Best Child Development Schools in District of Columbia (2026)

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District of Columbia Child Development At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Child Development Salary $67,283
Salary Outlook District of Columbia offers competitive wages for child development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body District of Columbia Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online child development degree in District of Columbia offers a flexible path into child development careers. District of Columbia offers competitive wages for child development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, District of Columbia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Child Development Schools in District of Columbia

The following schools offer accredited online child development programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in District of Columbia.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Howard University

Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
60.8 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 41%
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,066
Avg net price $50,539/yr
Tuition
In‑state$35,810
Out‑of‑state$35,810
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 90%
  • Programs offered: 82

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
57.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 31%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $44,236
Avg net price $10,648/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 67%
  • Programs offered: 53

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

Gallaudet University

Washington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
49.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 57%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,101
Avg net price $15,845/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 74%
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in District of Columbia

Child Development professionals in District of Columbia experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for District of Columbia.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (District of Columbia)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $62,150
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $77,850
Child, Family, and School Social Workers $73,550
Childcare Workers $47,340
Social and Human Service Assistants $59,460
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $81,500
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $69,130

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Child Development Degree in District of Columbia?

Choosing a program in District of Columbia can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in District of Columbia offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the District of Columbia economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online child development programs in District of Columbia accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Child Development pay in District of Columbia compare to other states?

District of Columbia offers competitive wages for child development professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes District of Columbia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for child development in District of Columbia?

The District of Columbia Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in District of Columbia. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Child Development Programs by City in District of Columbia

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

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