2025 Best Colleges in the Washington, D.C. Area

Washington, D.C. is one of the most significant cities in the country — and the world. Home to the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, and the White House, it's full of life, history, and the leaders of today and tomorrow. If you decide to attend college in Washington, D.C., it will be a lively and exciting experience.

With our help, your search for the best colleges in D.C. will be painless. No matter what you're looking for in a school, your search will be 100% backed by facts and honest reviews. We offer you a way to search for colleges by location, starting salary for graduates, the application process, and more. At Niche, we help you find your absolute best fit for Washington, D.C. colleges.

What Makes Studying in D.C. So Great?

We’ve already mentioned a few of D.C.’s major attractions, but a big plus of attending college in Washington, D.C. is access to libraries. The college you connect with is certain to have its own library — or libraries — but there is a vast wealth of knowledge in D.C. that you will also have easy access to, including the famous ​Library of Congress. And don't forget that most public libraries are much quieter and less crowded than college libraries, which is always a bonus come finals time.

Washington, D.C. is known for its rich history and countless museums that are free to the public. With year-round attractions and events, D.C. never has a shortage of things to do or see. To top it all off, students and graduates — no matter their field of study — enjoy seemingly endless opportunities for academic and professional internships and jobs.

Are There Lots of Colleges in D.C.?

Because it’s the U.S. capital, people tend to imagine a place that’s larger than life. While it certainly has plenty of charm and is home to many landmarks and museums, Washington, D.C. is actually a relatively small city in the grand scheme of things. After all, D.C. has a population of less than a million people. As such, there isn't an overwhelmingly long list of colleges and universities to choose from compared to other major U.S. cities.

Here at Niche, we can show you the best D.C. colleges from the select list of options. Some of the country's top colleges call D.C. home, including Howard University and Georgetown University. This shows that, while your options may feel limited, the schools in D.C. are rich in opportunity, academics, and experience.

And just because there’s a limited selection of colleges in Washington, D.C. doesn’t mean you can’t earn the type of degree you want to build your future on. And D.C. also has a selection of two-year degree colleges, perfect for students not yet ready or just not seeking to pursue a four-year degree.

Write Your Own History With Niche

Your search with us will help you connect with the best colleges in D.C., a city full of history and opportunity. No matter which school ends up being the right fit for you, the best match will help you build a legacy of your own.