Academic Index Last updated: June 23, 2026

11 Best Universities in Washington, DC

Our data-driven ranking evaluates 11 elite institutions across Washington, DC to determine true academic prominence. By assessing 299.8K research papers and their 8.57M citations, we reveal the most impactful research centers. Factoring in the global influence of 46.2K notable graduates, this index isolates true institutional success beyond traditional prestige.

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1

Georgetown University

#51 in United States #55 in North America

13% Acceptance

29,640 Enrollment

1470 Avg SAT

1789 Founded

2

George Washington University

#66 in United States #72 in North America

47% Acceptance

29,640 Enrollment

1425 Avg SAT

1821 Founded

3

American University in Washington

#136 in United States #157 in North America

62% Acceptance

7,476 Enrollment

1370 Avg SAT

1893 Founded

4

Howard University

#179 in United States #203 in North America

41% Acceptance

29,640 Enrollment

1205 Avg SAT

1867 Founded

5

Catholic University of America

#212 in United States #239 in North America

83% Acceptance

3,177 Enrollment

1465 Avg SAT

1887 Founded

6

Gallaudet University

#461 in United States #509 in North America

58% Acceptance

9,377 Enrollment

901 Avg SAT

1864 Founded

7

University of the District of Columbia

#602 in United States #659 in North America

100% Acceptance

14,074 Enrollment

1140 Avg SAT

1977 Founded

8

Wesley Theological Seminary

#1628 in United States #1715 in North America

83% Acceptance

159 Enrollment

1125 Avg SAT

9

Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family

#1797 in United States #1886 in North America

95% Acceptance

200 Enrollment

868 Avg SAT

10

Institute of World Politics

#1982 in United States #2075 in North America

81% Acceptance

1990 Founded

11

University of the District of Columbia – David A Clarke School of Law

#2120 in United States #2217 in North America

81% Acceptance