Washington D.C. was established on July 16, 1790, as one of the most unique and historically significant American cities. The first President George Washington planned the national capital along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers to set it apart from the other states. Over 200 years later, Washington has evolved into a complex city, serving as a local town, a global power centre of American politics and a remarkable tourist destination. D.C., as they call it, is a stronghold of African-American heritage and is one of the nation's most inclusive cities for the LGBTQ+ community.
Washington, D.C.’s universities alone contribute close to $2 billion to the local economy. This sector stands as the largest employer, playing a crucial role in both employment and innovation. Notable universities like American University, Gallaudet University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Catholic University, Howard University, Trinity University, University of the District of Columbia and Corcoran College of Art and Design make study in Washington viable. The District takes pride in having one of the most educated populations in the country, with nearly 50% of its residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Why Study In Washington?
When students choose to study abroad in Washington, they have an abundance of 11 colleges and universities to choose and apply. This educational network is known to generate more than 30,000 jobs within Washington itself. However, colleges in Washington aren’t the only catch to moving here, find some other compelling reasons below:
Dynamic City Dynamics
Being a student in D.C. means witnessing history unfold as the city serves as the centre of crucial global decisions. We have the World Bank and International Monetary Fund headquarters located right here. It is therefore recognised as the historic heart of the U.S.
Abundant Attractions
In Washington, D.C., there's never a shortage of awe-inspiring sights. The city has iconic monuments, including the Capitol, White House and Supreme Court, alongside world-renowned museums like the Kennedy Centre. Students can also explore the Lincoln Memorial, war memorials and tributes to historical figures.
Vibrant Social Scene
Beyond the top universities in Washington, the exciting social scene is in abundance for students. The city has events taking place throughout the year, from outdoor movies on the National Mall to yoga sessions and concerts.
Diverse Cultural Melting Pot
Washington, D.C. brings together people from various backgrounds, beliefs and traditions. It is a known fact that about 800,000 people here are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Adding to that more than 333,000 are Asians. Hence the food and culture scene is always on the rise.
Top Universities And Global Ranking
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Washington, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 26,376
$ 28,256
#1001 - 1200
$ 26,376
$ 28,256
A historically black research university with a federal charter, Howard University (HU) is located in Washington, DC. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited it and placed it in the "R2: Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity" category. Since the beginning of its existence in 1867, the university has been nonsectarian and welcoming to persons of all sexes and races. More than any other historically black college or university (HBCU) in the US, it provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 120 disciplines.
Howard University’s acceptance rate stands at 35% with 10,859+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. There are 120 areas of study pursued by students which are offered within the 13 schools and colleges. More African Americans receive Ph.D. degrees on campus at HU than at any other university in the country. The university excels in the STEM domains. According to the National Science Foundation, the university is the top source of African-American undergraduates who go on to acquire doctorates in science and engineering. The university also has well-regarded social work, business, and communications programs. One Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows, and more than 165 Fulbright grantees have been produced by the institution to date.
The College of Medicine is well-known throughout the world for its illustrious history of preparing students to become capable and caring doctors who treat patients in underserved communities both domestically and abroad. The School of Law has been an architect of social change and an advocate for social justice for more than 150 years. In addition, the university has 1 Schwarzman Scholar, 3 Marshall Scholars, 4 Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows, and more than 165 Fulbright grantees, the university operates with a commitment to excellence in truth and service.
Washington, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 26,376
$ 28,320
#301
$ 26,376
$ 28,320
Georgetown University, Washington is a world-class academic and research institution that provides a one-of-a-kind educational experience that educates the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in the world. It boasts a thriving community of excellent students, staff, alumni, and professionals committed to putting our research, scholarship, faith, and service into action. Founded in 1789, Georgetown is the country's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. It draws on the 450-year-old Jesuit education history to present students with a world-class learning experience that focuses on teaching the full person via exposure to diverse faiths, cultures, and beliefs.
