urban and rural campuses.
District of Columbia offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $27,794. Public universities in District of Columbia provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.
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