Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 30.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.3%
- Retention Rate
- 66.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,236
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,872
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $264/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Bachelor | $80,336 | |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Associate | $67,101 | $14,836 |
| 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 | $18,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $43,575 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $25,637 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $30,875 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). | Bachelor | $39,927 | $37,650 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,141 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $44,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $51,085 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $21,383 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $29,685 | $16,670 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Associate | $26,715 |
Outcomes Overview
UDC graduates face significant financial challenges despite decent employment prospects. With a 91.6% employment rate, most students find work after graduation. However, median debt of $24,872 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 56% against first-year earnings of $44,236. Monthly loan payments of $264 consume about 7% of graduates' income, which is manageable but higher than ideal. The university serves many first-generation college students who often enter public service, healthcare, and business roles in the DC metro area. While career outcomes improve over time, with five-year earnings reaching $57,652, the combination of low graduation rates and modest starting salaries suggests a weak return on investment for most students.