The university has been approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It has nearly 300 international partners, including Fudan University and Sophia University. Today, it is one of the world's finest institutions, providing students and faculty with a one-of-a-kind educational experience. Students are pushed to become individuals who interact in the world and serve others, particularly the most vulnerable and underprivileged members of the community. These ideals are important to Georgetown's character, uniting individuals of the community from many origins.
Georgetown’s academic structure comprises 9 schools that offer a range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive & professional programs with an international dimension. The colleges include -
- Georgetown College
- Robert E. McDonough School of Business
- Walsh School of Foreign Service
- Georgetown Law Center
- Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Nursing & Health Studies
- McCourt School of Public Policy
- School of Continuing Studies
- School of Medicine
Around 6,300 students enrol in the university every year from all 50 states and from more than 130 countries. More than 3,300 international students from more than 135 countries come to Washington to pursue their education at Georgetown. The institution’s staff includes academicians, political leaders, scientists, businessmen, economists, etc. Over 400 international scholars either teach or conduct research at the university. Georgetown also supports around 180 study-abroad programs in 52 countries, out of which students can select a semester, a year, or summer options.
Washington, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 26,376
$ 12,728
#711 - 720
$ 26,376
$ 12,728
American University (AU or American) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. The majority of its 90 acres main campus is located in Northwest Washington, D.C.'s Spring Valley neighbourhood on Ward Circle. John Fletcher Hurst, a Methodist bishop, pushed for the establishment of the university by advocating for its chartering through a congressional act in 1893. Hurst wanted to establish an organization that would encourage civic service, internationalism, and realistic idealism. The university began construction in 1902, launched as a graduate school in 1914, and welcomed its first freshmen in 1925.
The Washington College of Law, the Kogod School of Business, the School of Communication, the School of Professional and Extended Studies, the School of Public Affairs, the School of International Service, and the College of Arts and Sciences are the eight schools and colleges that makeup AU. It offers more than 170 programs, including JD, LLM, and SJD programs, 70+ Bachelor's degrees, 85+ Master's degrees, and 10+ Doctoral degrees. American University’s acceptance rate stands at 64% with over 14,000 students attending the university, representing all 50 US states as well as 141 other nations; about a fifth of the student body is international. It is listed as belonging to the category "R2: Doctoral Universities - High Research Activity".
Two Pulitzer Prize winners, two Nobel Prize winners, one US Senator, 25 US Representatives, 18 US Ambassadors, and many foreign heads of state are among the alumni, faculty, and employees of the university. It is one of the top five institutions for Congressional employees, the U.S. Foreign Service, and other governmental organizations. The institution is the owner of WAMU, the capital affiliate of National Public Radio, which has produced nationally and internationally broadcast programming like The Diane Rehm Show and the more current 1A, abbreviated as "the 1A," as in "the 1st Amendment."
Washington, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 26,376
$ 16,388
$ 26,376
$ 16,388
#583
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public university located in Washington, D.C., United States. It was established in 1851 as Miner Normal School, and it has undergone several name changes and institutional mergers over the years. In 1977, it became the University of the District of Columbia, and it is now the only public university in the District of Columbia.
UDC offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in various fields, including business, education, engineering and technology, health sciences, law, public affairs, and the arts and sciences. There are over 81-degree programmes which include 34 undergraduate, 27 postgraduate, 3 doctorate programmes and also 23 associate and 11 certificate degree s courses. All these programmes are offered through seven organised colleges which include:
- College of Agriculture
- Community College
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences
- School of Business and Public Administration
- College of Art and Sciences
- The David A. Clarke School of Law
It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and various specialized accrediting agencies. Its faculty includes scholars and practitioners in a variety of fields, and its graduates go on to pursue successful careers in various industries and sectors.
The university has a diverse student body, and it is committed to providing access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.
Washington, United States
Cost Of Living
$ 26,376
$ 28,273
#371
$ 26,376
$ 28,273
The George Washington University (GW) is a private research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Founded in 1821, GW is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit-affiliated institution of higher education in the nation's capital. The university has three campuses located in the District of Columbia: Foggy Bottom Campus, Mount Vernon Campus and Virginia Science & Technology Campus. The main campus at Mount Vernon opened as Columbian College on November 5, 1821; it was renamed George Washington University in 1904. It became known as "Washington College" after George Washington endowed it with an additional $20,000 in stocks just before his death to prevent the school from being sold after his death.
