The Best Business Schools in DC for 2026
The best business schools in DC are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name on the building. Hakia analyzed 202 accredited business programs in Washington DC and the surrounding metro and ranked 18 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Tuition across the 18 ranked schools runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year, a $62,604 spread for the same credential.
University of Maryland-College Park leads with a 97.8 Hakia Score on an 89% graduation rate, at $10,087 a year. Across all 18 ranked business schools in DC the average graduation rate is 57%, ranging from 29% to 95%. 5 of the 18 are public and 13 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at what actually separates the business schools in DC: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. This list covers the DC metro, so some schools sit in Maryland or Virginia; the city of each is shown in the table. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Business Schools in DC
- University of Maryland-College Park ranks first among business schools in DC with a 97.8 Hakia Score and an 89% graduation rate.
- Tuition across the 18 ranked business schools in DC spans $5,292 to $67,896 a year, a $62,604 gap for the same credential.
- The 18 ranked business schools in DC graduate 57% of students on average, from 29% to 95%.
- 5 of the 18 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate is what District of Columbia residents actually pay.
- 6 of the 18 offer a confirmed online option, which matters in a city where commuting time is the real cost.
Hakia analyzed 202 accredited business programs in Washington DC and the surrounding metro reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes, then ranked one entry per school on its strongest program. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 18 Best Business Schools in DC, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MD | Public | $10,087 | 89% | 45% | 97.8 |
| 2 | Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $67,896 | 95% | 13% | 97.3 |
| 3 | George Washington UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $67,420 | 84% | 47% | 96.7 |
| 4 | Howard UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $35,344 | 70% | 41% | 93.8 |
| 5 | American UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $57,952 | 75% | 62% | 92.1 |
| 6 | George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA · online option | Public | $10,392 | 68% | 87% | 85.4 |
| 7 | The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $56,930 | 79% | 83% | 85.0 |
| 8 | University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi, MD · online option | Public | $7,776 | 33% | NR | 82.7 |
| 9 | Bowie State UniversityBowie, MD | Public | $6,113 | 38% | 72% | 77.6 |
| 10 | Marymount UniversityArlington, VA | Nonprofit | $39,270 | 54% | 93% | 74.7 |
| 11 | DeVry University-VirginiaArlington, VA | For-profit | $16,448 | NR | NR | 71.1 |
| 12 | University of the District of ColumbiaWashington, DC | Public | $5,292 | 33% | NR | 70.9 |
| 13 | Strayer University-VirginiaArlington, VA · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | 36% | NR | 69.9 |
| 14 | Gallaudet UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $18,288 | 47% | 58% | 69.0 |
| 15 | Strayer University-MarylandSuitland, MD · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | 38% | NR | 68.8 |
| 16 | Washington Adventist UniversityTakoma Park, MD | Nonprofit | $24,804 | 29% | 46% | 68.4 |
| 17 | Capitol Technology UniversityLaurel, MD · online option | Nonprofit | $26,350 | 43% | 74% | 68.2 |
| 18 | Strayer University-District of ColumbiaWashington, DC · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | NR | NR | 67.6 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
Business Schools in DC, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
A Closer Look at the Top Business Schools in DC
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
- Grad rate
- 89%
- Admit rate
- 45%
- In-state
- $10,087
- Out-of-state
- $39,464
At $10,087 a year in-state, Maryland-College Park is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 97.8 Hakia Score on an 89% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 97.8, #1 of 18
- 89% graduation rate
- $10,087 in-state vs $39,464 out-of-state
- Admits just 45% of applicants
Based in College Park, MD, Maryland-College Park is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #1 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 97.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 79.8 group average. The program graduates 89% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Maryland-College Park admits 45% of applicants, more selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 41,725 students.
On cost, Maryland-College Park charges $10,087 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $39,464 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MD residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 13%
- In-state
- $67,896
- Out-of-state
- $67,896
Georgetown graduates 95% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 97.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 97.3, #2 of 18
- 95% graduation rate
- $67,896 tuition
- Most selective program here
Georgetown is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 18 analyzed here with a 97.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 79.8 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 0.5 points behind top-ranked Maryland-College Park. The program graduates 95% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Georgetown admits 13% of applicants, more selective than the 60% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 20,031 students.
