Celebrating 35 Years of Brighter Futures

Our Story

Creating Impact for Students, Communities, and Beyond

University of the Potomac welcomed its first students in 1991—an era of incredible technological and social change. Since then, we've helped more than 35,000 graduates prepare to lead in the 21st-century workplace.

We're proud of how our alumni have built on their Potomac educations to create careers and lives that are advancing knowledge, transforming industries, and making the world a better place. Here are some of their stories.

1991

Year Founded

Milestones

35 Years of Milestones

1989

The Foundation

Potomac Educational Foundation is established to operate an educational institution of higher learning.

1991

Doors Open

Potomac College opens in Rockville, Maryland as a two-year, upper-division degree-completion institution serving working adults.

1994

First Accreditation

Potomac College is accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

1997

A Move to the Capital

The college relocates to 4000 Chesapeake Street NW, Washington, D.C. and gains approval to award Bachelor of Science degrees.

1998

Virginia Approval

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia grants Potomac College approval to award Bachelor of Science degrees at a Virginia campus.

2001

Virginia Campus Opens

Courses are initiated in Herndon, Virginia, extending Potomac's reach across the D.C. metro area.

2006

Regional Accreditation

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education grants regional accreditation — a recognized post-secondary accrediting agency.

2007

Online Programs Approved

The college receives approval to offer programs online, preparing for the future of education delivery.

2008

Learning Goes Digital

Online course delivery begins, complementing two on-ground campuses and making education accessible anytime, anywhere.

2012

Virginia Campus Relocates

The Virginia branch campus moves to 2070 Chain Bridge Road, near Tysons Corner, in Vienna, VA.

2013

A New Identity

Potomac College is renamed University of the Potomac. The D.C. campus moves to 1401 H Street NW, three blocks from the White House.

2018

Chicago Campus Opens

University of the Potomac at Chicago is established, gaining approval for non-degree programs and a Medical Assisting diploma.

2019

Doctoral Programs & Falls Church

The Virginia campus relocates to Falls Church, VA, and MSCHE grants approval to offer doctoral programs in Computer Science, Education, and Business Administration.

2026

35 Years Strong

Celebrating 35 years of brighter futures — now offering Doctoral, Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate degrees across 45+ programs.

Voices of Impact

Potomac Alumni Stories

""University of the Potomac gave me the tools and confidence to pursue my dreams. The flexible schedule allowed me to work full-time while earning my degree.""

Maria Johnson

Class of 2015 · B.S. in Business Administration

""The online programs were a game-changer. I could study from anywhere while advancing my career in tech. The faculty truly cared about my success.""

David Chen

Class of 2019 · M.S. in Information Technology

""As a first-generation college student, Potomac felt like home. The small class sizes meant I always had support when I needed it most.""

Amara Williams

Class of 2022 · B.S. in Accounting

* Placeholder testimonials — to be replaced with real alumni stories.

Looking Ahead

We're Writing Our Next Chapter—and You Can, Too

Over the years, we've grown and changed to meet the needs of our students and the communities they go on to serve.

In our next chapter, we're developing even more options for studying business, management, and technology. We're enhancing our current programs with the latest market-relevant skills and knowledge. And we're ready to welcome even more students—students like you.

Gained regional accreditation and state approval for our programs

Moved from our first campus in Maryland to Washington, DC, and opened a second campus in Virginia

Evolved from Potomac College to University of the Potomac

Developed online and hybrid learning options

Grown our program offerings to include certificates and degrees up to the doctoral level

Start Building Your Legacy with University of the Potomac

Explore our programs today to see what's possible for you!

B.S.

Bachelor's Degrees

Business
Accounting
International Business
Information Technology
Computer Science
Cyber Security
Hospitality and Tourism
Contract Management
Health Information Management
Early Childhood Development

M.S. / M.B.A.

Master's Degrees

Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Information Technology
Computer Science
Accounting
Healthcare Administration
Healthcare Informatics
Data Analytics
Education

D.B.A. / Ed.D. / D.C.S.

Doctoral Degrees

Business Administration (D.B.A.)
Education (Ed.D.)
Computer Science (D.C.S.)

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Flexible online and on-campus programs
Affordable tuition with financial aid available
Small class sizes with personalized support
Accredited by the Middle States Commission

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