With abundant government tech jobs that feature high salaries, good benefits and flexible work schedules, the District of Columbia is one of the best cities for IT professionals to call home. Our capital also features some of the leading colleges for computer science and engineering. The best computer science schools in Washington DC include Georgetown University, George Washington University and Howard University.
This page will outline the top-ranked computer science schools in Washington DC, as well as the top online computer schools for DC residents. We'll also explore potential career outcomes for computer science graduates in the District of Columbia, including the state's top-paying cities and IT career paths.
Top Computer Science Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Associate of Science in IT
Top Computer Science Programs:
- BS in IT, Minor: Microsoft Networking
- BS in IT, Minor: Cisco Networking
- BS in IT, Software Development
Best CS Schools in Washington DC
Compare the top-ranked colleges for computer science in the District of Columbia.
Georgetown University
Located in the heart of the capital, Georgetown University is a world-class institution for innovative technological research, and the #1 computer science school in Washington DC. GU features a variety of undergraduate and graduate CS degrees in cutting-edge domains like computer science algorithms and theory, cybersecurity, and data-centric computing. Additionally, Georgetown's computer science department has garnered many accolades including the Gödel Prize, and numerous awards for outstanding papers published in the CS field.
- Comp-Sci degree programs include:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science, Ethics & Society
- Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science
- Other programs with CS minors and concentrations
- View all programs at GU
- Campus Locations:
- GU Dept. of Computer Science | Saint Mary's Hall - Room 335 | 37th and O Streets, NW | Washington DC 20057
George Washington University
With state-of-the-art facilities including the half-million sq-ft Science & Engineering Hall, and Nanofabrication and Imaging center, GWU is a top-rated research institute and one of the best computer schools in DC. The School of Engineering and Applied Science at George Washington University features CS education programs at every degree level, from undergraduate certificates to accelerated bachelor/master combos to computer science PhDs.
- CS program concentrations include:
- Computer security and information assurance
- Applied computer science
- Engineering management
- Big data analytics
- View all programs at GWU
- Campus Locations:
- GW Science & Engineering Hall | 800 22nd St NW | Room 4000 | Washington, DC 20052
Top-Paying CS Jobs in Washington DC
For those who decide to work in the capital after graduation, here's what you can earn in Washington DC's top-paying computer science careers.
| CS Career Path | Average Salary in DC |
|---|---|
| Computer and Info Systems Manager | $176,000 |
| Engineering Manager | $158,100 |
| Database Architect | $128,190 |
| Network Architect | $126,360 |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,980 |
| Software Developer | $124,770 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional CS Salaries in Washington DC
Here are the DC metropolitan areas that pay the highest salaries to information technology and computer science professionals.
| Location in DC | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $56.60 | $117,730 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Technology and education insiders answer common questions from prospective computer science students in Washington DC.
Is Georgetown a good school for computer science?
Yes, Georgetown University offers the top-ranked computer science program in the District of Columbia. GU is also the 86th ranked (undergraduate) and 82nd ranked (graduate) CS college in the nation, according to US News & World Report.
Is Howard University good for computer science?
Yes, Howard University is the 3rd ranked school for computer science in Washington DC. Howard is also the 121st ranked (undergraduate) and 122nd ranked (graduate) school for computer science in the nation, per the latest rankings from US News & World Report.
Online Computer Schools in Washington DC
These top-rated online tech schools are currently accepting DC residents.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University's School of Continuing Education offers a cutting-edge online Masters program in IT management.
- Customize your CS Masters with courses in:
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Cyber Security Threats & Vulnerabilities
- Cloud Computing and Virtualization
- Managing Diverse Organizations in a Flat World
- View IT masters program details
Capella University
Capella University offers online computer science degrees that focus on the skills, platforms and certifications that drive the industry.
- Computer Science Programs in:
- Data Management and Analytics
- Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
- Networking with Cisco & Microsoft Technologies
- Web and Software Development
- View all programs at Capella
