Washington, DC : A University District
The Washington, DC metropolitan area is home to 75+ colleges & universities, enrolling more than 400,000 students.
Overview
The Washington, DC metropolitan area is a Mecca of education institutions, home to more than 75 colleges & universities. These schools enroll more than 400,000 students (larger than City of Tampa’s population 1 ) and produce more than 100,000 graduates on an annual basis providing a substantial workforce pipeline. 2
Situated in close proximity to the federal government and the headquarters of 18 Fortune 500 companies, DC offers unparalleled opportunities for graduates to engage with the federal government and organizations of global significance. These anchors, along with DC’s quality of life, attract a constant flow of students and alumni from major colleges and universities.
Colleges and Universities Map
The District of Columbia boasts a vibrant academic landscape, home to 25 colleges and universities educating over 100,000 students annually. 2
33 of Washington's 50 satellite campuses are clustered in Downtown, providing students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the center of the federal government. This educational hub encompasses over 1.1 million square feet. 4
In 2023, five new satellite campuses expanded in DC: University of Southern California, Texas A&M University, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, and Purdue University
Rankings & Highlights
- The DC metro area is home to five of the top 100 U.S. News & World Report ranked universities: Georgetown University (#22), George Washington University (#67), University of Maryland (#46), Johns Hopkins University (#9), and the College of William & Mary (#53). 5
- Four schools in the area were ranked in the top 50 of Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2023-24 list of best business schools: Georgetown University (#24), University of Maryland (#33), Howard University (#40), and George Washington University (#46). 6
- Howard University was ranked #1 in Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2023-24 list of best business school's Diversity Index. Georgetown University’s #3 ranking gave DC two schools in the top five. 7
- George Washington University became the 71st member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) in 2023. Founded in 1900, the AAU comprises America’s premier research universities. 8
- DC leads all U.S. states with highest number of college student enrollment as a percentage of the total population with 15%. 2
- Penn State has the most alumni living in the Washington-Baltimore metro area (34,365). 3
- Seven ACC schools have satellite campuses in DC (Duke University, Stanford University, Syracuse University, University of California, University of Pittsburgh, Wake Forest University, University of Notre Dame)
Campus Expansion
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California's new 60k SF Capital Campus in Dupont Circle serves as a bridge for interdisciplinary study and collaboration with global opinion leaders.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins consolidated their DC locations into the 510k SF Hopkins Bloomberg Center. The new location houses state of the art classrooms, a public art gallery, and a 375-seat theater.
Howard University
Howard University's $785 million expansion is its largest real estate initiative in its 157-year history. Investments include constructing three new buildings, a center for fine arts & communication, a health sciences complex, and a STEM center. In addition, the university plans to build a new 225-bed, Level I trauma and academic teaching hospital. (Image courtesy of Howard University and Hayat Brown)
Catholic University
Catholic University of America's Conway School of Nursing is constructing a new 102k SF building. The new facility will double CUA's nursing education facilities, student capacity, and dramatically increase the faculty. The facility includes multi-functional clinical learning and instructional support areas, new simulation labs for clinical examination, and an auditorium. There will also be student study areas, faculty and staff offices, and common meeting spaces. (Image courtesy of Catholic University)
Georgetown University
Georgetown University’s Capital Campus is home to its Law Center, Capitol Applied Learning Labs (CALL), and McCourt School of Public Policy. New investments include the acquisition of the 320,000 SF 111 Massachusetts Avenue for an interdisciplinary hub and the construction of a 165,000 SF New Law Building. By 2029, Georgetown projects the Capitol Campus will be home to 9,800 new students and 1,750 factually by 2030.
Incentives & Resources*
1. The Employment Center Vitality and Local Jobs Creation Fund (Vitality Fund) A multi-year, performance-based incentive program designed to support existing companies in target industries that are actively planning to relocate, expand, or retain their physical location in Washington, DC.
2. DC’s Industrial Revenue Bond Program (IRB)
IRB provides access to tax-exempt financing to help businesses and non-profit organizations renovate and build new construction, make tenant improvements, and purchase capital by securing interest rates up to 4% lower than a traditional commercial loan. More than $11.5 billion has been issued through the IRB since 1994.
A higher education partnership representing nearly every sector of higher education, creating strength through its diversity of institutions.
4. Capital CoLAB (Collaborative of Leaders in Academia and Business)
CoLAB was formed to enhance digital technology education of the local workforce and students. Spanning the region’s top academic institutions and businesses from Baltimore to Richmond the program provides credentials in high-demand skills based on the needs and direct input of the private sector.
The Golden Triangle BID initiative builds off the existing presence of four key tech sectors in medtech, govtech, fintech, and edtech while focusing on the broader themes of social innovation and digital engagement.
*subject to the availability of funds
Contact
The Washington, D.C. Economic Partnership is a 501(c)(3) organization that connects public and private sectors, neighborhoods, and communities to local, national and international audience to advance sustainable, equitable and inclusive economic development.
Suzanne White, VP, Real Estate Services, swhite@wdcep.com, (202) 671-4271.
Sources
1 “QuickFacts: Tampa City, Florida.” Census Bureau QuickFacts, United States Census Bureau, 2023, www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/tampacityflorida/PST045222. Accessed Mar. 2024.
2 JobsEQ, 2022
3 LinkedIn, Accessed Feb. 2024. *Based on analysis of schools in the A10, ACC, Big East, BIG10, BIG12, Ivy, PAC12, Patriot, and SEC conferences. Schools based in DC, MD, and VA were excluded from the list.
4 WDCEP, 2024
5 “The Best Colleges in America, Ranked.” @USNews, 2024, www.usnews.com/best-colleges. Accessed Mar. 2024.
6 Bloomberg Businessweek. “These Are the US’s Best Business Schools.” Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg, 13 Sept. 2023, www.bloomberg.com/business-schools/regions/us/. Accessed Mar. 2024.
7 Bloomberg Businessweek. “Diversity Index - Best Business Schools & MBA Programs 2023–24.” Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg, 13 Sept. 2023, www.bloomberg.com/business-schools/diversity-index/. Accessed Mar. 2024.
8 “GW Joins Prestigious Association of American Universities | GW Today | the George Washington University.” GW Today, 2023, gwtoday.gwu.edu/gw-joins-prestigious-association-american-universities. Accessed Mar. 2024.