4 Best Colleges and Universities Near Alexandria, VA

Located just outside of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia isn't immune to all the hustle and bustle of America's political hub. That also means that Alexandria is home to many institutions of higher education.

If you'd like to learn about the best colleges near Alexandria, Virginia, you can check out ten of them below.

Featured Colleges in Alexandria, VA

Here are a few of the colleges that are located in Alexandria, Virginia, and what kind of education you can get from each of them.

1. Saint Michael College of Allied Health

Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, the Saint Michael College of Allied Health (SMCAH) is an educational institution offering health-related associate degree programs to students in Alexandria, Virginia.

Students at SMCAH can pursue a few associate degrees related to healthcare - an Associate of Applied Science in nursing or the practical nursing program.

Graduates from these programs will be eligible for licensure and capable of using their knowledge in entry-level healthcare positions.

2. Northern Virginia Community College's Alexandria Campus

Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) is a public community college that has six campuses and four centers in Virginia and Washington, D.C. It's part of the Virginia Community College System.

NVCC's Alexandria campus intends to educate Virginia's future business, government, and community leaders through courses in subject areas like business, languages, mathematics, technology, and social sciences.

Students can also enjoy fun with the community through the the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, which offers regular entertainment.

3. Strayer University's Alexandria Campus

Strayer University is a private university in Washington, D.C. that has 64 campuses across 15 U.S. states, including one in Alexandria, Virginia.

It's best known for its online education opportunities for working adults, but also offers programs on its many campuses.

Strayer University's Alexandria campus primarily helps students get financial and admissions assistance for classes, but it also includes some on-site classes that students can count towards various associate, bachelor's, master's, certification, and bootcamp programs.

4. George Washington University's Alexandria Education Center

George Washington University (GWU) is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C. that's a member of the Association of American Universities.

Though based in D.C., it has campuses and learning centers in various locations in Virginia, including Alexandria.

GWU's Alexandra Education Center has a community counseling center, 11 classrooms, an art gallery, and studio space for students interested in earning a Bachelor or Master of Professional Studies in paralegal studies through the university.

Featured Colleges Near Alexandria, VA

In addition to these institutions, there are quite a few colleges near Alexandria, Virginia because Alexandria is less than 10 miles away from Washington, D.C. All of the colleges below are located there.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a private Jesuit research university located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It's home to 11 undergraduate and graduate schools and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Students at Georgetown University are part of a diverse community that values social justice, restless inquiry, and respect for every person's individual needs. Students can earn a degree in these areas of study while attending the university:

• African American studies
• biochemistry
• business
• data science
• engineering
• finance

American University

American University is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C. that's affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers undergraduate and graduate education through eight different schools.

At American University, students are able to distinguish themselves through service, leadership, and global engagement opportunities offered by the school.

This university is known primarily for offering online and on-campus bachelor's and master's degrees in law, business, and technology.

Howard University

Howard University is a historically black private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through more than 120 different programs.

Howard University students are able to pursue their choice among over 140 programs of study. Examples of programs available to students include STEM programs like biology, computer science, mathematics, and physics and more art-focused programs like music and theatre arts.

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is a private federally chartered university in Washington, D.C. that specifically caters to the deaf and hard of hearing. Hearing students can be admitted to undergraduate and graduate programs here, but some level of ASL knowledge is required for graduate courses.

Students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees or certificates through Gallaudet University while immersing themselves in the deaf community and learning how to lead outreach programs for and with the hard of hearing.

The University of the District of Columbia

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public historically black land-grant university in Washington, D.C. that's a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It's the only public university in the city.

UDC's central location allows students to live and study locally while getting all the benefits of a large globally recognized space.

They can tour the White House, attend performances at the Source, or kayak on the Potomac on the same day as their classes. UDC is where students go to become some of America's strongest leaders.

Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University (TWU) is a private Catholic university in Washington, D.C. that was originally founded as the nation's first Catholic liberal arts college for women. This university includes five different schools.

TWU is still committed to providing a solid liberal arts knowledge foundation and professional preparation to women who are attempting to get their bachelor's degrees.

Students can pursue degrees through the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Education, or the School of Professional and Graduate Studies.

What Is the Biggest School Near Alexandria, Virginia?

Strayer University is the largest college near Alexandria, Virginia, with more than 50,000 students enrolled online and through its campuses across 15 U.S. states.

In addition to its location in Alexandria, Virginia, it's based in Washington, D.C., less than 10 miles from the town.

How To Choose the Right College Near Alexandria, Virginia

When trying to choose the right college for you in Alexandria, Virginia, there are a few major things to consider.

First, consider the accreditation, degree availability, and financial aid opportunities of the institution. This will determine whether you can actually attend based on costs and education standards.

From there, you can also consider things like housing in the area, what the student life is like, and what work opportunities are available.

While these aren't quite as important, they can still make or break your college experience and where you'll live once you've graduated.

Paying for Your Degree Near Alexandria, Virginia

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) says that these are the top ways for students in Virginia to pay for college:

• grants and scholarships
• loans
• work-study opportunities
• tuition waivers
• savings programs

Grants and scholarships are free money for students with academic achievements and tuition waivers help specific groups reduce or remove the cost of tuition.

Loans need to be paid back, work-study opportunities help students find jobs to pay for their education, and savings programs help students grow their tuition fund or attend programs offered in other states.

Start Your Degree Near Alexandria, Virginia Today

Now that you know about some of the best colleges near Alexandria, Virginia, how to choose the right one for you, and how to pay for your higher education, it's time for you to start your degree today so you can make a difference in your Virginia community.