A college degree can do wonders for those who can afford it. Bachelor’s degree holders earn more than $1 million more over those with only a high school diploma. But getting a degree is usually quite expensive, and often comes with the burden of student loans.
Did you know that the total average student loan debt in the U.S. is $40,681?
Now, imagine earning a top-quality Bachelor’s degree in Washington, DC without student loans. In a city known for its elite institutions and high costs, finding a truly affordable college can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you. In this article, we rank the 7 most affordable colleges in Washington, DC, using the federal government’s own measure of what students actually pay. Updated November 2026.
Methodology:
To compare colleges fairly, we use one source for all of them: the average net price each college reports to the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), published on College Navigator. Net price is the average yearly cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, housing and other living costs) minus the average grants and scholarships received by full-time first-year students.
Net price for a full degree: each college’s yearly net price times the years its bachelor’s degree takes, three at NewU and four everywhere else.
For context we also list each college’s posted tuition and required fees from its own website. Figures are the most recent each source publishes as of November 2026.
1. NewU University
NewU University is a private nonprofit university in Washington, DC, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It is the first in the U.S. to offer only 3-year, 120-credit bachelor’s degrees, with no summer semesters and no extra classes per semester, so students finish a year sooner and pay for three years instead of four. Classes meet on campus, online or hybrid.
NewU focuses on first-generation and low-income students and value seekers. About 9 in 10 students receive a NewU scholarship, posted tuition is frozen for all three years, and books cost nothing. No NewU student has ever taken a student loan.
2. Trinity Washington University
Trinity Washington University is a private Catholic institution with a long-standing tradition of empowering women through education. Known for its supportive environment, small class sizes and personalized approach, Trinity offers a nurturing educational experience.
3. University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
The University of the District of Columbia holds a unique place as the only public historically black university (HBCU) in Washington, DC. It offers a wide range of degree programs and is known for its deep roots in community engagement. DC residents pay a lower tuition rate than students from outside DC.
4. Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University is globally recognized as the world’s leading institution dedicated to deaf and hard-of-hearing students, with specialized programs and support services designed for its students.
5. University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
Located just outside Washington, DC, the University of Maryland is a highly ranked public university known for its academic standards, research and campus life. Its in-state rate is for Maryland residents; DC residents pay the out-of-state rate.
6. Howard University
Howard University is a prestigious private HBCU with a rich history of nurturing leaders in business, politics and culture, with an extensive alumni network and academic resources.
7. University of the Potomac
University of the Potomac is a private for-profit university known for its flexibility, with online and evening classes for working students. It does not publish a federal net price, so it cannot be ranked on the same basis and is listed last.
Choosing the right college is about balancing affordability, quality, and future career opportunities. Washington DC boasts a diverse range of educational institutions, from affordable public universities to prestigious private colleges, each offering its own set of strengths.
On the federal net price for a full degree, NewU University ranks first in Washington, DC, mainly because its bachelor’s takes three years instead of four and most students receive a NewU scholarship. This makes NewU an ideal option for those who seek a modern and transparent pathway to success without student loans.
If you’re looking for a smart, affordable, and efficient way to earn your degree in one of the nation’s most dynamic cities, consider applying to NewU. With its unique approach to higher education, transparent fee structure, and accelerated program, NewU University provides a compelling opportunity to secure a quality education while keeping your financial future in check.
Discover more about the future of college affordability and NewU’s cost solutions.