Education Note: University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
University
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public, historically black land-grant university located in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Founded in 1851, UDC is the only public university in the city and emerged from the merger of three predecessor institutions: the District of Columbia Teachers College, the District of Columbia Technical College, and Federal City College. The university's mission emphasizes providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse student population, with a focus on serving the needs of the local community. UDC is known for its commitment to social justice, community engagement, and its nationally recognized David A. Clarke School of Law. Notable alumni include former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, renowned jazz musician Calvin Jones, and U.S. Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy, who was also a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement.
Based on the available information, students considering attending the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) should carefully weigh the institution's affordability and accessibility against its low graduation rates and inconsistent academic quality. While UDC's mission to provide educational opportunities to underserved communities is admirable, its 20% six-year graduation rate and mixed student reviews suggest that many students struggle to succeed at the institution. Prospective students should investigate the specific programs they are interested in, as some may offer better support and outcomes than others. It is also essential for students to be proactive in seeking out resources, engaging with faculty, and building networks to maximize their chances of success. Ultimately, while UDC may be a viable option for students with limited alternatives or those passionate about the university's mission, most individuals would likely find better academic and career outcomes at other institutions with a more established track record of student success.
Students Voice
Opinions on the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) are mixed. Some students praise the school's diverse and supportive community, dedicated professors, and opportunities for hands-on learning and internships. Others express frustration with the institution's limited resources, inconsistent academic rigor, and lack of robust student support services. Many reviewers acknowledge that while UDC faces challenges common among under-resourced public institutions, individual student success is largely determined by personal motivation and effort. Overall, student sentiment suggests that UDC provides an accessible and affordable education for many who might not otherwise attend college, but the university struggles to consistently deliver a high-quality academic experience.
Bottom Line
While the University of the District of Columbia's commitment to providing accessible higher education to a diverse student body is commendable, its consistently poor performance across multiple key indicators makes it difficult to recommend as a top choice for most students. With a graduation rate of just 20% and median earnings well below the national average, prospective students must carefully consider whether UDC can effectively support their academic and career goals. Though some individual programs may offer better outcomes, the university as a whole struggles to compete with other institutions in terms of educational quality and student success. Students who do choose to attend UDC should be proactive in seeking out support services, engaging with faculty, and building professional networks to maximize their chances of success. However, for the majority of applicants, exploring alternative institutions with stronger track records of student achievement and post-graduation outcomes may be a more prudent choice.
Strategic Planning Assumptions
Strategic planning assumptions for the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), including the addition of a Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing by 2027:
2025:
By 2025, UDC will implement a holistic student support model integrating academic, financial, and mental health services, improving student outcomes and closing equity gaps by 25%. (Probability .90)
By 2025, UDC will implement a comprehensive faculty development program focused on inclusive pedagogy, online learning, and community-engaged scholarship, improving student engagement and course evaluations by 20%. (Probability .85)
By 2025, UDC will streamline its administrative processes through automation and process redesign, redirecting $5 million annually toward strategic priorities such as student success and research support. (Probability .85)
2026:
By 2026, UDC will implement a comprehensive student success analytics platform, enabling personalized interventions that increase first-year retention to 70% while optimizing resource allocation. (Probability .80)
By 2026, UDC will establish a nationally recognized center for urban education research and innovation, partnering with school districts to implement evidence-based practices that improve K-12 outcomes. (Probability .75)
By 2026, UDC will restructure its academic advising model to provide proactive, individualized support, increasing credit accumulation and reducing time to degree by 15%. (Probability .90)
2027:
By 2027, UDC will launch three new high-demand, interdisciplinary degree programs aligned with regional workforce needs, including a Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, resulting in a 20% increase in enrollment and a 10% increase in corporate partnerships. (Probability .80)
By 2027, UDC will establish a center of excellence in cybersecurity, offering cutting-edge programs and industry partnerships that position graduates for high-paying jobs in a growing field. (Probability .70)
By 2027, UDC will launch a comprehensive student wellness initiative, integrating physical and mental health support with academic success strategies, reducing achievement gaps and improving overall student well-being. (Probability .80)
2028:
By 2028, UDC will increase its six-year graduation rate to 40% through targeted investments in advising, tutoring, and high-impact practices, reducing achievement gaps and improving its U.S. News ranking by 20 spots. (Probability .75)
By 2028, UDC will double its endowment through a comprehensive fundraising campaign focused on alumni engagement, major gifts, and corporate sponsorships, providing increased financial stability. (Probability .55)
By 2028, UDC will develop a suite of stackable, industry-aligned credentials in high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, and green energy, increasing adult learner enrollment by 25%. (Probability .75)
2029:
By 2029, UDC will secure $50 million in new grant funding to support cutting-edge research in areas such as data science, health disparities, and sustainable urban development, elevating its Carnegie research classification. (Probability .60)
By 2029, UDC will launch an innovation incubator and venture fund, supporting student and faculty entrepreneurship while generating new revenue streams for the university. (Probability .60)
2030:
By 2030, UDC will establish itself as a national leader in experiential learning, with 80% of students participating in internships, co-ops, or research, leading to a 15% increase in post-graduation employment rates. (Probability .70)
By 2030, UDC will develop a pipeline program in partnership with local high schools, increasing college readiness and growing enrollment of D.C. residents by 30%. (Probability .80)
By 2030, UDC will establish itself as a national leader in community-engaged research, partnering with local organizations to address pressing urban challenges and improve quality of life in Washington, D.C. (Probability .65)
2031:
By 2031, UDC will achieve carbon neutrality through renewable energy adoption, green building design, and behavioral change initiatives, positioning itself as a model for urban sustainability. (Probability .65)
The addition of a Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing by 2027 (Probability .80) aligns with the technology trends and UDC's efforts to enhance its academic offerings in high-demand, innovative fields. This program could help the university attract tech-savvy students, prepare graduates for in-demand careers, and differentiate itself in the local and regional higher education landscape.
The probability of .80 reflects the university's current challenges in terms of resources, faculty expertise, and the need to build partnerships with industry and research institutions to successfully execute such a specialized program. However, UDC's location in the nation's capital and its commitment to serving the local community could provide opportunities for collaboration and support that could increase the likelihood of success.
Overall, the inclusion of this new degree program, combined with the other strategic planning assumptions, demonstrates UDC's ambition to modernize its academic offerings, leverage emerging technologies, and better prepare students for the workforce and future careers.
University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Statistics
General Information
Founded: 1851
Location: Washington, D.C.
Institution: Type
Public, HBCU, Land-grant
Enrollment (Fall 2023)
Total Enrollment: 4,202
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,302
Graduate Enrollment: 900
Student Demographics
Gender Male: 36%
Female: 64%
Ethnicity Black or African American: 65%
Hispanic or Latino: 10%
White: 5%
Asian: 3%
Two or More Races: 2%
Unknown: 15%
Academics
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 6:1
Number of Academic Programs 81
Undergraduate 34
Graduate 47
Costs (2023-2024)
In-State Tuition and Fees $8,208
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees $18,126
Room and Board $12,144
Outcomes
Graduation Rate (6-Year) 20%
Retention Rate (First-Time, Full-Time) 54%
Post-Graduation Median Salary $42,000
Note: Data collected from various sources, including the UDC website, U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Some figures are approximate or most recent available.