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Best Nursing Schools in Washington DC: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 28, 2026

Washington DC has 8 nursing programs from $6,152 at UDC to $65,081 at Georgetown, with doctoral graduates earning up to $197,197.

Overview of Nursing Education in Washington DC

Washington DC offers 8 nursing programs concentrated in some of the nation's most prestigious universities. Georgetown, George Washington, and Howard provide world-class nursing education, while the University of the District of Columbia offers an affordable public option. DC's dense concentration of hospitals, federal health agencies (NIH, HHS), and research institutions creates unmatched clinical and career opportunities.

Top University Nursing Programs

Georgetown University is the most selective (13.1% acceptance) with a 95.0% graduation rate. Doctoral nursing graduates earn $197,197/year — the highest in DC. Tuition is $65,081.

George Washington University offers Graduate Certificate nursing programs with graduates earning $119,924/year. Tuition is $64,990 with a 43.5% acceptance rate.

The Catholic University of America provides doctoral nursing at $55,834/year with graduates earning $133,420.

Howard University — a historically Black university — offers BSN programs at $33,344 with nursing graduates earning $71,947. A 34.9% acceptance rate and 69.2% graduation rate make it selective yet strong.

University of the District of Columbia is the affordable public option at just $6,152/year with ADN graduates earning $67,644.

Trinity Washington University provides BSN programs at $26,110 with graduates earning $82,002.

How to Choose

Highest earnings: Georgetown ($197K doctoral nursing)
Most affordable: UDC at $6,152/year
HBCU experience: Howard University
Research focus: Georgetown or GW
Online/working adults: Strayer University ($13,920, $81K earnings)

Nursing Job Market

DC has one of the nation's strongest nursing markets. MedStar Health, Children's National, George Washington University Hospital, Georgetown Medstar, and Howard University Hospital are major employers. Federal agencies (NIH Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, Walter Reed) offer unique government nursing careers with federal benefits.

Next Steps

Explore DC nursing programs on GradeToGrad.