The Best Bachelor's in Business Administration Programs in the District of Columbia for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
- George Washington University ranks #1 in the District of Columbia on a 96.7 Program Score, with an 84% graduation rate.
- Georgetown University graduates the most students on this list (95%), from #2.
- Every school on this list is private.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Strayer University-Global Region, ranks #6.
- Programs analyzed
- 6
- In-state tuition range
- $13,725-$67,896
- Average graduation rate
- 61%
- Median salary (BLS)
- $105,770
We analyzed 6 business programs in the District of Columbia on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in business administration actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 6 ranked programs in the District of Columbia runs from $13,725 to $67,896 a year, a $54,171 spread for the same credential.
George Washington University tops the list with a 96.7 Program Score on an 84% graduation rate, at $67,420 a year in-state. Across all 6 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 61%, ranging from 14% to 95%. The national median pay in the field is $105,770 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia, Compared by Score
George Washington leads at 96.7, and Strayer-Global Region closes the chart at 59.2. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 6 Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia, Ranked for 2027
The 6 best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia, ranked by outcomes.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 47%
- In-state
- $67,420
- Out-of-state
- $67,420
George Washington University's Bachelor of Science in Business requires a concentration, with 11 options from accountancy to real estate, inside a 120-credit degree.
- 84% graduation rate
- Program Score 96.7
- $67,420 tuition, in-state and out-of-state
- Required concentration from 11 options
The Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) at George Washington University is the school's general management degree, with room to specialize. The degree requires at least 120 credits, including general education, School of Business requirements and 36 credits in business major courses. The business core covers financial and managerial accounting, marketing, financial management, operations, information systems, ethics and the legal environment, strategy, and international business. Students also complete Business Leader Foundations, Career Strategy and Launch courses. Every BSB student must choose a School of Business concentration by the second semester of sophomore year, from accountancy, business analytics, entrepreneurship and innovation, finance, international business, marketing strategy and analytics, real estate, sport, event, and hospitality management, and others. Students can also add a minor or second major, and about 34 elective credits are available to do so, 18 of which must come from outside the business school.
The school's federal figures are strong. GW graduates 84% of its students and admits 47% of applicants, so entry is selective but not extreme. Tuition is $67,420, the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The program's Program Score is 96.7 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The degree fits students who want a broad business foundation first and a specialty second, and who value being able to pair business with a second major or minor from elsewhere at GW.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 13%
- In-state
- $67,896
- Out-of-state
- $67,896
Georgetown University's BSBA offers six majors and two joint degrees, and the school reports AACSB accreditation.
- 95% graduation rate
- Program Score 95.3
- $67,896 tuition, in-state and out-of-state
- Six majors plus two joint degrees
Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), which the school reports is accredited by AACSB. Students complete the business core and then five to six courses in one of six areas of study: accounting, finance, international business, management, marketing, or operations and analytics. McDonough also offers two joint degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Business and Global Affairs is delivered with the School of Foreign Service and requires BGAF-1001 in the spring of the first year. The Bachelor of Science in International Business, Language, and Culture is delivered with Georgetown College, and students apply at the end of the first year. A minor in entrepreneurship is available. The school's mission is ethically responsible, effective global business leadership.
Georgetown graduates 95% of its students and admits 13% of applicants, so admission is highly selective. Tuition is $67,896, the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The program's Program Score is 95.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a general business degree with a chosen major and the option of pairing business with global affairs or languages.
Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $56,930
- Out-of-state
- $56,930
Catholic University's B.S.B.A. requires at least one specialization from a menu of seven, with four co-specializations such as accounting and data analytics.
- 79% graduation rate
- Program Score 85
- 7 specializations
- 4 co-specializations
The Catholic University of America offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) of about 120 credit hours. Every student must pick at least one specialization, a five course sequence, from Finance, Marketing, Sales, Markets and Political Economy, People and Organizations, Technology and Operations Management, or International Business. Students can double or triple specialize. Four course co-specializations in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Sports Management and Data Analytics for Business can be added, but only alongside a main specialization. The school describes the degree as grounded in virtue, and sample courses include Foundations of Business and Markets and Prosperity.
The program's Program Score is 85 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Federal data shows a 79% graduation rate and an 83% admit rate. Tuition is $56,930 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The university enrolls 5,243 students in Washington, DC. This degree fits students who want to shape a business major around a specific focus, or combine two, and who value a Catholic liberal arts setting. It is a high-cost private option, so financial aid is worth checking.
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $26,360
- Out-of-state
- $26,360
Trinity Washington University offers three tracks, General Business, Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management, in a 120 credit B.S. taught in the nation's capital.
- 100% admit rate
- Program Score 66.8
- $26,360 tuition
- 3 study tracks
Trinity Washington University offers a B.S. in Business Administration of 120 credits on its Washington, DC main campus. Students pick from three tracks of study: General Business, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resource Management. The curriculum covers the functional areas of business and stresses analytical and communication skills. Teaching mixes case studies, lectures, discussions, group projects and experiential exercises. The page highlights the Washington setting, with access to congressional hearings, regulatory announcements and economic briefings, plus guest lectures and site visits tied to organizations based in the city. The entrepreneurship emphasis covers researching a market and attracting investors.