The university is organized into 14 colleges and schools, including the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (founded as Columbian College in 1821), the Elliott School of International Affairs, the GW School of Business, the School of Media and Public Affairs, the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (established in 1890 with The Corcoran Gallery of Art) and the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration.
GWU offers many programs related to international affairs, health sciences, arts, and politics. The university is a private research university located in Washington, D.C., with its main campus located in Foggy Bottom and its medical centre in the neighbouring Chinatown neighbourhood of Washington. George Washington University is most known for its programs in Journalism, Social Sciences, Psychology, Business, Engineering, etc. If you are looking to get accepted, apply with a strong application.
With a 50% acceptance rate, George Washington University admissions are more selective. An ACT score of between 30 and 34 or an SAT score between 1310 and 1490 is required for admission to George Washington University for half of the candidates. As of 2022-23, GWU had an enrollment of over 11,000 students (including 16,000 undergraduates), making it the largest undergraduate institution in D.C. and one of the largest private universities in America.
The university is famously located in the mecca of American Politics. Where the country hoisted its flag for the first time. Where policies and culture intersect, Washington is a heaven for students pursuing all kinds of subjects. With some of the most breathtakingly beautiful views of the country, you can visit the Smithsonian museum just a few metro stops away or a Trip to the Library of Congress.
Admission Process And Requirements
Even though university-specific processes and requirements may vary, the generic admission and documents required remain the same. Students need to apply on the respective universities' websites before the deadline. Find more information on this below:
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts
- GPA required: 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- English proficiency test scores. TOEFL-IBT/IELTS
- 2 Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose/Essay
- C.V. and portfolio
- Resume or CV
Admission Process
- Visit the specific university website and create an account.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your high school transcript and other documents.
- Submit all the applicable test scores from your specific program.
- Submit an application essay.
- Pay the application fee.
- Wait for a response from the admission committee.
Scholarships In Washington
Several hundreds of scholarships are offered by universities and foundations in the D.C. metro area. Whether for a bachelor's or master's in Washington, these financial aid options can cover partial to full tuition. Find the various scholarships in Washington below:
Georgetown University: The Presidential Scholarship and the Georgetown Scholarship, along with the Georgetown McDonough Scholars Program and the Hoya Promise Program are offered here.
- Amount: $1,000 to more than $60,000
The George Washington University: The Columbian College Scholarship and the Trustee's Scholarship, the GW Need-Based Grant and the DC Tuition Assistance Grant are the top 4 scholarships which students can apply.
- Amount: $10,000
The Washington Metropolitan Area Scholarship Foundation: The Capital City Scholarship and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Scholarship can be applied for.
- Amount: $10,000
The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region: This foundation provides a variety of scholarships for students from the D.C. metropolitan area, including the Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod Scholarship and the Alice M. Rivlin Scholarship.
- Amount: Variable
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF): These scholarships are reserved for African American students pursuing higher education, including the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative Scholarship and the UNCF/Ford Motor Company Scholarship.
- Amount: $100 million a year
FAQs
The White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are all located here. The nation’s top most university, Georgetown is here.
Washington has attractions like the Olympic Mountains, the San Juan Islands and Mount Rainier. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, the state is the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, The Boeing Co., and Microsoft Corp.
International students in D.C. experience all four seasons and a moderate year-round climate. They will reside in a city where 20% of the landscape is parks and scenic views.
Wallethub published a report on state school systems, revealing that although Washington was 15th in government spending, its overall school system was ranked 31st.
The cost of studying in Washington varies depending on the institution and the student's residency status. For example, the University of Washington's tuition is $41,997 for out-of-state students. Similarly, Washington State University's tuition is $27,042.
University District, Arbor Heights and Wallingford are some of the neighbourhoods where students are most concentrated.