Best colleges in District of Columbia, ranked by ROI
We rank all 9 District of Columbia institutions we profile by payback years — total net cost divided by earnings above the $48,360 high-school baseline. The state's median net price is $29,561/yr (above the $16,902 national median), and its graduates earn a median $63,066 ten years out (above the $43,549 national median). Georgetown University leads, clearing its cost in 3 years. (Scorecard, 2026.)
$29,561
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$63,066
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
5 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
9
Colleges ranked
degreedividend.com
| # | College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown University | $40,815 | $103,494 | 3 yrs |
| 2 | George Washington University | $36,586 | $90,873 | 3.4 yrs |
| 3 | The Catholic University of America | $29,561 | $73,250 | 4.8 yrs |
| 4 | American University | $41,943 | $77,370 | 5.8 yrs |
| 5 | Trinity Washington University | $9,302 | $53,804 | 6.8 yrs |
| 6 | Howard University | $50,539 | $63,066 | 13.7 yrs |
| 7 | University of the District of Columbia | $10,648 | $44,236 | no payback |
| 8 | Gallaudet University | $15,845 | $43,101 | no payback |
| 9 | Strayer University-Global Region | $17,833 | $40,092 | no payback |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · ranking and payback are our math. Payback uses institution-wide earnings; a specific major can rank very differently.
Colleges in District of Columbia: frequently asked questions
Which college has the best ROI in District of Columbia?
Georgetown University. It charges $40,815/yr after aid and its graduates earn a median $103,494 ten years out, clearing the cost in about 3 years — the fastest payback of the 9 District of Columbia colleges we track.
How much does college cost in District of Columbia?
The median net price across District of Columbia colleges is $29,561/yr after grants and scholarships — above the $16,902 national median. That is the actual price the typical aided student pays, not the published sticker.
What do District of Columbia college graduates earn?
A median $63,066 ten years after entry (Scorecard), above the $43,549 national median. Earnings vary widely by school and major — see each college's profile for its own figure.
How many District of Columbia colleges pay for themselves?
6 of the 9 District of Columbia colleges we track clear their cost on institution-wide earnings above the high-school baseline. The rest need a high-ROI major to pay off — the school average alone does not.