Why Visit D.C.?
Washington, D.C., is not only the political and cultural heart of the U.S., but it also hosts a variety of prestigious colleges and universities. From Ivy League institutions to unique HBCUs and global powerhouses in policy and law, D.C. offers diverse educational opportunities with easy access to internships and real-world experiences. The city's mix of history, politics, and vibrant urban life makes it an exciting place to explore higher education.
Top Colleges in and Around D.C.
Here are 7 (+3) well-known schools in the D.C. area to consider:
Georgetown University
- Overview: Georgetown, founded in 1789, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the U.S. Known for its strong programs in law, international relations, and business, Georgetown combines rigorous academics with a global perspective. Its location in the heart of D.C. offers students unparalleled access to political, business, and cultural centers.
- Tour Link: Georgetown Tour Registration
- Must-See: The iconic Healy Hall, Dahlgren Chapel, and the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Don’t miss a stroll through the historic neighborhood and Georgetown’s charming cobblestone streets.
- Nearby Eats: The Tombs for a long-time student favorite, or Yellow for a quick pastry, sandwich, or coffee.
- Tip: Georgetown’s campus is on a hill, so expect to walk a bit uphill when moving between buildings. Wear comfortable shoes!
George Washington University (GWU)
- Overview: Located in the heart of D.C., GWU offers students immediate access to the city’s political and professional landscape. With strong programs in law, international relations, and business, GWU is perfect for students looking to build connections and gain hands-on experience in D.C.'s fast-paced environment.
- Tour Link: GWU Tour Registration
- Must-See: The iconic GWU Library, the Quad, and the Washington Monument, which is located just a short walk away.
- Nearby Eats: Founding Farmers for hearty American food or Tonic for student-favorite pub food.
- Tip: GWU’s central location means there’s always something going on. Take time to explore the National Mall after your tour to see some of D.C.’s most famous landmarks.
American University
- Overview: American University is well-known for its focus on international relations, public policy, and communications. With a strong commitment to community service and social justice, AU offers a well-rounded liberal arts education in a vibrant, engaged campus.
- Tour Link: American University Tour Registration
- Must-See: The AU Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, the historic university chapel, and the scenic campus grounds.
- Nearby Eats: Beyond the many great offerings on campus (like Qdoba, Terrace Dining Room, Halal Shack, and True Burger), Tenley Town is bustling with cafes and restaurants. Enjoy the stroll and poke around American University’s Tenley Campus while you do!
- Tip: AU has a beautiful, sprawling campus. Make sure to check out their nature trails and the beautiful green spaces around the campus.
Howard University
- Overview: Howard University is one of the most historically significant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and community engagement, Howard provides strong programs in law, medicine, arts, and more.
- Tour Link: Howard University Tour Registration
- Must-See: The Founders Library, the Howard University Quadrangle, and the historic Cramton Auditorium.
- Nearby Eats: Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution, or Haikan for great ramen.
- Tip: Howard’s vibrant campus has rich cultural traditions. Be sure to connect with the campus community and learn about the university’s legacy in shaping African American leadership.
Catholic University of America
- Overview: Catholic University offers a traditional liberal arts education with an emphasis on faith and service. Located in a quieter part of D.C., it’s ideal for students who want a tight-knit community while still being close to D.C.’s major institutions. The university is known for its programs in theology, engineering, and architecture.
- Tour Link: Catholic University Tour Registration
- Must-See: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the stunning Hartke Theater.
- Nearby Eats: Busboys and Poets offers a casual cafe atmosphere, or stay on campus at Murphy’s Grill.
- Tip: Catholic University’s peaceful, green campus is great for reflection and quiet study, offering a contrast to the hustle and bustle of D.C. itself.
University of Maryland, College Park or Shady Grove (D.C. campus)
- Overview: The University of Maryland is the flagship public university of the state and a leading research institution. Known for its strengths in engineering, business, computer science, and public policy, UMD combines academic rigor with a spirited campus life. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. offers students access to internships, federal agencies, and research opportunities while enjoying the space and resources of a large suburban campus. The University of Maryland’s Washington, D.C. campus provides a specialized academic experience with access to the D.C. area’s robust professional landscape.
