10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Washington D.C.(2025)

The Washington D.C. metropolitan area is home to over 6 million people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country.

It's also home to many esteemed colleges and universities. Keep reading to discover the best universities and colleges near Washington, D.C.

Featured Colleges in Washington D.C.

The Washington, D.C. area is home to around 20 colleges and universities. We've listed the top universities and colleges near Washinton, D.C. below in alphabetical order.

All colleges and universities listed are members of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area Educational Association.

1. American University

American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C. It offers bachelor's degrees on campus and graduate degrees on campus and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Business
• Communication
• Education
• Law

The university was established in 1893, first as a graduate school, then later adding undergraduate programs. Today it enrolls over 13,000 students.

2. Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It offers bachelor's degrees in person and graduate degrees in person and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Fine Arts
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Established as a graduate college in 1887, the university expanded to undergraduate degrees in 1904. It currently enrolls just over 5,000 students across its 12 schools.

3. George Mason University

George Mason University is a public research university in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Business
• Education and Human Development
• Policy and Government
• Visual and Performing Arts

The university was founded in 1949. Today, it's the largest university in Virginia, enrolling over 40,000 students from across the country and the world.

4. George Washington University

George Washington University is a private research university in Washington, D.C. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in person and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Engineering and Applied Science
• International Affairs
• Media and Public Affairs
• Medicine and Health Sciences

George Washington University was founded in 1821 and was the first university chartered by the U.S. Congress. It currently enrolls over 26,000 students.

5. Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Business
• Foreign Service
• Health Sciences and Medicine
• Public Policy

The university was established in 1789 and has produced two Supreme Court justices and two U.S. presidents. Today, it enrolls 22,000 students from 166 countries.

6. Howard University

Howard University is a private, historically black research university in Washington, D.C. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences
• STEM

Howard University was founded in 1867, just a few years after the end of the Civil War. It currently enrolls about 12,000 students, primarily in undergraduate programs.

7. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland, about an hour away from D.C. It offers undergraduate programs in person and graduate programs in person and online.

While best known for its medical programs, the university also offers degrees in areas like:

• Business
• Engineering and Science
• Music
• Social Sciences

The university was established in 1876. Today, it enrolls over 30,000 students and runs a world-famous research hospital and a children's hospital.

8. Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University is a private Catholic university in Washington, D.C. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn their degrees through the four colleges and schools within the university:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• School of Education
• School of Nursing and Health Professions
• School of Professional and Graduate Studies

When founded in 1897, Trinity Washington University was exclusively for women. It currently enrolls over 1,800 students, both men and women.

9. University of the District of Columbia

The University of the District of Columbia is a public historically black university in Washington, D.C. It offers programs from the associate through the doctoral level.

Degrees are available through the following colleges and schools within the university:

• College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences
• College of Arts and Sciences
• David A. Clarke School of Law
• School of Business and Public Administration
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

The university was established in 1851 and remains the only public university in Washington, D.C. Today, the university enrolls about 4,500 students, most of them undergraduates.

10. University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park is a public research university in the suburbs of D.C. It's the flagship university of the University of Maryland system.

Students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as:

• Arts and Humanities
• Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Journalism
• STEM

The university was founded in 1856 and is the largest university in Maryland. It currently enrolls over 40,000 students through its 12 schools and colleges.

What Is the Biggest School Near Washington, D.C.?

Both George Mason University and the University of Maryland, College Park enroll over 40,000 students, making them the biggest schools near Washington, D.C.

The largest university within the city limits is George Washington University, which enrolls over 25,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Washington, D.C.

There are several things to consider when looking at universities and colleges near Washington, D.C. These include:

• The major you want to pursue
• Whether you want to live within the city or in the suburbs
• Tuition costs and financial aid

Paying for Your Degree Near Washington, D.C.

The best way to pay for your degree is to fill out your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help you determine your eligibility for student financial aid.

Most students use some combination of scholarships, federal grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities to pay for their degrees.

Start Your Degree Near Washington, D.C. Today

Students can choose from several excellent universities and colleges near Washington, D.C. Check out the featured programs above and find the perfect program near the capital today!