What colleges are in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region

The DMV area has more than 50 colleges and universities, ranging from large research institutions to small liberal arts schools. The region includes some of the oldest and most selective universities in the United States, as well as community colleges that serve local students. Most are clustered in or near Washington DC, with additional schools spread across Maryland and Northern Virginia.

The schools vary widely in size, cost, and academic focus. Some are private institutions with national reputations; others are public universities serving primarily regional students. Community colleges in the area offer two-year degrees and transfer pathways to four-year programs. Understanding which schools exist in the region and where they are located is the first step if you are researching higher education options in the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV contains major research universities like Georgetown University, George Washington University, University of Maryland College Park, and Virginia Tech, as well as smaller private colleges and public community colleges.
  • Washington DC itself hosts multiple universities within the city limits, while Maryland and Virginia schools are located in suburbs and outlying areas.
  • Community colleges in each jurisdiction offer lower-cost entry points and often have agreements allowing students to transfer credits to four-year institutions.
  • The region's schools serve different student populations and have different admission standards, costs, and program offerings.

Major universities in Washington DC

Georgetown University is a private research university in Northwest DC. It is one of the oldest universities in the United States and is known for its law school, business school, and undergraduate programs. Georgetown is highly selective and among the most expensive schools in the region.

George Washington University is also a private research university located in DC, near the White House. It focuses on business, engineering, international affairs, and liberal arts. Like Georgetown, it is selective and has high tuition costs.

Howard University is a historically Black university in DC with strong programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the liberal arts. It is private and serves a large undergraduate and graduate population.

American University is a private research university in Northwest DC known for programs in communications, international relations, and public affairs. It is selective and among the higher-cost institutions in the region.

Catholic University of America is a private Catholic university in Northeast DC offering undergraduate and graduate programs across many fields. It is less selective than Georgetown or George Washington but still private and moderately expensive.

Public universities in Maryland

University of Maryland College Park is the flagship public university in Maryland, located about 10 miles northeast of DC. It is a large research institution with strong engineering, business, and liberal arts programs. As a public university, it has lower tuition for Maryland residents than private schools charge, though out-of-state tuition is higher.

University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) is located in Catonsville, Maryland, about 20 miles north of DC. It is known for engineering, information technology, and sciences. UMBC is public and less selective than College Park.

Towson University is a public university in Towson, Maryland, about 25 miles north of DC. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs and is less selective than the University of Maryland system schools.

Morgan State University is a historically Black public university in Baltimore, about 40 miles north of DC. It has strong engineering and business programs and serves a large population of regional students.

Public universities in Virginia

University of Virginia is the flagship public university in Virginia, located in Charlottesville, about 120 miles south of DC. It is a highly selective research university with strong programs across engineering, business, law, and the liberal arts. As a public university, it offers lower tuition for Virginia residents.

Virginia Tech is a large public research university in Blacksburg, Virginia, about 200 miles southwest of DC. It is known for engineering, agriculture, and business programs. Virginia Tech is selective and serves many students from across Virginia and beyond.

George Mason University is a public research university in Fairfax, Virginia, about 20 miles west of DC. It is less selective than UVA or Virginia Tech and serves a large commuter population from the Northern Virginia region.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university in Richmond, Virginia, about 100 miles south of DC. It has strong programs in engineering, business, and the health professions.

Community colleges in the DMV

Community colleges in the region offer two-year associate degrees and certificate programs at lower cost than four-year universities. Many have agreements with four-year schools allowing students to transfer credits after completing their first two years.

In DC: The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public community and four-year university serving DC residents. It has multiple campuses and offers affordable tuition for DC residents.

In Maryland: Montgomery College serves the Montgomery County area with multiple campuses. Prince George's Community College serves Prince George's County. Both are public institutions with low tuition for Maryland residents.

In Virginia: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) serves Northern Virginia with multiple campuses and is one of the largest community colleges in the region. Tidewater Community College serves the Hampton Roads area. Both offer affordable tuition for Virginia residents.

Smaller private colleges in the region

Beyond the major universities, the DMV area has several smaller private colleges. Trinity Washington University is a private liberal arts university in DC. Marymount University is a private Catholic university in Arlington, Virginia. Gallaudet University is a private university in DC focused on deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

The region also has specialized institutions. The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (now part of George Washington University) focuses on visual arts. Howard University School of Divinity and other seminary and graduate-focused schools serve specific student populations.

These smaller schools typically have lower enrollment than the major research universities and may offer more personalized instruction, though tuition varies widely.

How to research schools in the DMV

If you are researching colleges in the region, start by identifying what matters most to you: cost, location, program offerings, selectivity, or school size. Public universities generally cost less for in-state residents, while private schools have uniform pricing regardless of residency. Community colleges are the lowest-cost entry point and allow you to complete general education requirements before transferring.

Most schools in the region have websites with information about programs, tuition, and admission requirements. The Common process is used by many selective schools for admissions. If you are a high school student, your school counselor can provide information about local schools and their requirements.

Visiting campuses in person or virtually can help you understand the environment and whether a school is a good fit. Many schools offer campus tours, information sessions, and open houses throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a public and private university?

Public universities are funded by state government and charge lower tuition for in-state residents, though out-of-state tuition is often comparable to private school costs. Private universities are funded through tuition, endowments, and donations, and charge the same tuition to all students regardless of where they live. Public universities in the DMV include University of Maryland College Park, George Mason University, and Virginia Tech. Private universities include Georgetown, George Washington, and Howard.

Can I transfer from a community college to a four-year university?

Yes. Most community colleges in the DMV have transfer agreements with four-year universities. If you complete an associate degree or specific general education requirements at a community college, you can transfer those credits to a four-year school. This path typically costs less for the first two years and allows you to explore your major before committing to a university.

Which DMV colleges are the most selective?

Georgetown University, University of Virginia, and George Washington University are among the most selective schools in the region and have high admission standards. Virginia Tech and University of Maryland College Park are also selective but admit a larger percentage of applicants. Community colleges and some four-year public universities have open or rolling admissions with lower barriers to entry.

Do I have to live on campus at a DMV college?

No. Many schools in the region, particularly George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and other commuter-focused institutions, serve students who live at home. Large universities like University of Maryland College Park and Georgetown have on-campus housing but also serve commuter students. Community colleges typically do not offer on-campus housing.

What if I am not sure what I want to study?

Starting at a community college allows you to take general education courses and explore different subjects before deciding on a major and transferring to a four-year university. Many four-year universities also allow you to enter as an undeclared major and explore options during your first year before committing to a specific program.