Georgetown University campus with historic Healy Hall gothic architecture and green lawns
World-Class Higher Education

Universities in Washington DC

The US capital is one of the world's great university cities — home to globally ranked institutions, unrivalled internship opportunities, and campuses that are sights in themselves.

6 Major Universities International Students Welcome Campus Visits
The DC Advantage

Why Washington DC is a World-Class University City

No other city on earth puts students this close to the levers of global power — government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, embassies and the world's most prestigious policy institutions are all within Metro distance.

Government Access

Internships at Congress, the White House, State Department, and hundreds of federal agencies — unlike any other city.

International Reach

World Bank, IMF, Inter-American Development Bank and 170+ embassies — an unparalleled environment for international relations students.

Research Excellence

NIH, NASA, Smithsonian, NIST and the Library of Congress are all within reach — extraordinary resources for research students in every field.

Career Launchpad

DC graduates have some of the highest employment rates and salary premiums in the US — particularly in law, policy, international affairs and technology.

The Major Institutions

Washington DC's Leading Universities

Georgetown University Healy Hall gothic architecture with student on campus
Private Research University · Est. 1789

Georgetown University

America's oldest Jesuit and Catholic university — and arguably the most prestigious university in Washington DC. Georgetown is globally renowned for its School of Foreign Service (the world's leading international affairs school), Law Center, and McDonough School of Business. Its stunning Gothic campus in the Georgetown neighborhood is a landmark in its own right.

~20,000Students
~4,000International Students
Top 25US News Ranking
~15%Acceptance Rate
International Affairs Law Business Medicine
🗺️
Campus Visit

Georgetown's campus is free to walk. Take the DC Circulator from Foggy Bottom Metro. The Healy Hall building and Gaston Hall are architectural highlights. Admissions tours run weekdays — book at georgetown.edu/admissions.

University campus with modern academic buildings and green lawns in Washington DC
Private Research University · Est. 1821

George Washington University

Located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood — steps from the White House and State Department — GWU is the ultimate DC immersion university. Its urban campus puts students at the absolute center of American political and cultural life. Particularly strong in political science, international affairs, law, and public health. GWU students joke they "live in a museum" — with the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial and National Mall all within walking distance.

~27,000Students
~5,000International Students
Top 65US News Ranking
~41%Acceptance Rate
Political Science Public Health Engineering Media & Public Affairs
🗺️
Campus Visit

Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro station (Blue/Orange/Silver) opens right onto campus. Self-guided tours available via the GWU app. The Kogan Plaza and Smith Hall of Art are campus highlights. Visitors are welcome to explore the open urban campus.

Howard University campus red brick buildings with diverse students in Washington DC
Private HBCU Research University · Est. 1867

Howard University

One of America's most storied and distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Howard University has produced generations of civil rights leaders, judges, scientists, artists and public figures. Located in the historic Shaw neighborhood — the heart of Black Washington — Howard's College of Medicine, Law School, and School of Communications are among its most celebrated programs. Notable alumni include Vice President Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, and Zora Neale Hurston.

~11,000Students
~1,200International Students
Top 130US News Ranking
~37%Acceptance Rate
Law Medicine Communications Business
🗺️
Campus Visit

Howard University is located in the Shaw/U Street neighborhood. The Shaw-Howard Metro station (Green/Yellow Line) is a 10-min walk from the main campus. Campus tours available through the admissions office at howard.edu. The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center on campus houses one of the world's most important African diaspora archives — open to researchers and visitors.

American University campus with students on green lawns in Washington DC
Private Research University · Est. 1893

American University

Set on a beautiful 84-acre wooded campus in the upscale Tenleytown neighborhood of Northwest DC, American University is particularly well-regarded for its School of International Service (one of the largest IR schools in the world), Washington College of Law, and School of Public Affairs. AU's location and culture make it a hub for students passionate about diplomacy, policy and advocacy. Its proximity to Capitol Hill and Embassy Row creates unrivalled networking opportunities.

~14,000Students
~2,600International Students
Top 75US News Ranking
~35%Acceptance Rate
International Relations Public Affairs Communications Law
🗺️
Campus Visit

Tenleytown–AU Metro station (Red Line) has a free shuttle to campus every 10 minutes. The beautifully landscaped campus is open to visitors. Admissions tours run Monday–Friday — book at american.edu/admissions. The Katzen Arts Center on campus is open to the public with rotating exhibitions.