On cost, Georgetown charges $67,896 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 47%
- In-state
- $67,420
- Out-of-state
- $67,420
George Washington graduates 84% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 96.7 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 96.7, #3 of 18
- 84% graduation rate
- $67,420 tuition
- Admits just 47% of applicants
George Washington is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Business program ranks #3 of the 18 analyzed here with a 96.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 79.8 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 1.1 points behind top-ranked Maryland-College Park. The program graduates 84% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. George Washington admits 47% of applicants, more selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 25,374 students.
On cost, George Washington charges $67,420 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Howard University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 41%
- In-state
- $35,344
- Out-of-state
- $35,344
Howard graduates 70% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 93.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 93.8, #4 of 18
- 70% graduation rate
- $35,344 tuition
- Admits just 41% of applicants
Howard is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Business program ranks #4 of the 18 analyzed here with a 93.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 79.8 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 4 points behind top-ranked Maryland-College Park. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Howard admits 41% of applicants, more selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. The university enrolls 14,890 students overall.
On cost, Howard charges $35,344 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
American University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 62%
- In-state
- $57,952
- Out-of-state
- $57,952
American graduates 75% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 92.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 92.1, #5 of 18
- 75% graduation rate
- $57,952 tuition
- Admits just 62% of applicants
Based in Washington, DC, American is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #5 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 92.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79.8 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 5.7 points behind top-ranked Maryland-College Park. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. American admits 62% of applicants, less selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. The university enrolls 12,321 students overall.
On cost, American charges $57,952 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 68%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $10,392
- Out-of-state
- $34,860
At $10,392 a year in-state, George Mason is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 85.4 Hakia Score on a 68% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 85.4, #6 of 18
- 68% graduation rate
- $10,392 in-state vs $34,860 out-of-state
- Online option available
George Mason is a public institution in Fairfax, VA. Its Business program ranks #6 of the 18 analyzed here with an 85.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 79.8 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 68% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. George Mason admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 39,766 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, George Mason charges $10,392 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $34,860 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. The spread makes the program a clearer value for VA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $56,930
- Out-of-state
- $56,930
Catholic University of America graduates 79% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on an 85.0 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 85.0, #7 of 18
- 79% graduation rate
- $56,930 tuition
- Admits just 83% of applicants
Based in Washington, DC, Catholic University of America is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #7 of the 18 ranked here, earning an 85.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79.8 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 79% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Catholic University of America admits 83% of applicants, less selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. The university enrolls 5,243 students overall.
On cost, Catholic University of America charges $56,930 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $7,776
- Out-of-state
- $11,976
At $7,776 a year in-state, UMGC is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 82.7 Hakia Score on a 33% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 82.7, #8 of 18
- 33% graduation rate
- $7,776 in-state vs $11,976 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Based in Adelphi, MD, UMGC is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #8 of the 18 ranked here, earning an 82.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 79.8 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 33% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 63,012 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, UMGC charges $7,776 a year in-state, versus $11,976 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Bowie State University
Bowie, MD · Public
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $6,113
- Out-of-state
- $16,833
At $6,113 a year in-state, Bowie State is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 77.6 Hakia Score on a 38% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 77.6, #9 of 18
- 38% graduation rate
- $6,113 in-state vs $16,833 out-of-state
- Admits just 72% of applicants
Bowie State is a public institution in Bowie, MD. Its Business program ranks #9 of the 18 analyzed here with a 77.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 79.8 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Bowie State admits 72% of applicants, less selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. The university enrolls 6,353 students overall.
