Washington DC is full of jobs that require highly skilled and educated professionals.
Whether you work for a government agency, a consultancy, a lobbying group, or a federal contractor, you are living and working among one of the most educated workforces in the country. In fact, a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute found that the DMV constitutes the second most educated populace in the US, behind only Ann Arbor, MI.
Many of those highly educated policy wonks got their start at one of the world-class colleges and universities in the DC area. Whether you are moving to the District as an undergrad, looking at one of these schools for grad or law school, or thinking ahead to a child’s educational future, there are many educational options for area residents.
Georgetown University
Established in 1789, Georgetown is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Its Catholic and Jesuit foundations form the basis of its academic and research philosophy, and its nine schools offer a range of options for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Its Hoya sports teams as well as a variety of continuing education, guest speakers, and visiting artists offer opportunities for not only the students and alumni but also community members to participate in programming and activities. Georgetown also has a global reach, with hundreds of study abroad and international partner agreements as well as 15,000 plus alumni living and working abroad.
George Washington University
From its Foggy Bottom Campus, GW gives students the opportunity to participate in not only a rich academic life but a real engagement with its DC setting.
Offering more than 12,000 internship opportunities, GW has been repeatedly recognized by Princeton Review as the top internship program in the country. Sports, clubs, the arts, and more are available for a traditional college experience as well, with thousands of opportunities to participate in campus activities.
Academically, there is an emphasis on cross-disciplinary studies along with more than 80 centers and institutes alongside traditional academic programs.
Howard University
Celebrating its 150th year, Howard University is a private, research university located two miles from Capitol Hill in Northwest DC.
As an HBCU, Howard has a rich and diverse history and its law school, in particular, has fostered advocacy for social justice and change. Howard has created standout STEM programs, and its Medical School is particularly well-regarded. In addition, Howard’s arts programs have received a great deal of attention, and it was recently named an “Incubator for Cinematographers” by the Washington Post.
American University
A private research university in Northwest DC affiliated with the Methodist Church, AU was the brainchild of George Washington, who advocated the establishment of a national university.
Consistently ranked one of the most political campuses in the country, its public policy, foreign affairs, and Washington College of Law are particularly central to this reputation. It is also known for its Washington Semester program which partners with more than 250 other institutions to bring students to DC for experiential learning in political and public policy.
The program boasts many illustrious political figures, Representative Paul Ryan being one.
Catholic University of America
Located in the Brookland neighborhood and dating from the late 1800s, CUA is well-regarded and has been called one of the best values of any private university in the country by a number of publications and analysts. It has also been recognized for its commitment to environmentalism and community service.
Particular emphasis has been placed on liberal arts and professional degrees, and the university houses both a law school and a school of canon law. In addition, research centers and facilities include studies as diverse as STEM programs to Byzantine Studies to the Institute for Social Justice.
Gallaudet University
Dating from the mid-1800s, Gallaudet is a private university for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing which began as a grammar school for both deaf and blind children. The school is officially bilingual, with both ASL and English as the official languages.
The university has been at the forefront of research, cultural, and political aspects of deaf culture and its Research Institute publishes three academic journals. Academic programs for a variety of liberal arts and business majors are the most popular at the school.
University of the District of Columbia
The only public university in the District, UDC is a land-grant university featuring 68-degree programs as well as a community college division. The University has many programs that focus on its urban setting, including its College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences and its School of Business and Public Administration.
The main campus in the North Cleveland Park neighborhood was originally a commuter school but began to develop on-campus residence halls in 2010.
Trinity Washington University
Beginning as a Catholic women’s college in 1897, Trinity is a Catholic university that currently admits men into programs in the School of Education and the School of Professional Studies. Although it has a small student body, the university has a number of impressive graduate studies programs, include
ing its MBA and MS in Information Security Management. Trinity is also the only private university in the district to offer classes in satellite locations in the District’s economically disadvantaged communities.
Whatever your educational goals, you’re sure to find a program you’ll love at one of the distinguished DC colleges and universities. And if you’re looking for a home near your chosen school, let us help! Sign in and let your Eng Garcia Realtor begin a custom search in your ideal neighborhood and get you closer to the action.