University of the District of Columbia

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Breadcrumb Abstract Shape

University of the District of Columbia

  • Overview & Academics

    The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public, historically Black urban land-grant university located in Washington, D.C. Established in 1851, UDC is the only public university in the District, offering a comprehensive range of academic programs across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. UDC comprises several colleges and schools, including the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences; the College of Arts and Sciences; the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; the School of Business and Public Administration; the David A. Clarke School of Law; and the UDC Community College. UDC embraces a commitment to excellence, research, urban sustainability, professional preparation, and community engagement.

  • Admissions

    • Application Process: UDC operates with an open admissions policy for many of its associate and certificate programs, but also maintains standard admission criteria for bachelor’s, graduate, and professional degrees.

    • Requirements: First-year applicants are generally required to submit an online application, official transcripts, standardized test scores (optional for some programs), and proof of residency for in-state tuition consideration.

    • Deadlines: UDC offers rolling admissions with priority dates generally in early spring for fall semester entry.

  • Cost

    • Tuition and Fees (2023-24):

      • In-State Undergraduate: approx. $6,152 per year
      • Out-of-State Undergraduate: approx. $13,304 per year
      • Graduate: Varies by program (starting at around $9,950 for in-state)

    • Financial Aid: Extensive aid available including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.

  • Student Population

    UDC serves approximately 3,800 students across its colleges and schools, with a diverse student body often representing over 50 countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 8:1, allowing for personalized attention and strong faculty engagement.

  • Rankings & Distinctions

    • UDC is classified as a historically Black university (HBCU), and is recognized among the nation’s most affordable universities.

    • Noted for its law school’s commitment to public service and clinical legal education.

    • Designated as an 1890 land-grant university.

  • Campus & Culture

    • UDC’s main campus is located in the Van Ness neighborhood of Northwest D.C., featuring modern classroom buildings, a student center, performance spaces, a theater, and sustainability-focused green roofs.

    • Community College facilities are spread throughout the city, further expanding the university’s urban outreach.

  • Athletics & Traditions

    • UDC’s intercollegiate athletic teams are known as the Firebirds and participate in NCAA Division II as a member of the East Coast Conference.

    • Major varsity sports include basketball, tennis, track & field, and soccer. UDC celebrates school pride through annual homecoming events and community-centered celebrations.

  • Mission

    UDC’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities to a diverse student population, fostering lifelong learning, research, urban sustainability, and service to the residents of the District of Columbia.

  • Leadership & Current Developments

    • The university is led by President Maurice D. Edington, appointed in 2023. UDC continues to expand its sustainability initiatives, revitalize facilities, and broaden academic partnerships locally and internationally.

    • Recent infrastructure improvements include upgrades to laboratories, student housing, and the newly established Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation, & Infrastructure.

  • Programs

    • UDC offers more than 81 degree and certificate programs spanning certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

    • Major fields include liberal arts, environmental science, engineering, health sciences, education, business, law, applied sciences, and social work.

    • Notable offerings include the David A. Clarke School of Law, the flagship nationally accredited Fire Science program, and degrees in public administration and urban sustainability.

  • Campus Life

    • Students participate in a wealth of campus activities including cultural events, performances, academic clubs, honor societies, and wellness programs.

    • On-campus dining, fitness facilities, and residence halls foster a vibrant community experience.

  • Student Organizations

    • Over 30 active student organizations exist on campus including fraternities and sororities, academic and professional societies, special interest groups, and student government.

    • Popular organizations include the UDC Student Government Association, Model UN, Black Law Students Association, and various cultural clubs.

  • Admission Stats

    • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 76%

    • Undergraduate Applicants: ~1,200 per year

    • Average High School GPA: 2.8–3.2 (varies by program)

    • Test-Optional: Yes, for most programs

Website: www.udc.edu/
Address: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008