Washington, District of Columbia Colleges: Costs & Earnings (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

TL;DR

EDsmart Data analysis of 2024 College Scorecard data for Washington, District of Columbia shows: median public in-state tuition $19,405 (+252.1% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $63,066 (+16.1% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 76.7% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $20,000 (+48.9% vs U.S.) 55,908 students enrolled statewide.

Key Facts

  • Institutions in this profile: 25 campuses
  • Total college enrollment: 55,908 students
  • Median public in-state tuition: $19,405 (+252.1% vs U.S.)
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry: $63,066 (+16.1% vs U.S.)
  • Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 76.7% (-11.3 pp vs U.S.)
  • Median net price: $20,985 (+110.5% vs U.S.)
  • Median student debt at graduation: $20,000 (+48.9% vs U.S. $13,432)
  • Average completion rate (institutions in state): 49.3%
  • Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 86.5%

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Overview

EDsmart Data summarizes higher-education outcomes for campuses in Washington, District of Columbia—costs, debt, enrollment, completion, earnings, and standout institutions—against District of Columbia and U.S. medians from the College Scorecard.

Washington vs District of Columbia & national benchmarks

Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.

State versus regional and national education metrics
Geography In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion rate Enrollment
Washington, District of Columbia$19,405$20,985$20,00049.3%55,908
District of Columbia (state median)N/AN/A$20,00052.8%55,908
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370

Earnings & employment outcomes: Washington, District of Columbia vs benchmarks

Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.

Earnings and employment outcome benchmarks
Geography Median earnings (10 yr) Working & not enrolled (8 yr) Retention (FT yr 1) 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment progress Debt ÷ earnings
Washington, District of Columbia$63,06676.7%86.5%6.9%—71.7%0.35
District of Columbia (state median)$63,06676.7%86.5%6.9%—71.7%0.35
United States$54,32387.9%76.3%5.0%—73.7%0.41

Outcomes by sector in Washington, District of Columbia

Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).

Sector Campuses Median earnings (10 yr) Working share (8 yr) Retention 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment
Private nonprofit7$73,25076.7%88.2%2.8%—83.3%

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by graduation rate (150% time)

Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.

  1. Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 94.8%, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 84.0%, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 79.5%, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 75.5%, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 70.0%, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 49.3%, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 47.3%, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, Graduation Rate, 33.3%, University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    Private for-profit · 809 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, Graduation Rate, 14.3%, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)

Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 89.7%, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 81.7%, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 81.1%, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 77.0%, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 76.7%, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 73.2%, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 72.3%, University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    Private for-profit · 809 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, Employment Outcome, 71.6%, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, Employment Outcome, 70.7%, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 most selective colleges in Washington, District of Columbia (lowest admission rate)

Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.

  1. Rank 1, Admission Rate, 12.9%, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, Admission Rate, 41.3%, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, Admission Rate, 47.1%, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, Admission Rate, 58.1%, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, Admission Rate, 62.0%, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Admission Rate, 82.8%, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, Admission Rate, 99.5%, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.

  1. Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $106,218, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $104,200, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $92,324, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $83,505, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $81,061, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $81,044, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $79,349, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, Entry-Level Earnings, $38,090, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.

  1. Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $159,452, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $150,716, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $134,332, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $114,909, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $106,318, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Early-Career Earnings, $105,703, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, Early-Career Earnings, $103,478, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, Early-Career Earnings, $70,859, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $83,222, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $71,607, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $63,217, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $61,328, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $47,379, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $38,533, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $38,444, University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    Private for-profit · 809 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, Mid-Career Earnings, $36,582, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, Mid-Career Earnings, $36,578, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $88,766, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $78,974, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $70,443, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $70,095, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $54,819, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $47,306, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $39,294, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, 8-Yr Earnings, $37,064, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, 8-Yr Earnings, $32,356, University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    Private for-profit · 809 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $103,494, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $90,873, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $77,370, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $73,250, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $63,066, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $53,804, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $43,101, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr Earnings, $40,092, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr Earnings, $34,961, University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    Private for-profit · 809 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by 10-year ROI

Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $260,441, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $214,398, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $180,900, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $171,952, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $139,208, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $127,682, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $94,549, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $80,480, University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    Private for-profit · 809 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr ROI, $35,710, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 most affordable colleges in Washington, District of Columbia (net price)

Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.

