Best Online Colleges in Washington, D.C.

Discover the best online colleges in the District of Columbia and find the option that offers the program and structure that suits your needs.
Stefanie Grodman
By
Updated September 24, 2024
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In 2019, Washington, D.C. had a 49.7% college attainment rate, surpassing the national average of 36%. The median household in Washington, D.C. earned $101,649 per year, well above the national median household income of $68,703. With an educated population and ample career opportunities, it’s no surprise that the nation’s capital houses many accredited colleges and universities.

Washington, D.C. is the central location of the United States federal government and hosts 176 foreign embassies, the World Bank headquarters, and numerous private companies. Attending a District of Columbia-based college can be desirable, especially for students looking to pursue politics, law, or international relations.

Many accredited institutions in Washington, D.C. offer online programs, allowing students greater geographic flexibility. Explore this list to compare the best online colleges in Washington, D.C.

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Best Accredited Online Colleges in Washington, D.C.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

#1

George Washington University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Earning a place among the best online colleges in Washington, D.C., GW offers more than 70 online programs, including an RN-to-BSN degree, a master's degree in public health, and a doctoral degree in engineering. GW's online programs deliver coursework both synchronously and asynchronously, and courses last 6-14 weeks.

GW offers part-time and full-time enrollment, and programs typically start in the fall. Admission requirements vary, but prospective undergraduate students typically need a high school diploma, whereas graduate applicants may need a minimum 3.0 GPA and GMAT or GRE scores. GW offers the same tuition rates for state residents and nonresidents.

GW is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

25%

Online Enrollment

$60,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

90%

Retention Rate

$60,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
25,939
Institution Type
Private
#2

Gallaudet University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Gallaudet University offers five online and hybrid programs, although two programs did not accept new applications as of June 2021. The university offers bachelor's completion programs in deaf studies and psychology and master's degrees in counseling and education. Some online classes run through accelerated and asynchronous eight-week sessions, whereas others run synchronously.

Prospective undergraduates need a high school diploma, while prospective graduate students usually need a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and satisfactory scores on the GMAT or GRE. Most online students pay the same tuition rates, though learners from developing countries may receive discounts.

Gallaudet University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

39%

Online Enrollment

$16,512

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

73%

Retention Rate

$16,512

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
1,322
Institution Type
Private

Top Degree Programs in Washington, D.C.


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