Also Worth Knowing

More DC Universities & Colleges

University Type Est. Known For Location Metro
Catholic University of America Private, Catholic 1887 Law, Philosophy, Architecture, Music Brookland Red Line — Brookland
George Mason University Public Research 1949 Economics (Nobel laureates!), CS, Policy Fairfax, VA (DC campus) Silver Line — Ballston
University of the District of Columbia Public HBCU 1851 Urban planning, Education, Law (open access) Van Ness, NW DC Red Line — Van Ness
Trinity Washington University Private, Catholic 1897 Women's college (historic); Education, Business Brookland Red Line — Brookland
Gallaudet University Private (deaf students) 1864 Only liberal arts university in the world for deaf & hard of hearing Capitol Hill Red Line — Union Station
NDU (National Defense University) Federal Military 1976 National security, defense strategy (military officers) Fort Lesley J. McNair Green Line — Waterfront
Prospective International Students

Studying in Washington DC as an International Student

DC universities welcome international students from over 150 countries. Here's what you need to know before applying.

Getting Started

Most international students attend DC universities on an F-1 student visa. You'll need an acceptance letter and Form I-20 from your university, proof of financial support, a valid passport, and a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy. Allow 3–6 months for the visa process. SEVIS fee (~$350) is required before your visa interview. Check travel.state.gov for the latest requirements.
Annual tuition at DC's private universities ranges from $55,000–$65,000+ (USD) before fees and living costs. Georgetown, GWU and American University all offer need-based financial aid to international students, though awards are limited. Howard University is historically more affordable and offers specific international scholarships. Government and Fulbright scholarships are worth exploring for eligible countries.
On-campus dormitory housing typically costs $12,000–18,000/year. Off-campus apartments in DC neighborhoods range from $1,400–2,800/month for a room (shared housing). Popular student neighborhoods: Foggy Bottom (GWU), Georgetown (Georgetown University), Tenleytown (American University), Columbia Heights (Howard University). Budget ~$25,000–35,000/year total for living expenses in DC.
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20hrs/week during studies. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months of post-graduation work in your field of study (STEM graduates may extend to 36 months with STEM OPT). DC's concentration of federal agencies, think tanks and international organizations makes it one of the best cities in the US for OPT employment.

Student Life in DC

Washington DC has one of the most internationally diverse student populations in the US. All major DC universities have active international student offices, dedicated orientation programs, language support, and cultural clubs. The presence of 170+ embassies and international organizations means students from every country will find community and cultural connection in DC.
International students on F-1 visas are required to maintain health insurance. Most DC universities mandate enrollment in the university's student health plan (typically $2,500–4,000/year). Students from countries with national health systems are often surprised by US healthcare costs — comprehensive insurance is absolutely essential. The student health center on campus provides basic care.
Most DC university campuses are well-served by Metro. Students qualify for a reduced-fare SmarTrip card with university ID. Capital Bikeshare offers student annual memberships at a reduced rate. Most students don't need a car — the Metro, bus system and bikeshare cover everything. Parking on campus is expensive and limited.
DC's internship culture is unique — students regularly complete internships at Congress, executive agencies, think tanks, international organizations, law firms, and media organizations while studying. Georgetown, GWU and American University have dedicated internship and career placement offices with deep government and NGO connections. Many DC internships are unpaid (or offer academic credit) — budget accordingly.
For Prospective Students & Tourists

Campus Visit Guide

DC university campuses are some of the city's finest architectural gems — worth visiting even if you're not a prospective student.

Georgetown University gothic Healy Hall campus with student Most Scenic

Georgetown University

Stunning Gothic Revival campus overlooking the Potomac. Healy Hall's clock tower is DC's most dramatic campus building. Free to walk — combine with a Georgetown neighborhood exploration.

🚌 DC Circulator from Foggy BottomFree
Howard University campus red brick buildings with students Historic HBCU

Howard University

Visit the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Founders Library and Cramton Auditorium — all on a beautiful historic campus. Combine with a walk along U Street / Black Broadway.

🚇 Shaw-Howard Metro (Green/Yellow)Free
American University campus with green lawns and academic buildings Wooded Campus

American University

Beautiful 84-acre wooded campus with a peaceful, collegiate atmosphere. The Katzen Arts Center hosts free public art exhibitions. A pleasant half-day visit in the Tenleytown neighborhood.

🚇 Tenleytown Metro (Red Line)Free

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