About University of the District of Columbia
The University of the District of Columbia serves as the nation's capital's only public university, providing affordable higher education to a diverse student body of 3,080. This historically black institution has deep roots in DC's educational landscape, dating back to its founding in 1851. The university focuses on career-oriented programs designed to meet local workforce needs. With 85.68% of students coming from in-state, UDC functions as a community anchor for DC residents seeking accessible higher education.
Students pay an average net price of $14,693 after financial aid, making UDC one of the more affordable options in an expensive city. In-state tuition costs just $6,152 annually. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,236 ten years after graduation, with typical student debt of $24,872. The loan repayment rate sits at 30.62%, indicating financial challenges for some alumni. However, the employment rate reaches 91.6%, showing strong job placement despite modest starting salaries.
The student body reflects DC's diversity, with 54.19% Black students and 27.89% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment. Women make up 66.95% of enrollment. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention, though the 26.30% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic and financial obstacles to degree completion.
Students pay an average net price of $14,693 after financial aid, making UDC one of the more affordable options in an expensive city. In-state tuition costs just $6,152 annually. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,236 ten years after graduation, with typical student debt of $24,872. The loan repayment rate sits at 30.62%, indicating financial challenges for some alumni. However, the employment rate reaches 91.6%, showing strong job placement despite modest starting salaries.
The student body reflects DC's diversity, with 54.19% Black students and 27.89% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment. Women make up 66.95% of enrollment. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention, though the 26.30% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic and financial obstacles to degree completion.
Academics & Faculty
The University of the District of Columbia serves as the capital's only public university, offering career-focused programs designed for working adults and first-generation college students. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention from professors. However, the 26% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work, family, and school commitments. The university emphasizes practical fields like business, education, and health sciences. As a historically Black college and university, UDC has a strong tradition of supporting underrepresented students in higher education. The school's urban setting provides internship opportunities with government agencies and nonprofits throughout Washington, DC.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 30.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.3%
- Retention Rate
- 66.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,236
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Bachelor | $80,336 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Associate | $67,101 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $63,005 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,776 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,289 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $43,575 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). | Bachelor | $39,927 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
Campus Life
Washington DC's only public university sits in the heart of the nation's capital, where 3,080 students experience city life surrounded by monuments and government buildings. Two-thirds of students are women, and 85.68% come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community despite the urban setting. The campus lacks traditional dorms, so most students commute from across the DC metro area.
Winters require heavy coats as temperatures drop into the 30s, while humid summers mean students dress light between classes. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates small, discussion-based classrooms where professors know every name. Weekends often involve exploring DC's free museums, attending political rallies, or catching Metro trains to Georgetown and Adams Morgan. The Firebirds compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with 110 total athletes, though games draw modest crowds. Students frequently intern at federal agencies, nonprofits, and lobbying firms just blocks away. The campus buzzes with political energy during election seasons, and many students work part-time jobs to offset the $14,693 average net price.
Winters require heavy coats as temperatures drop into the 30s, while humid summers mean students dress light between classes. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates small, discussion-based classrooms where professors know every name. Weekends often involve exploring DC's free museums, attending political rallies, or catching Metro trains to Georgetown and Adams Morgan. The Firebirds compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with 110 total athletes, though games draw modest crowds. Students frequently intern at federal agencies, nonprofits, and lobbying firms just blocks away. The campus buzzes with political energy during election seasons, and many students work part-time jobs to offset the $14,693 average net price.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–42°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 5.8"
Student Demographics
UDC draws heavily from Washington DC itself, with 86% of students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly African American at 54%, reflecting the university's role as the capital's only public HBCU. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, typical for universities strong in education, social work, and health sciences. With 43% of students receiving Pell Grants, UDC serves as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class DC families. The diverse Hispanic population at 28% mirrors the changing demographics of the District.
- Men
- 33.1%
- Women
- 67.0%
- White
- 3.2%
- Black
- 54.2%
- Hispanic
- 27.9%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 85.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.8%
Location
The University of the District of Columbia sits in the heart of Washington, DC, the nation's capital. As the only public university in DC, it serves over 3,000 students in one of America's most politically influential cities. The urban campus provides direct access to federal agencies, museums, and internship opportunities that define Washington's character. Students benefit from the city's extensive Metro system and cultural attractions, while facing the higher living costs typical of major metropolitan areas. The university draws 85.68% of its students from within DC, reflecting strong local ties. Students considering colleges in Washington, DC may also compare University of the District of Columbia with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Washington, District of Columbia 20008
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,236
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,652
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $264/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,872
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of the District of Columbia?
UDC maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,080 students. This historically black public university emphasizes small class sizes to support its mission of serving DC residents with accessible higher education.
How much does University of the District of Columbia cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,693, with 42.82% of students receiving Pell Grants. As DC's only public university, UDC keeps costs low with in-state tuition at just $6,152 to serve the local community.
What is the graduation rate at University of the District of Columbia?
UDC has a 26.30% six-year graduation rate and 66.67% retention rate. The university serves many first-generation college students and working adults who often attend part-time while balancing other responsibilities.
What do graduates from University of the District of Columbia earn?
Alumni earn a median of $44,236 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $264. The university focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for jobs in the DC metro area's government and service sectors.
Where is University of the District of Columbia located?
UDC sits in Washington, DC with 85.68% of students coming from in-state. The urban campus gives students access to internships and jobs in the nation's capital while serving a student body that is 54.19% Black and 27.89% Hispanic.
Does University of the District of Columbia offer athletic scholarships?
The Firebirds compete in NCAA Division II with $1,857,429 in athletic scholarships across 10 varsity sports. With 110 total athletes, UDC provides opportunities for student-athletes while maintaining its focus on academic access and affordability.
