The Best Accounting Programs in District of Columbia for 2026
The best accounting programs in District of Columbia are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 8 business programs in District of Columbia on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor of accounting actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 8 ranked programs in District of Columbia runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year, a $62,604 spread for the same credential.
Georgetown University tops the list with a 96.3 Hakia Score on a 95% graduation rate, at $67,896 a year in-state. Across all 8 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 67%, ranging from 33% to 95%. The national median pay in the field is $87,660 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in District of Columbia
- Georgetown University ranks first among District of Columbia's accounting programs with a 96.3 Hakia Score and a 95% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 8 ranked District of Columbia programs spans $5,292 to $67,896 a year, a $62,604 gap for the same bachelor of accounting.
- The 8 ranked District of Columbia programs graduate 67% of students on average, from 33% to 95%.
- 1 of the 8 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for District of Columbia residents.
- 1 of the 8 offers a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $87,660 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked District of Columbia program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 8 accredited programs in District of Columbia reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 8 Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in District of Columbia, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $67,896 | 95% | 13% | 96.3 |
| 2 | George Washington UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $67,420 | 84% | 47% | 93.8 |
| 3 | American UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $57,952 | 75% | 62% | 91.1 |
| 4 | Howard UniversityWashington, DC · online option | Nonprofit | $35,344 | 70% | 41% | 90.1 |
| 5 | The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $56,930 | 79% | 83% | 83.8 |
| 6 | Gallaudet UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $18,288 | 47% | 58% | 69.0 |
| 7 | University of the District of ColumbiaWashington, DC | Public | $5,292 | 33% | NR | 66.7 |
| 8 | Trinity Washington UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $26,360 | 49% | 100% | 58.4 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs in District of Columbia, 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 Accounting Bachelor's Programs in District of Columbia
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 13%
- In-state
- $67,896
- Out-of-state
- $67,896
Georgetown University graduates 95% of its students, above the 67% average across this ranking, on a 96.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 96.3, #1 of 8
- 95% graduation rate
- $67,896 tuition
- Most selective program here
Georgetown University is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #1 of the 8 analyzed here with a 96.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 81.1 group average. The program graduates 95% of its students, above the 67% average across the ranked schools. Georgetown University admits 13% of applicants, more selective than the 58% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 20,031 students.
On cost, Georgetown University charges $67,896 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $271,584 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. 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 University graduates 84% of its students, above the 67% average across this ranking, on a 93.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 93.8, #2 of 8
- 84% graduation rate
- $67,420 tuition
- Largest campus in this ranking
George Washington University is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #2 of the 8 analyzed here with a 93.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 81.1 group average, in the top third of the 8 ranked programs, 2.5 points behind top-ranked Georgetown University. The program graduates 84% of its students, above the 67% average across the ranked schools. George Washington University admits 47% of applicants, more selective than the 58% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%.
On cost, George Washington University charges $67,420 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $269,680 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. 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 University graduates 75% of its students, above the 67% average across this ranking, on a 91.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 91.1, #3 of 8
- 75% graduation rate
- $57,952 tuition
- Admits just 62% of applicants
Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #3 of the 8 ranked here, earning a 91.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 81.1 group average, in the middle third of the 8 ranked programs, 5.2 points behind top-ranked Georgetown University. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 67% average across the ranked schools. American University admits 62% of applicants, less selective than the 58% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%.
On cost, American University charges $57,952 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $231,808 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Howard University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 41%
- In-state
- $35,344
- Out-of-state
- $35,344
Howard University graduates 70% of its students, above the 67% average across this ranking, on a 90.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 90.1, #4 of 8
- 70% graduation rate
- $35,344 tuition
- Online option available
Howard University is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #4 of the 8 analyzed here with a 90.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 81.1 group average, in the middle third of the 8 ranked programs, 6.2 points behind top-ranked Georgetown University. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 67% average across the ranked schools. Howard University admits 41% of applicants, more selective than the 58% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%.
On cost, Howard University charges $35,344 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $141,376 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $56,930
- Out-of-state
- $56,930
The Catholic University of America graduates 79% of its students, above the 67% average across this ranking, on an 83.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 83.8, #5 of 8
- 79% graduation rate
- $56,930 tuition
- Admits just 83% of applicants
The Catholic University of America is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #5 of the 8 analyzed here with an 83.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 81.1 group average, in the middle third of the 8 ranked programs. The program graduates 79% of its students, above the 67% average across the ranked schools. The Catholic University of America admits 83% of applicants, less selective than the 58% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%.
On cost, The Catholic University of America charges $56,930 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $227,720 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 58%
- In-state
- $18,288
- Out-of-state
- $18,288
At $18,288 a year in-state, Gallaudet University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 69.0 Hakia Score on a 47% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.0, #6 of 8
- 47% graduation rate
- $18,288 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Gallaudet University is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #6 of the 8 analyzed here with a 69.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.1 group average, in the lower third of the 8 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 67% average across the ranked schools. Gallaudet University admits 58% of applicants, more selective than the 58% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%.
On cost, Gallaudet University charges $18,288 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $73,152 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · Public
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $5,292
- Out-of-state
- $12,144
At $5,292 a year in-state, University of the District of Columbia is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 66.7 Hakia Score on a 33% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 66.7, #7 of 8
- 33% graduation rate
- $5,292 in-state vs $12,144 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
University of the District of Columbia is a public institution in Washington, DC. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #7 of the 8 analyzed here with a 66.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.1 group average, in the lower third of the 8 ranked programs. The program graduates 33% of its students, below the 67% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%. The university enrolls 4,202 students overall.
On cost, University of the District of Columbia charges $5,292 a year in-state, roughly 2.3x the $12,144 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $21,168 in tuition for residents, against $48,576 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for DC residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $26,360
- Out-of-state
- $26,360
At $26,360 a year in-state, Trinity Washington University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 58.4 Hakia Score on a 49% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 58.4, #8 of 8
- 49% graduation rate
- $26,360 tuition
- Admits just 100% of applicants
Trinity Washington University is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #8 of the 8 analyzed here with a 58.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.1 group average, in the lower third of the 8 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 67% average across the ranked schools. Trinity Washington University admits 100% of applicants, less selective than the 58% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 95%.
On cost, Trinity Washington University charges $26,360 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $105,440 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,292 at University of the District of Columbia to $67,896 at Georgetown University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
What a Bachelor of Accounting Costs in District of Columbia
In-state tuition among the 8 ranked accounting programs in District of Columbia runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year. University of the District of Columbia anchors the low end at $5,292, while Georgetown University sits at the top at $67,896. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $21,168 in tuition at the low end against roughly $271,584 at the high end for the same bachelor of accounting. Against the national median of $87,660 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an accounting degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Accounting Options in District of Columbia
1 of the 8 ranked District of Columbia programs offers a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online accounting degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Accounting Careers and Pay After a District of Columbia Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $87,660 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $5,292 or $67,896 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked District of Columbia program compete in that same national pay structure.
Common Questions About Accounting Bachelor's Programs in District of Columbia
What is the best accounting bachelor's degree in District of Columbia?
By Hakia Score, Georgetown University ranks first among the 8 accounting programs in District of Columbia we analyzed, with a 96.3 score and a 95% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an accounting bachelor's degree cost in District of Columbia?
In-state tuition among the ranked District of Columbia programs runs from $5,292 to $67,896 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online accounting bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $87,660 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an District of Columbia-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
Our Methodology for Ranking Accounting Bachelor's Programs in District of Columbia
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.