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Universities in Washington Dc: 5 Best Universities In Washington DC Area

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Kashyap Matani
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Washington DC is the political, cultural hub and capital of US. Monuments populate the capital. The Smithsonian, the Library of Congress (the world's largest), and the National Archives preserve the nation's history, are all located in Washington DC. Washington DC lives and breathes politics. Several lobbying groups, professional bodies, unions, and international organisations' headquarters have found a home in Washington DC.

With so much culture and history, it's no surprise that the universities in Washington DC are noteworthy. Students who want to study in universities in Washington DC will find a student-friendly city with many opportunities. If you plan to attend colleges in Washington DC it's essential that you choose the correct school. Keep reading to find your future school in this comprehensive Washington DC universities list.

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Why Should You Study in Top Universities in Washington DC?

DC's education system is remarkable. Many notable leaders have emerged from its universities. The best colleges in Washington DC emphasise critical thinking by making lectures student-centred, unlike other U.S. colleges. Students must improve their presenting skills to stay ahead. International students will be pleased to find that the city has top universities in Washington DC area, provides jobs, internships, and research in many sectors, including law, policy, healthcare, and education.

This isn't surprising as the federal government is based in Washington D.C. Thus, institutes and organisations work with D.C. based experts or politicians who mentor or employ international students. D.C. is a city of professionals, so hunt for an internship, employment, or research opportunity. You will find yourself in the company of non-profit leaders, company pioneers, and other field leaders so introduce yourself and see what opportunities lie ahead.

Top 5 Universities in Washington DC In 2022

The ranking of the best colleges in Washington DC is determined by a comprehensive examination of academic, admissions, financial, and student life statistics provided by the United States Department of Education as well as millions of evaluations submitted by current students and graduates.This Washington DC universities list will help you make an informed future decision. The following are the Top Universities in Washington DC In 2022:

  1. Georgetown University
  2. George Washington University
  3. Howard University
  4. American University
  5. Catholic University of America

Let us discuss them in detail down below:

1.  Georgetown University

Study at the best universities in Washington DC, Georgetown University

Georgetown University, one of the best universities in Washington DC, is in Washington DC's historic Georgetown neighbourhood. Georgetown is the nation's oldest Catholic university, founded in 1889. Alumni include former US president Bill Clinton and more than a dozen foreign leaders of state. It is ranked 227th in the world and 53rd in the US.

Most of Georgetown's 20,000 students are postgraduates. 11% of its students are from over 130 countries. Georgetown's acceptance rate is 14%, making it extremely competitive to get in. Politics, international relations, and finance are popular majors. 94% of Georgetown graduates earn a $65,200 starting salary. It is one of the best universities in Washington DC for international students.

  • Cost of tuition- $57,928/year. First-year students at Georgetown University received an average of $39,200 in need-based scholarships and grants. In addition, 43 percent of first-year students receive financial aid based on their financial need.
  • Application Fee: $75
  • The admission details include visa proof, academic transcripts, standardised exam proof(The 75th percentile on the SAT or ACT is where you want to be if you want the best chance of being accepted for an undergrad program. Another requirement is a 3.91 or a better GPA. Higher SAT/ACT scores are needed if your GPA is lower than this).

Other requirements include a completed online application, Personal Statement, Alumni Interview, Secondary School Report,  Recommendation from a Teacher, Applicants from outside the United States are required to submit scores from an English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS),  bank statements, Affidavit of Financial Support from Sponsor etc.

  • For graduate courses, each one has a different requirement.Head to the university’s official website to learn more.

2.  George Washington University

Pursue academics at the best universities in Washington DC surrounded by nature

George Washington University is one of the best private colleges in Washington DC named after the first US president. The university's teaching and research are respected in the US. The University's Business School, Law School, and School of International Affairs are ranked 352nd in the world and 68th in the US. It offers more than 12,000 internship options, and 70% of students have held internships or co-ops.

Over 26,000 students attend the university, which has 300 registered student organisations, many of them sports-based. George Washington's admission rate is 43%. International Relations, Politics, and Nursing are popular majors. George Washington graduates earn $53,600 on average. It is one of many universities in the Washington DC area, making it a student hotspot.

