2026 Guide To Top Online Colleges in District of Columbia
Are you in District of Columbia looking for an online college that best fits your needs? Start your search here.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide makes it easy to find information about schools offering online degrees in District of Columbia. Get detailed information about colleges and universities with 100% online degree programs, including the number of distance-offered degree completions, student type, programs offered and more. In the end, you'll have an understanding of what each school has to offer and which ones may be right for you. Click here to learn more about the guide.
District of Columbia's Online Colleges by the Numbers
Online associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions in District of Columbia have been growing over the past 5 years. In 2024, students completed 17,454 degree programs that were offered 100% online by District of Columbia's colleges and universities. That was an increase of 3% from completions reported in 2020.
Schools with Distance Education Completions
Est. Total Online Completions in 2024
Est. OnlineCompletions (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Top Online College for Busy Adults & Transfer Students
Franklin University is a top choice for online learners, transfer students and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Adult Students
73%
Undergraduate Cost / Credit Hour
Best Nonprofit Online Colleges Serving District of Columbia
There are at least 19 nonprofit 4-year schools serving District of Columbia, where students completed 15,479 distance education degree programs. Of those schools, 17 were private nonprofit institutions and 2 were public schools. Browse through the listing below to learn more about these nonprofit online colleges serving District of Columbia, including an estimate about online degree availability and popular online degree programs. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs in District of Columbia. Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2024, 1,602 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,605
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of the District of Columbia is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of the District of Columbia. In 2024, 5 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
1%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
5
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Gallaudet University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Gallaudet University. In 2024, 46 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
14%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
46
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
American University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at American University. In 2024, 1,366 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 34 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
32%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,400
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Institute of World Politics is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Institute of World Politics. In 2024, 31 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 2 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
33
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Howard University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Howard University. In 2024, 216 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 45 bachelor's degrees, and 59 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
11%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
320
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Howard University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Howard University. In 2024, 216 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 45 bachelor's degrees, and 59 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
11%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
320
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
American University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at American University. In 2024, 1,366 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 34 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
32%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,400
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
The Catholic University of America is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at The Catholic University of America. In 2024, 119 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
10%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
128
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
George Washington University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at George Washington University. In 2024, 2,453 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 68 bachelor's degrees, and 164 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
34%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,685
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Institute of World Politics is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Institute of World Politics. In 2024, 31 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 2 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
33
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of the District of Columbia is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of the District of Columbia. In 2024, 5 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
1%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
5
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Gallaudet University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Gallaudet University. In 2024, 46 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
14%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
46
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Trinity Washington University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Trinity Washington University. In 2024, 46 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 34 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
21%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
80
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Georgetown University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Georgetown University. In 2024, 1,699 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 17 bachelor's degrees, and 29 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
22%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,745
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
The Catholic University of America is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at The Catholic University of America. In 2024, 119 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
10%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
128
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
George Washington University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at George Washington University. In 2024, 2,453 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 68 bachelor's degrees, and 164 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
34%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,685
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Georgetown University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Georgetown University. In 2024, 1,699 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 17 bachelor's degrees, and 29 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
22%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,745
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Trinity Washington University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Trinity Washington University. In 2024, 46 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 34 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
21%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
80
For-Profit Online Colleges in District of Columbia
Get a list of four-year for-profit online colleges and universities in District of Columbia here. According to 2025 data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, there were 6 for-profit 4-year schools in District of Columbia where students completed 4,478 distance education degree programs.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Strayer University-Global Region is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Strayer University-Global Region. In 2024, 825 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 543 associate degrees, 696 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,064
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Strayer University-District of Columbia is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Strayer University-District of Columbia. In 2024, 43 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 20 associate degrees, 29 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
92
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Strayer University-Global Region is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Strayer University-Global Region. In 2024, 825 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 543 associate degrees, 696 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,064
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Strayer University-District of Columbia is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Strayer University-District of Columbia. In 2024, 43 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 20 associate degrees, 29 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
92
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus. In 2024, 44 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 2 associate degrees, 33 bachelor's degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
83
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus. In 2024, 44 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 2 associate degrees, 33 bachelor's degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
83
Affordable Online Colleges in District of Columbia
Wondering what you can expect to pay for an online degree in District of Columbia? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at District of Columbia's 4-year nonprofit schools is $43,488. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools in District of Columbia is $11,500, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
4-Year Nonprofit
4-Year For-Profit
2-Year
Accredited Online Colleges Serving District of Columbia
Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning a college degree from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.
Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in District of Columbia is institutionally accredited? View a list of institutionally accredited online colleges and universities serving District of Columbia here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
- Franklin University
- Institute of World Politics
- American University
- The Catholic University of America
- University of the District of Columbia
- Gallaudet University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- Howard University
- Trinity Washington University
- Institute of World Politics
- American University
- The Catholic University of America
- University of the District of Columbia
- Gallaudet University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- Howard University
- Trinity Washington University
- University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
- Strayer University-District of Columbia
- Strayer University-Global Region
- Strayer University-Global Region
- University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
- Strayer University-District of Columbia