There are reasons to view Washington D.C. as a college town. The geographical advantage of being the U.S. capital directly translates into higher education opportunities.

Internships with federal agencies, participation in think tanks, experience with congressional staff, and networking with diplomatic institutions mean that attending college in D.C. allows for continued education beyond the campus. Let's take an honest look at the TOP 3 universities.

Georgetown University boasts the highest brand recognition among D.C. colleges. Founded in 1789 by the Jesuits, it is the oldest Catholic university in the U.S., known for its tradition and reputation. Georgetown Law is considered one of the top law schools in the country, and the School of Foreign Service has a global reputation. Former President Bill Clinton is an alumnus of Georgetown, which has produced numerous diplomats and politicians. The campus is located in the historic Georgetown district, offering beautiful views from the hill overlooking the Potomac River. Annual tuition exceeds $60,000.

George Washington University (GWU) has a campus in the Foggy Bottom district of downtown D.C., literally within walking distance of the White House and the State Department. Established in 1821, GWU excels in political science, international relations, business, public health, and law. It also operates a medical school and GWU Hospital. Being in the heart of the city allows students to directly experience all that D.C. has to offer. The university has a high ratio of international and foreign students, including a significant number of Korean students.

American University (AU) is located in the Tenleytown area of northwest D.C. and is highly regarded in international relations, public policy, law, and media. The Washington College of Law is a historic institution, being the first law school for women in the U.S. AU has a progressive campus atmosphere with a strong sense of social engagement, attracting students who aspire to be political activists, nonprofit workers, and international development professionals. It is directly connected to downtown via the Metro Red Line.

In addition, the D.C. area is home to a variety of universities, including Howard University (a historically black college, HBCU), The Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University (for the deaf), the University of Maryland (College Park), and Virginia Tech (Northern Virginia campus). The D.C. area essentially forms a massive college cluster. In terms of internships and job networks, D.C. is more advantageous than any other city in the U.S. This is the biggest selling point of D.C. colleges.

For Korean international students and second-generation immigrants, D.C. colleges hold clear appeal. There is no better place to gain experience as a federal government intern, congressional aide, or think tank research associate. This is why attending college in D.C. goes beyond just earning a degree.