  • Cost of tuition- Average cost after financial aid is $32,563/year, making it relatively one of the many cheap colleges in Washington DC. Average cost before aid comes to $76,276/year. At George Washington, the average first-year student was awarded a need-based scholarship or grant of $32,574. Furthermore, 46% of first-year students receive financial assistance based on their financial need.
  • Application fee: $80The admission details include visa proof, academic transcripts (3.87 GPA and higher), standardised exam proof(1370 on the SAT and higher), statement of purpose, 2 letters of recommendation, ELP scores, completed online application, Bank statements, Verification/affidavit of sponsor’s financial support form etc.
  • For graduate courses, each one has a different requirement.Head to the university’s official website to learn more.

3.  Howard University

Enforced hands on training at the best universities in Washington DC

Howard University was established in 1867 as a non-sectarian, all-races university. Howard University has always emphasised inclusivity and equality. More than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend the university. Howard University is placed 551-600 in the world and 125th in the US by QS. It's a Carnegie Foundation Tier 1 research university, with affiliations to good colleges in Washington DC.

The University is committed to producing leaders for America and the world, with a focus on domestic and international concerns.  Howard's acceptance rate is 39% making it fairly competitive when applying. Biology, Politics, and PR are popular majors. 64% of Howard graduates earn $35,800 upon graduation. The affiliated Howard Community College is one of the best public universities in Washington DC.

  • Cost of tuition- Average cost after financial aid is $41,388/year. Average cost before comes to $49,250/year. Howard University grants first-year students an average of $15,298 in need-based scholarships and grants. More than 90% of first-year students receive need-based funding.
  • Application Fee: $45
  • The admission details include visa proof, academic transcripts(GPA:3.55 and higher), statement of purpose, recommendations, ELP scores,standardised tests(SAT: 1213 and above/ACT: 25 and up) completed online application, admission plans, Application Fee, Application Essays, Tracking Recommender's Submissions, Program Specific Requirements, Financial Aid applications if required etc.

4.  American University

The best universities in Washington DC offer the best learning experience

Founded in 1893, students at American University benefit from being in the nation's political hub. With its museums, restaurants, clubs, and year-round events, D.C. is a playground for the politically and socially minded. In a suburban region in northwest Washington, the university is near a Metrorail stop, from which it takes 15 minutes to get to Downtown.

American University students are among the most politically involved in the nation, and there are more than 200 clubs and groups. 30 fraternities and sororities that make up the school's Greek system. Nationally, American University is ranked #79.

  • Cost of tuition- Average cost is $51,361/year.
  • Application Fee: $75
  • The admission details include visa proof, academic transcripts(GPA:3.65 and higher), statement of purpose, recommendations, ELP scores,standardised tests(SAT: 1300 and above/ACT: 29 and up) completed online application, admission plans, Application Fee, Application Essays,, Program Specific Requirements, Financial Aid applications if required etc.

5.  Catholic University of America

Live with diverse culture under one roof at the best universities in Washington DC

The Catholic University of America, founded by Catholic bishops in 1887, is a pontifical institution and a famous liberal arts college. The CUA is in Brookland, a Washington D.C. neighbourhood known as 'Little Rome' for its many Catholic organisations.

CUA originated as a research and graduate institution, but it today offers more than 60 undergraduate programmes across 12 schools, including Business & Economics, Canon Law, and Architecture. Columbus School of Law offers a 26-credit Master of Legal Studies Program.

  • Cost of tuition- Average cost after aid is $41,388/year. Average cost before comes to $52,156/year. First-year students at The Catholic University of America are granted an average of $34,900 in need-based scholarships and grants per year. Furthermore, 64% of first-year students receive financial assistance based on their financial need.
  • Application Fee: None
  • The admission details include visa proof, academic transcripts(GPA:3.46 and higher), statement of purpose, recommendations,standardised test scores (SAT: 1230/ACT: 27), ELP scores, completed online application, admission plans, Application Essays, Financial Aid applications if required etc.

Many young people aspire to study in the United States. Being able to choose from so many college alternatives when considering colleges in Washington DC can be a challenge. Using this list, you can pick a school depending on your major, prior experience, career aspirations, and financial constraints.. To clarify any doubts about Universities in Washington Dc or about studying abroad, contact our Yocket counsellors today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Washington DC

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