Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Schools in District of Columbia

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Schools in District of Columbia

22 Schools Ranked
$57,179 Average Earnings
$27,450 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Schools in District of Columbia ranking. This report analyzed 22 schools in District of Columbia to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
9,981 Total Awards
$65,148 Average Earnings
$23,099 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named George Washington University the most popular school in District of Columbia for students working on their degree. GWU is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Washington, District of Columbia. It awarded 9,981 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,099 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $532.After graduating from GWU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $65,148 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full George Washington University Report

#2

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia
7,126 Total Awards
$69,885 Average Earnings
$16,335 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Georgetown University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in District of Columbia. Georgetown University is a large private not-for-profit school located in Washington, District of Columbia that handed out 7,126 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,335 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $769.After graduating from Georgetown, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $69,885 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read More…

#3

American University

Washington, District of Columbia
4,631 Total Awards
$50,575 Average Earnings
$22,484 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend American University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in District of Columbia list. The American University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Washington, District of Columbia. It awarded 4,631 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from The American University accumulate an average of $22,484 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $692. Once they receive their degree, The American University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,575 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#4

Strayer University - Global Region

Washington, District of Columbia
2,611 Total Awards
$52,529 Average Earnings
$38,671 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Strayer University - Global Region is a great place for students. Strayer University - Global Region is located in Washington, District of Columbia and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,611 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $38,671 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $121, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Strayer University - Global Region graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,529 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on Strayer University - Global Region

#5

Howard University

Washington, District of Columbia
2,370 Total Awards
$50,572 Average Earnings
$23,908 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 22 schools in District of Columbia that were part of this year’s ranking, Howard University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Howard University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Washington, District of Columbia that handed out 2,370 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,908 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $769. Once they receive their degree, Howard graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,572 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

Full Howard University Report

#6

Catholic University of America

Washington, District of Columbia
1,661 Total Awards
$55,014 Average Earnings
$22,706 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Catholic University of America did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Washington, District of Columbia is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,661 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,706 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $765.After graduating from CUA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $55,014 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Catholic University of America Report

#7

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia
761 Total Awards
$44,806 Average Earnings
$30,825 Avg Student Debt

University of the District of Columbia landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the small public school awarded 761 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $30,825 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from University of the District of Columbia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,806 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#8

Trinity Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
384 Total Awards
$52,904 Average Earnings
$34,183 Avg Student Debt

Trinity Washington University landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Washington, District of Columbia, and it awarded 384 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Trinity College accumulate an average of $34,183 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Trinity College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,904 during the early year of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#9

Gallaudet University

Washington, District of Columbia
378 Total Awards
$43,301 Average Earnings
$24,411 Avg Student Debt

Gallaudet University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Washington, District of Columbia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 378 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Gallaudet accumulate an average of $24,411 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Gallaudet graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,301 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read More…

#10

Career Technical Institute

Washington, District of Columbia
269 Total Awards
$19,954 Average Earnings
$12,044 Avg Student Debt

Career Technical Institute landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Washington, District of Columbia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 269 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,044 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Career Technical Institute, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $19,954 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read full report on Career Technical Institute

182 Total Awards
$61,584 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #11, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Washington DC did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. The Chicago School Washington DC Campus is a private not-for-profit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 182 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from The Chicago School Washington DC Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,584 during the early years of their career. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Washington DC

#12

Strayer University - District of Columbia

Washington, District of Columbia
166 Total Awards
$52,529 Average Earnings
$38,671 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Strayer University - District of Columbia did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Strayer University - District of Columbia is located in Washington, District of Columbia and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 166 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $38,671 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $121, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Strayer University - District of Columbia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,529 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read More…

#13

Wesley Theological Seminary

Washington, District of Columbia
135 Total Awards
$54,435 Average Earnings

Wesley Theological Seminary came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in District of Columbia ranking. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 135 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, Wesley Theological Seminary graduates make an average of $54,435 annually. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Wesley Theological Seminary Report

#14

Technical Learning Centers Inc

Washington, District of Columbia
112 Total Awards
$15,451 Average Earnings
$10,972 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Technical Learning Centers Inc did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Washington, District of Columbia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 112 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $10,972 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Prospect College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $15,451 during the early year of their career. Around 97% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Technical Learning Centers Inc

#15

The Salon Professional Academy - Washington DC

Washington, District of Columbia
85 Total Awards
$18,382 Average Earnings
$11,103 Avg Student Debt

The Salon Professional Academy - Washington DC did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. Washington, District of Columbia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 85 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from TSPA - Washington DC accumulate an average of $11,103 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, TSPA - Washington DC graduates make an average of $18,382 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Read More…

#16

Bennett Career Institute

Washington, District of Columbia
75 Total Awards
$18,305 Average Earnings
$13,246 Avg Student Debt

Bennett Career Institute ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in District of Columbia list. Bennett Career Institute is a very small private for-profit school located in Washington, District of Columbia that handed out 75 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Bennett Career Institute accumulate an average of $13,246 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Bennett Career Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $18,305 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Read full report on Bennett Career Institute

#17

University of the Potomac - Washington DC Campus

Washington, District of Columbia
47 Total Awards
$35,519 Avg Student Debt

University of the Potomac - Washington DC Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #17 on the list. University of the Potomac - Washington DC Campus is a private for-profit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 47 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $35,519 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of the Potomac - Washington DC Campus Report

#18

Institute of World Politics

Washington, District of Columbia
45 Total Awards
$59,451 Average Earnings

Institute of World Politics came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in District of Columbia ranking. Institute of World Politics is located in Washington, District of Columbia and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 45 degrees to qualified students.

Once they receive their degree, Institute of World Politics graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $59,451 during the early year of their career. Around 31% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Institute of World Politics Report

#19

Saint Michael College of Allied Health

Alexandria, District of Columbia
36 Total Awards
$54,671 Average Earnings

Saint Michael College of Allied Health landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Alexandria, District of Columbia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 36 students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, Saint Michael College of Allied Health graduates make an average of $54,671 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Read More…

36 Total Awards

Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 36 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 19% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies Report

21 Total Awards

With a ranking of #21, Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 21 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family Report

#22

National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

Washington, District of Columbia
17 Total Awards

National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 17 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts Report

Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 22 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.