Ranking

Most Selective Colleges in District of Columbia by Acceptance Rate 2026

Georgetown University leads this list with a reported acceptance rate of 12.9%. This page ranks only schools with standard reported admissions data.

The hardest District of Columbia colleges to get into — ranked by lowest undergraduate acceptance.

Schools ranked: 7
Cheapest net price: $9,302
Top earnings 10y: $103,494
Public / Private: 0 / 7

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 12.9%
Net price: $40,815
Earnings 10y: $103,494
Acceptance: 12.9%

Howard University

Washington, DC · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 41.3%
Net price: $50,539
Earnings 10y: $63,066
Acceptance: 41.3%

George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 47.1%
Net price: $36,586
Earnings 10y: $90,873
Acceptance: 47.1%

Gallaudet University

Washington, DC · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 58.1%
Net price: $15,845
Earnings 10y: $43,101
Acceptance: 58.1%

American University

Washington, DC · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 62%
Net price: $41,943
Earnings 10y: $77,370
Acceptance: 62%

The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 82.8%
Net price: $29,561
Earnings 10y: $73,250
Acceptance: 82.8%

Trinity Washington University

Washington, DC · Private Non-Profit

Acceptance: 99.5%
Net price: $9,302
Earnings 10y: $53,804
Acceptance: 99.5%

How we picked this list

This list starts with District of Columbia colleges that report a standard admission rate, then sorts by acceptance rate. The set's average EduGradify ROI score is 6.82 (0 public, 7 private).

Source transparency: every figure comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard public data set. See our full methodology for the ROI formula, value grade rules and missing-data handling.

Related lists

All EduGradify rankings → All District of Columbia colleges → Highest ROI colleges nationwide →Cheapest US colleges →Best public colleges by ROI →Best private colleges by ROI →Best District of Columbia colleges by ROI →Cheapest District of Columbia colleges →

FAQ

Who leads this ranking?

Georgetown University in Washington, DC tops this ranking. Acceptance rate is 12.9%.

How does EduGradify pick this list?

We rank this set by acceptance using the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — see our methodology for the full formula. No paid placements, no surveys.

How many District of Columbia colleges are in this list?

7 District of Columbia colleges qualified for this ranking based on available federal data.

What does net price mean here?

Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — not the sticker price. It is reported by each college to the U.S. Department of Education.

Can I use this ranking as a final college decision?

Use it as a shortlist, not a final decision. The ranking compares school-wide federal data; you should still confirm program fit, aid letters, graduation path, transfer policies and current costs with each college.