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University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC·Public·3,080 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 40%. a public school with 3,080 students.

N/A
Accept
3,080
Students
$14,693
Net Price
26%
Grad Rate
$39,400
Earnings
10 yr
$14,250
Debt

About This School

University of the District of Columbia is a public institution located in Washington, District of Columbia with approximately 3,080 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $14,693 per year. The graduation rate is 26%, and the typical graduate earns $39,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public historically black land-grant university in Washington, D.C., United States. The only public university in the city, it traces its origins to 1851 and opened in its modern form in 1977. The university offers workforce and certificate programs in addition to associate, baccalaureate, master's, professional and doctoral degrees. Its schools include the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, David A. Clarke School of Law and UDC Community College.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the low average net price of $14,693/year and modest debt at graduation make this one of the more affordable paths to a DC-area degree, which is a real advantage for cost-conscious students. However, the 26% graduation rate is a serious concern — only about 1 in 4 students who start here finish, and the 67% freshman retention rate suggests many leave after just the first year. This may be worth considering if you have a clear plan, strong self-motivation, and need an affordable urban option, but go in with eyes open about the completion challenges.

Founded
1851
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Education16%
Health Professions10%
Engineering5%
Computer Science5%
Social Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Biological Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Euphemia HaynesAbiodun KoyaJohn ThompsonEarl Jones

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,152
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,004
Avg Net Price
$14,693
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants43%
Median debt at graduation$14,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
26%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
67%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White3%
Black54%
Hispanic/Latino28%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,080 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of the District of Columbia

4200 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington, DC 20008

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in District of Columbia

Browse all District of Columbia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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