The program's Program Score is 66.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Federal data shows a 49% graduation rate, and the school admits 100% of applicants. Tuition is $26,360 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The university enrolls 1,948 students, so cohorts are small. The program fits students who want a business degree with an entrepreneurial or HR focus and who value being close to the business and government community in Washington.
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 58%
- In-state
- $18,288
- Out-of-state
- $18,288
Gallaudet University requires every business major to finish an internship of at least eight weeks and 100 hours, and offers six concentrations including Esports Management.
- 58% admit rate
- Program Score 66.5
- $18,288 tuition
- Required internship
Gallaudet University's Department of Business offers a Business Administration degree built on management, marketing, finance, economics, accounting and ethics. Students choose one of six concentrations: Esports Management, Economics and Finance, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality and Event Management, Human Resources, or Marketing. Every major completes one internship before graduating, at least eight consecutive weeks and 100 hours on site, with evaluations and a presentation. Admission to the major requires a 2.5 GPA and the courses BUS 101 and BUS 181, and students keep that GPA to stay in good standing. The program runs on campus, and an online degree completion option exists for working adults.
The program's Program Score is 66.5 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Federal data shows a 47% graduation rate and a 58% admit rate. Tuition is $18,288 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The university enrolls 1,335 students in Washington, DC. The degree fits students who want a required, supervised work experience and a concentration chosen early, and who want a smaller campus. Check the 2.5 GPA requirement before planning on the major.
Strayer University-Global Region
Washington, DC · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 14%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
A 40-course online Bachelor of Business Administration with nine concentrations, from accounting to supply chain logistics.
- Open admission
- $13,725 in-state tuition
- Program Score 59.2
- Nine concentrations online
Strayer's Bachelor of Business Administration is a 40-course online program with 11-week courses. The curriculum covers strategic planning, leadership, management, marketing, operations, budgeting and finance, along with communication, information literacy and critical analysis. Students can choose from nine concentrations: accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, health services administration, hospitality and tourism management, management, marketing, project management and supply chain logistics. The school says in-person study is available at select campuses, that up to 28 classes can come in as transfer credit, and that eligible students can complete general education courses at no cost. Strayer reports that its business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
The federal numbers are modest on completion. The graduation rate is 14%, and the university is open admission. Tuition is $13,725 in-state and $13,725 out-of-state, the same for every student. The Program Score is 59.2 out of 100, and that score is the basis of this ranking. The program fits working adults who want an online business degree with a broad core, a concentration to point it toward a specific field, and generous transfer rules, and who will need to plan carefully to stay on track to finish.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
The median school on this list graduates 64% of its students. The highest rates belong to Georgetown University (95%) and George Washington University (84%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.
- #2 Georgetown University95% graduation rate
- #1 George Washington University84% graduation rate
- #3 The Catholic University of America79% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia?
On this list, 1 of 6 schools is open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 2 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Georgetown University at 13%.
- #2 Georgetown University13% admitted
- #1 George Washington University47% admitted
- #5 Gallaudet University58% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
This list holds 5 private nonprofit and 1 for-profit schools.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
Enrollment on this list runs from 1,335 at Gallaudet University to 25,374 at George Washington University. Of the 6, 2 enroll 20,000 students or more and 2 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | Georgetown UniversityGeorgetown | $117,733 | $33,661 |
| #3 | The Catholic University of AmericaCatholic University of America | $87,907 | $32,543 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington UniversityTrinity Washington | $66,772 | $12,820 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $66,772 at Trinity Washington to $117,733 at Georgetown.
Georgetown leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at Trinity Washington, $12,820 a year, and most at Georgetown, $33,661.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What a Bachelor's in Business Administration Costs in the District of Columbia
In-state tuition among the 6 ranked business administration programs in the District of Columbia runs from $13,725 to $67,896 a year. Strayer University-Global Region anchors the low end at $13,725, 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 more, which can reorder this list for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $54,900 in tuition at the low end against roughly $271,584 at the high end for the same bachelor's in business administration. Against the national median of $105,770 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Online Business Administration Options in the District of Columbia
2 of the 6 ranked District programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online business degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
- #4 Trinity Washington UniversityWashington, DC
- #6 Strayer University-Global RegionWashington, DC
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Business Administration Careers and Pay After a District 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 $105,770 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $13,725 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.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in the District of Columbia
What is the best business degree in the District of Columbia?
By Program Score, George Washington University ranks first among the 6 business administration programs in the District of Columbia we analyzed, with a 96.7 score and an 84% 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 a business degree cost in the District of Columbia?
In-state tuition among the ranked District programs runs from $13,725 to $67,896 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students may pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online business 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 $105,770 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not a figure specific to the District of Columbia or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.