Top Five Schools in Washington, D.C.
Georgetown University
Founded in 1789, Georgetown University was the first Roman Catholic University established in the United States. Its location in Washington, D.C. makes it the ideal setting for students who choose to study in its renowned departments of international relations and law. There are 6,853 undergraduate students enrolled at Georgetown, and they receive a world-class education from the university, which is currently ranked #24 in US News and World Report. The men's basketball team, nicknamed the Hoyas, is excellent, with more tournament wins than any other Big East program.
George Washington University
The George Washington University was established in 1821 as a private university, due greatly to the vision President George Washington had that there should be a world-class institution for higher learning in the capital. There are currently 18,813 undergraduate students at GWU, many of whom are enrolled in the university's excellent business and international affairs programs. The campus of GWU is located a mere four blocks from the White House, making it an ideal setting for students to make use of internship and research opportunities. George Washington University is ranked #54 in US News and World Report's list of America's Best Colleges.
American University
American University was founded in 1893 as a Methodist university and has since grown to enjoy the position of 85th on the list of America's Best Colleges in US News and World Report. The institution has an undergraduate enrollment of 5,962 students and boasts a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. American has a reputation for excellence in international affairs and foreign policy studies; and its students often receive the accolade of being among the nation's most politically active. Its School of Communication graduates the third largest number of students in the nation.
Howard University
A congressional order founded Howard University in 1867, and the university continues to be a prestigious historically black college funded partially by the federal government. However, from its inception this Washington, D.C. institution has been a coeducational, multicultural campus. Howard is the number one producer of black Ph.D.s in the country. The university has an undergraduate enrollment of 7,309 students and also has an excellent law school that has been the site of several important legal preparations for civil rights cases. Howard is now ranked #96 in US News and World Report.
Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America is often called 'Little Rome' or the 'Vatican of the West'. The main campus is found in the northwestern portion of the capital and has 3,123 undergraduate students. It was originally founded in 1887 as the American-based university of the Roman Catholic Church, the only institution of its type established by U.S. Roman Catholic bishops. Unusually diverse for a small, private college, Catholic University offers its students 83 academic programs and is now ranked #122 in US News and World Report's list of America's Best Colleges.
