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
The financial return at University of the District of Columbia is weak, and the biggest reason is the 26% graduation rate. That number is the core risk here. You can borrow, enroll, and leave without a degree, which is the worst financial outcome possible: debt with no credential to pay it back. With only two-thirds of freshmen returning for a second year, the odds of finishing are stacked against you before you pick a major.
If you do finish, the earnings picture is mixed. Accounting is the standout value: graduates clear $52,000 while carrying the lowest debt of any listed program at $18,500. That combination pays off. Computer science and political science both land in the low $40,000s, and business management pays the same as political science but saddles you with over $30,000 in debt, the highest on the list. Bioethics tops the earnings chart above $80,000, but it is a niche path with a small graduate pool, so treat that figure as an outlier rather than a plan.
The net price tiers hold a real quirk you should catch. Families earning $75,000 to $110,000 pay the least, around $12,300, while families earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay roughly $17,700. If your household sits in that middle band, you get a worse deal than families making more than you. Run your actual aid estimate before committing.
This school fits you if you are a DC resident who can commute, plans to major in accounting, and is confident you will graduate. If you need to borrow heavily, if you are drawn to business management with its high debt load, or if you are unsure about finishing, look elsewhere. The median $44,000 salary against a 26% completion rate does not support taking on risk here.
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.