Washington DC Colleges, Universities and Higher Education

The nation's capital is a unique piece of land that is not a state, nor its own country, but that doesn't mean there is a lack of educational options in Washington D.C. It maybe ne only 68 square miles, but it is filled with colleges and universities - most of them private. There are two federal institutions of higher education, and one public university. The two federal institutions are the National Defense University and the National Defense Intelligence College. The public university is the University of the District of Columbia, and it is known for being one of the few urban land-grant institutions in the United States. The University of the District of Columbia also is a historically black college, and it is the only public university in the district. It was founded in 1851.

The oldest Jesuit university in the United States is located in Washington D.C. Georgetown University was founded in 1789 and it is a private research university that is situated in the Georgetown neighborhood of the capital. One National Historic Landmark is present on the campus - Healy Hall. Georgetown has more than 17,000 students enrolled, and it is known for its many prestigious academic programs including foreign service, nursing and business. Georgetown University is also known for having the oldest collegiate theater group in the country, and it also is home to the largest student-run business in the United States. Georgetown can boast many notable alumni who did great things after graduation, but probably the most prominent alumnus of the university is former United States President Bill Clinton.

American University is another well known private university in Washington D.C. It was founded in 1893, and it is a private research university that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Despite being nestled in urban D.C., the campus of American University is considered to be a public garden. About 6,000 undergraduate students are enrolled in the university, which is one of the most selective in the country. American University is also considered to be one of the most politically-active universities in the country as well. Some of its prominent academic programs include business, international service and public affairs. The school has long been known to promote cultural diversity and put an emphasis on the understanding of international affairs. Some famous people who graduated from American University include journalist David Gregory of "Meet the Press" and actress America Ferrera.