11 Best Universities In Washington Dc For International Students 2025

Washington Dc is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 11 universities and colleges in Washington Dc, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 11 universities in Washington Dc, Georgetown University and George Washington University are the top-performing schools in Washington Dc.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Washington Dc. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Washington Dc.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Washington Dc?

Applying to the universities in Washington Dc involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Washington Dc to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Washington Dc?

Tuition fees at Washington Dc’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 15,200 USD to 62,200 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 11,400 USD to 69,300 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Washington Dc!

As we cover the best universities in Washington Dc for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Washington Dc for International Students

Georgetown University was established in 1789 and is considered the oldest university in the United States with a Catholic and Jesuit background. It currently has 9 schools offering programs in social sciences, foreign service, health studies, and humanities. Programs at the university are designed not only to impart strong knowledge and develop critical thinking skills and creativity but also to impart to students important values that would help in serving society.

George Washington University (GW) began its humble beginnings in 1821. Over the years, the university has stayed true to its commitment to teaching and training its students to become experts in their chosen career paths. GW’s alumni include some of the most prominent leaders and professionals who significantly contribute to society. This renowned university has indeed championed providing high-quality education and overall academic experience to its students.

American University seeks to make an impact on society through constant learning and research. It also promotes social justice and sustainability, which is why it continues to advance its technology infrastructure and course offerings. The university is wide open to students from different parts of the world.

The Catholic University of America is the only higher education institution founded by U.S. Catholic bishops. It started offering undergraduate courses in 1904, and since then, it has already significantly contributed to the research field. The university takes pride in successfully staying connected with the Catholic church in these modern times.

Howard University is a prominent private institution that studies and provides opportunities to the disadvantaged people in society, such as the Black community, to remove social inequalities. Thus, the university is predominantly Black, producing famous alumni such as Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, and Chadwick Boseman. This top-ranked institution offers more than 100 programs for students, regardless of their color or sex.

Strayer University is a private academic institution owned by Strategic Education, Inc. It has several campuses across the United States, but its headquarters are in Washington DC. A limited number of bachelor’s courses are available, and they mainly specialize in business, criminal justice, etc. They also have master’s programs, associate degrees, and certificate courses.

Gallaudet University is an institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. It started as a grammar school and has become the first and only higher institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. Although the university is intended and designed for such students, they also accept a few hearing students for their undergraduate programs. Gallaudet is a bilingual institution, with English and American Sign Language as its languages.

University of the District of Columbia offers countless possibilities to its students. It has wide connections with numerous industry leaders and enterprises to extend career help among its graduates. The university opens its doors to all aspiring and hardworking applicants.

The University of the Potomac is a two-year private for-profit university with a campus in Washington, D.C. The university was founded in 1991 and is a new university, so all campuses have good traffic access and access to courses online, reflecting the current trend from its inception. The University of the Potomac offers Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Graduate, and Advanced Certification Programs, and is also certified by the U.S. Higher Education System.

Trinity Washington University offers a broad range of programs that will prepare students in all aspects of contemporary work, family, and civic life. It aims to uphold its excellence in giving practical education to students, allowing them to expand further their knowledge. The university heavily puts emphasis on skills and values in order to produce compassionate and competent graduates.

The Institute of World Politics is a private institution for graduate studies in Washington, DC dedicated to preparing future leaders in the areas of politics and international affairs. It aims to guide students in understanding the world through different perspectives, identifying different opportunities and threats, and making morally and ethically sound decisions. Students learn from academic and political experts who also have vast experiences in their respective fields.