The University of the District of Columbia provides crucial educational access for students who might not otherwise pursue four-year degrees, particularly low-income and first-generation students in the nation's capital.
While earnings outcomes are modest, the university maintains strong affordability and successful loan repayment patterns for graduates.
The University of the District of Columbia serves as Washington D.C.'s public university, providing broad access to higher education in the nation's capital. Nearly 43% of students receive Pell Grants and about 51% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse populations who might not otherwise have access to four-year degrees. With a 29% transfer-in rate, UDC also provides pathways for students looking to complete their education after starting elsewhere.
While UDC excels at access, with an access composite score in the top 17% nationally, the financial outcomes present a more complex picture. Graduates earn a median of $44,236 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom 13% nationally for long-term earnings. However, the university does provide modest earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $1,741 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
As an urban public university in one of the country's most expensive metropolitan areas, UDC offers the advantages of location and affordability while serving students who face significant economic and educational barriers. The institution represents an important access point for D.C. residents seeking higher education, though prospective students should carefully consider program choices and career planning to maximize their return on investment.
The University of the District of Columbia's program portfolio reflects its urban mission and diverse student body, with particular strength in business and professional fields. Business Administration and Management leads both in scale and aggregate impact, graduating 56 students annually with median earnings of $42,682. This program represents UDC's largest economic engine, combining substantial enrollment with solid career outcomes for graduates entering D.C.'s business sector.
Accounting Technology demonstrates the potential for strong earnings at UDC, with graduates earning $52,289—significantly above the institutional median and competitive with many larger universities. This technical business program shows how focused, career-oriented fields can deliver strong returns even within a resource-constrained environment. Adult Development and Aging, while enrolling 29 students, produces more modest earnings at $33,993, reflecting the varied career paths and earning potential across UDC's diverse academic offerings.
The concentration in business-related fields aligns with Washington D.C.'s economy, where federal contracting, nonprofit management, and professional services create demand for graduates with practical business skills. Students who choose technical or professionally-focused programs tend to see stronger earnings outcomes, while those in broader liberal arts fields may need additional career planning to maximize their degree value in the competitive D.C. job market.
Graduates of the University of the District of Columbia earn a median of $44,236 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the challenges many students face in translating their degrees into higher-paying careers. While these earnings place UDC in the bottom 13% nationally, graduates do achieve modest earnings beyond expectations—about $1,741 more than similar students at other institutions—suggesting the university provides some value despite resource constraints.
Program choice significantly impacts outcomes at UDC. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 56 graduates, produces median earnings of $42,682 and represents the highest aggregate return due to its scale. Accounting Technology stands out with the strongest individual earnings at $52,289, demonstrating that students in business-focused technical fields can achieve solid financial outcomes. Adult Development and Aging, while having substantial enrollment with 29 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $33,993, reflecting the varied career paths available to UDC students.
The university's location in Washington D.C. provides access to federal government opportunities, nonprofit organizations, and a diverse metropolitan job market. However, the high cost of living in the D.C. area means that even modest earnings face significant pressure from housing and daily expenses, making career planning and field selection particularly important for UDC graduates seeking financial stability.
The University of the District of Columbia offers strong affordability, particularly for low-income families. Low-income students pay about $13,786 annually, well below typical public university costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $17,674. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $20,245, making UDC accessible across income levels. These net prices place the university around the 59th percentile nationally for affordability, representing solid value in an expensive metropolitan area.
Debt levels at UDC are manageable relative to the costs of attendance. Typical graduates leave with about $24,872 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $14,000. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that despite modest post-graduation earnings, most borrowers successfully manage their repayment obligations. This suggests that while earnings may be lower than at other institutions, the debt burden remains proportional to what graduates can reasonably handle in their early careers.
University Of The District Of Columbia Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