On cost, Bowie State charges $6,113 a year in-state, roughly 2.8x the $16,833 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MD residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Marymount University
Arlington, VA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $39,270
- Out-of-state
- $39,270
Marymount ranks #10 of the 18 business programs in this analysis, with a 74.7 Hakia Score and a 54% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 74.7, #10 of 18
- 54% graduation rate
- $39,270 tuition
- Admits just 93% of applicants
Based in Arlington, VA, Marymount is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #10 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 74.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 79.8 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Marymount admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 60% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 29% to 95%. The university enrolls 4,060 students overall.
On cost, Marymount charges $39,270 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at UDC to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. It earns its place in the top 18 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
What Business Schools in DC Cost
Tuition across the 18 ranked schools runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year. University of the District of Columbia in Washington anchors the low end at $5,292 a year, while Georgetown University in Washington sits at the top at $67,896. The cheapest public option among the business schools in DC is University of the District of Columbia in Washington at $5,292; the cheapest private is Strayer University-Virginia in Arlington at $13,725.
Over the four years the credential takes, that is roughly $21,168 in tuition at University of the District of Columbia against about $271,584 at Georgetown University. Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to Washington DC from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the cheap end of this list as cheap.
Which Business Major to Choose in DC
Business school covers a dozen different degrees, and the business schools in DC do not all offer the same ones. Across the 202 accredited programs analyzed here, the fields with the deepest coverage in Washington DC are business administration (21 schools), accounting (18 schools), human resources (14 schools), healthcare administration (13 schools), finance (8 schools). A school ranked highly overall is not automatically strong in the major you want, so check the field before the name.
Accounting is the one track bound to a license: CPA eligibility in most states requires 150 credit hours against the 120 a bachelor's confers, which changes the course plan from the first year rather than the last. 18 of the schools analyzed in Washington DC run one.
Public and Private Business Schools in DC
5 of the 18 ranked business schools in DC are public and 13 are private, and that split drives most of the $62,604 tuition spread above. The public rate is a residency benefit: University of the District of Columbia in Washington charges $5,292 in-state and $12,144 out of state, so where a student already lives changes this ranking more than any other single factor.
Private schools discount heavily off the published number, which is why sticker price alone is a poor comparison. Completion is the better lens: the 18 ranked schools average 57%, from 29% to 95%, and a cheap degree that does not finish is not a saving. Run each school's own net price calculator before ruling one out on tuition.
Why Study Business in Washington DC
Being on a campus among the business schools in DC puts a student inside the employer network that school recruits into, close enough for an internship during term rather than only over the summer, and internships are what turn an undergraduate business degree into a first job.
The 18 ranked schools sit across 9 towns in the metro, among them College Park, Washington, Fairfax, and the table names the city of each, so check the commute before assuming a suburban campus is the convenient option. 6 of the 18 also run a confirmed online option for students who cannot be on campus daily.
Common Questions About Business Schools in DC
What is the best business school in Washington DC?
By Hakia Score, University of Maryland-College Park ranks first among the 18 ranked business schools in DC, with a 97.8 score and an 89% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes together, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one of them.
Can you study business part-time in Washington DC?
Yes. Evening, weekend and part-time formats are common across the business schools in DC, and in a metro this size most schools run at least one. The tradeoff is length rather than content: the same credential takes longer while you keep working. Ask each school for the completion rate of its part-time cohort specifically, since it often differs from the headline graduation rate this ranking uses.
How much does a business degree cost in Washington DC?
Tuition among the ranked Washington DC schools runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year. Public schools publish the in-state resident rate, so students moving in from another state should check the out-of-state column before comparing. Neither figure includes Washington DC living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many business schools in DC does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 202 accredited business programs across Washington DC and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 18 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. This list covers the DC metro, so some schools sit in Maryland or Virginia; the city of each is shown in the table.
Is it worth studying business in Washington DC instead of online?
6 of the 18 ranked schools run a confirmed online option, so in Washington DC this is a live choice rather than a hypothetical one. An accredited online program carries identical standing on a transcript, since accreditation attaches to the school and the program rather than to the delivery format. What a campus adds is proximity to the employers that school recruits into, and at $5,292 in-state, University of the District of Columbia in Washington is what that proximity costs at the low end here. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Schools in DC
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.