At $14,693/yr net price, University of the District of Columbia graduates earn $44,236/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,236/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,693 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,236/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,236/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,872 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,786/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,589/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,674/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,345/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,245/yr |
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 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $30,875 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $25,637 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). | Bachelor | $39,927 | $37,650 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
The Risk Factor
26.3% of students at University of the District of Columbia graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of the District of Columbia offers weak financial returns despite its low cost, with graduates earning just $44,236 ten years after enrollment and only 26% of students completing their degrees. The combination of poor graduation rates and below-average earnings creates significant financial risk for most students.
Bioethics programs stand out as clear financial winners, producing graduates who earn $67,101 to $80,336 annually with relatively low debt loads. Criminal Justice graduates also see strong returns at $63,005, while Education majors can expect $56,776. Accounting graduates earn $52,289 but carry higher debt at $18,500. These programs represent your best bet for positive returns at UDC.
The school's 26% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. If you don't finish your degree, you'll likely face debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. The 67% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
UDC works best financially if you're certain about pursuing one of the higher-earning programs and confident you can complete your degree. The low net price of $14,693 makes it affordable for DC residents who qualify for in-state rates. However, if you're undecided about your major or concerned about academic support, you should consider schools with stronger graduation rates.
With only 43% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a proven high-earning program and taking advantage of the low tuition rather than counting on significant aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the District of Columbia worth the cost?
With median earnings of $44,236 ten years after graduation and a low 26% graduation rate, UDC offers mixed value. The affordable $14,693 annual net price helps, but many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at University of the District of Columbia?
Bioethics programs lead with graduates earning around $67,000-$80,000 annually. Criminal justice and accounting graduates earn in the $50,000-$63,000 range, which is decent given the school's overall low cost.
How much student debt do University of the District of Columbia graduates have?
The median debt of $24,872 is manageable compared to many schools. However, the risk comes from the low graduation rate, meaning many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of the District of Columbia have good financial aid?
The net price of $14,693 suggests decent financial aid for a public university. This makes UDC affordable for students who can successfully complete their programs, though the graduation rate remains a concern.