University of the District of Columbia
University of the District of Columbia — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of the District of Columbia at a Glance
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 Bu…
1851
175 years old
$49M
$49.1 million
4,202
3,610 undergrad · 592 grad
23 acres
Identity
Is University of the District of Columbia Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, University of the District of Columbia is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,236 — 18% below average — while paying $10,648/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 30% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,872 representing 56% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of the District of Columbia has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of the District of Columbia compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #157 of 227 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #157 | University of the District of Columbia | 31 | $10,648 | $44,236 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of the District of Columbia's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of the District of Columbia
The highest-earning program at University of the District of Columbia is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $39,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at $36,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of the District of Columbia earns $39,300, while a Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services graduate earns $36,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $27,273 in median debt vs. $22,000 for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,648/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,300 | $39,300 | $27,273 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $36,600 | $36,600 | $22,000 |
Similar Colleges in DC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Student Body
- 3,351 students
- Graduation Rate
- 30%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,648
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,236
- Median Student Debt
- $24,872