  1. Rank 1, Net Price, $9,302, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $15,845, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $17,833, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $29,561, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $36,586, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, Net Price, $40,815, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, Net Price, $41,943, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, Net Price, $50,539, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

Top 10 colleges in Washington, District of Columbia by first-year retention (full-time)

Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 96.8%, Georgetown University

    Georgetown University

    Private nonprofit · 7,569 enrolled · Washington

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 92.2%, George Washington University

    George Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 11,182 enrolled · Washington

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 90.9%, Howard University

    Howard University

    Private nonprofit · 10,108 enrolled · Washington

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 88.2%, American University

    American University

    Private nonprofit · 7,266 enrolled · Washington

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 86.5%, The Catholic University of America

    The Catholic University of America

    Private nonprofit · 3,154 enrolled · Washington

  6. Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 80.0%, University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus

    Private for-profit · 809 enrolled · Washington

  7. Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 71.1%, Gallaudet University

    Gallaudet University

    Private nonprofit · 812 enrolled · Washington

  8. Rank 8, First-Year Retention, 69.2%, Trinity Washington University

    Trinity Washington University

    Private nonprofit · 1,414 enrolled · Washington

  9. Rank 9, First-Year Retention, 60.0%, Strayer University-Global Region

    Strayer University-Global Region

    Private for-profit · 9,376 enrolled · Washington

In-state tuition: Washington, District of Columbia vs benchmarks

Sticker price

Washington, District of Columbia median in-state tuition is $19,405, +252.1% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: Washington, District of Columbia vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in Washington, District of Columbia is $20,000 (+48.9% vs U.S. median $13,432).

Median earnings (10 years out): Washington, District of Columbia vs benchmarks

Payoff

Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in Washington, District of Columbia center around $63,066 (+16.1% vs U.S.).

Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.

Employment outcome proxy: Washington, District of Columbia vs benchmarks

Working & not enrolled

The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 76.7% at the median Washington, District of Columbia campus (-11.3 pp vs U.S.).

Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).

Analysis & insights

EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.

Costs & borrowing

Washington, District of Columbia median public in-state tuition is $19,405, about +252.1% vs the national median.

Median graduate debt is $20,000 (+48.9% above the U.S. median of $13,432). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.

Earnings, employment & retention

Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in Washington, District of Columbia are $63,066, about +16.1% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,323).

The median campus reports 76.7% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 87.9% (-11.3 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.

First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 86.5% vs a U.S. median of 76.3%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 6.9% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 71.7% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Trinity Washington University (89.7%), Howard University (81.7%), Strayer University-Global Region (81.1%), Gallaudet University (77.0%), Georgetown University (76.7%), The Catholic University of America (73.2%), University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus (72.3%), American University (71.6%), George Washington University (70.7%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.

Completion & workforce context

Within Washington, District of Columbia, sector medians diverge: Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $73,250 (7 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.

Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in Washington, District of Columbia is 49.3% (national institution average about 50.3%).

FAQ

How many colleges are in Washington?

EDsmart Data analysis: this city profile covers 25 campuses in Washington, District of Columbia with College Scorecard cost or outcomes data.

How much does college cost in Washington?

EDsmart Data analysis: median in-state tuition in Washington is $19,405 and median net price is $20,985. For District of Columbia overall, medians are N/A and N/A; U.S. medians are $5,512 and $9,967.

What do graduates earn in Washington?

EDsmart Data analysis: median 10-year earnings for campuses in Washington is $63,066 vs $63,066 for District of Columbia and $54,323 nationally.

What is student debt like for Washington colleges?

EDsmart Data analysis: median completer debt in Washington is $20,000 vs $20,000 for District of Columbia and $13,432 nationally.

What are the best colleges in Washington?

EDsmart Data analysis: top campuses on this page include Georgetown University (graduation) and Georgetown University (10-yr earnings). See Top 10 lists for admission, affordability, and employment metrics.

Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in Washington?

EDsmart Data analysis: among 25 campuses in Washington, District of Columbia, 2 historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs, IPEDS HBCU flag), including University of the District of Columbia and Howard University; 4 campuses with at least 25% Hispanic enrollment in College Scorecard demographics—a common Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) eligibility proxy; examples include University of the District of Columbia, Gallaudet University, and Trinity Washington University; 7 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Roman Catholic (5), United Methodist (2).

Sources & related