- Tour Link: UMD Campus Visit Registration; UMD DC Campus Tour Registration
- Must-See: McKeldin Mall (the heart of campus), the iconic Testudo statue, and the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering. If you visit the D.C. campus, check out the surrounding Rockville area for its close-knit community.
- Nearby Eats: Head to nearby College Park favorites like The Board and Brew for games and snacks, or Marathon Deli for classic college fare. Get some coffee at Compass Coffee for a local roast.
- Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore D.C. via the nearby Metro stop—it’s a big part of what makes UMD such a uniquely connected campus.
George Mason University
- Overview: George Mason is Virginia’s largest public research university, known for its strong programs in public policy, cybersecurity, business, and the social sciences. Located in Fairfax, just outside Washington, D.C., Mason offers students the benefits of a suburban campus with easy access to one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country. Its diverse student body and emphasis on innovation and civic engagement make it a standout among public institutions.
- Tour Link: George Mason University Campus Visit Registration
- Must-See: The Johnson Center (student hub), Mason Pond, and the George Mason statue—rubbing his toe is a campus tradition!
- Nearby Eats: Check out Courthouse Thai or The Auld Shebeen for a local student hangout feel. Recaffeinate at De Clieu Coffee and Sandwich.
- Tip: Take advantage of Mason’s strong ties to D.C.—many students land internships on Capitol Hill, with NGOs, or in tech firms while still undergrads.
Have time to hop up to Baltimore?
If you plan around traffic, Baltimore could be under an hour away.
- Johns Hopkins University - tour link
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County - tour link
- Loyola University Maryland - tour link
Just starting out in your college research journey? Groupings by vibe:
🏛️ Traditional & Elite
- Georgetown
- Johns Hopkins
- GWU
- Howard
🏙️ Urban & Career-Oriented (Visit one or two max—AU and GWU are often compared)
- GWU
- AU
- UMBC - strong in STEM
- UMCP - state flagship
📚 Liberal Arts or Suburban
- George Mason
- Catholic University of America
🎨 Creative/Communications Focus
- Howard
Know what you’re looking for academically? Groupings by academic interest:
- STEM/Engineering → Georgetown, George Washington University, UMBC, UMCP
- Pre-law/Political Science / IR → Georgetown, George Washington University, American University, George Mason, Johns Hopkins, Howard
- Creative Arts/Media/Writing → American University, Catholic University, Howard University
- Business/Economics → George Washington University, Georgetown, University of Maryland, George Mason, UMCP, Loyola
- Health/Nursing/Social Work → Howard University, Johns Hopkins, Howard
- Liberal Arts/Undecided → Catholic University, American University
Recommended itineraries
⭐ 3-Day Plan
Day 1 – Prestigous Core
- Morning: Georgetown
- Afternoon: GWU
- Optional: Walk the National Mall
Day 2 – Government & Public Service Focus
- Morning: Howard
- Afternoon: AU
- Optional: Visit UDC’s unique public offerings
Day 3 – Suburban, Fairfax, or Baltimore
- Morning: Catholic University of America OR George Mason OR Johns Hopkins
- Afternoon: If Baltimore, head to UMBC; otherwise, explore!
- Optional: Explore D.C.’s monuments or museums after campus visits
Tips for visiting D.C.
- Transit: Use the Metrorail and Metrobus for easy access between campuses.
- Booking: Make tour reservations early—especially for schools like Georgetown and GWU, as their tours tend to fill up fast.
- Traffic: Plan your day to avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) in D.C.
- Walking shoes: Expect a lot of walking around each campus, as many are spread out across D.C.
- Food tip: D.C. is home to a wealth of dining options, so take the chance to try some local favorites, especially in Georgetown and around the National Mall.
Happy touring! And don’t forget to register for a proper tour!
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