University of the District of Columbia
Washington, United States
- Cost of Living$ 26,376
- Tuition Fee From$ 16,388
- Country Rank#583
- Batch Strength4,500
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public university located in Washington, D.C., United States. It was established in 1851 as Miner Normal School, and it has undergone several name changes and institutional mergers over the years. In 1977, it became the University of the District of Columbia, and it is now the only public university in the District of Columbia.
UDC offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in various fields, including business, education, engineering and technology, health sciences, law, public affairs, and the arts and sciences. There are over 81-degree programmes which include 34 undergraduate, 27 postgraduate, 3 doctorate programmes and also 23 associate and 11 certificate degree s courses. All these programmes are offered through seven organised colleges which include:
- College of Agriculture
- Community College
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences
- School of Business and Public Administration
- College of Art and Sciences
- The David A. Clarke School of Law
It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and various specialized accrediting agencies. Its faculty includes scholars and practitioners in a variety of fields, and its graduates go on to pursue successful careers in various industries and sectors.
The university has a diverse student body, and it is committed to providing access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.
Ranking
U.S. News & World Report ranked University of the District of Columbia as the #133-175th-best Regional Universities in the North. In the year 2022, the same publication ranked the university highly. UDC was also placed #49-63 in Top Public Schools. It maintained the #17 position among Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Given below are some of the prominent rankings for this university given by other publications like Niche, UniRank and College Factual in 2023:
- #547 - Most Diverse Colleges in America (Niche 2023)
- #1,668 - Best Colleges In Nation (College Factual 2023)
- #8 - Best Colleges in District of Columbia (College Factual 2023)
- #682 - Country Rank (UniRank 2022)
Course wise rankings:
University HQ has prominently released rankings for its multidisciplinary programmes. They have ranked these as per their popularity and quality rated by students. Given below are those:
- #63 - Public Administration (University HQ 2022)
- #8 - Best MBA in District of Columbia (University HQ 2022)
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
-
-
Facilities
The university is divided into three campuses: Van Ness, Georgia/Harvard Street, and Mount Vernon Square. UDC's main campus is Van Ness. On-campus resources such as computer labs, parking lots, and libraries are provided to students. The university is focused on enabling student learning while also strengthening candidates' leadership, social connections, and cultural understanding holistically. UDC has over 50 clubs, organisations, and trademark campus events that promote community and school spirit. Here are some of the university’s top-notch facilities that are easily available for students to make use of -
Athletic Facilities - The E.B Henderson Complex features a range of facilities to satisfy the demands of the student body and the sports activities of the University of the District of Columbia. A big and contemporary gymnasium, swimming pool with a diving well, five tennis courts, and regulation-size soccer/lacrosse field are available to students, faculty, and employees. The newly renovated gymnasium can now seat 1,500 people. Being the men's and women's basketball teams' home court. The Sports Complex includes a freshly refurbished Natatorium with a six-lane pool designed for NCAA competition, a diving well, a viewing area, and changing rooms.
Library - The library is located on the Van Ness campus in Washington, D.C. It provides resources and services to support the research and academic needs of UDC students, faculty, and staff. The library's collection includes print volumes, electronic books, and access to numerous databases, journals, and other online resources. The library also has special collections, including the Washingtoniana Collection, which features materials related to the history of Washington, D.C. and the District of Columbia Public Schools Archive.
Dining Facilities - The nutritional needs of the university are met by Perkins Food Management Services Provider. Their menu namely includes breakfast, Grilled foods and a variety of salads. The menu changes frequently which is updated on the university website.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
University of the District of Columbia has an acceptance rate of 100% for the 2024 intake. It is among the 23% of the easiest universities to gain admission to in the United States. The is an open-admission institution, which means that it accepts all of the applicants who meet the minimum requirements for admission. This policy aims to provide access to higher education for a broader range of students and support their educational goals.
University of the District of Columbia Entry Requirements
The university maintains the same procedure for admission for all students at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate level. The university has a mandatory application fee payment of USD 50. International students need to have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0-2.5 on a minimum average scale of 4.0. Each applicant must provide the following:
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
The undergraduate programmes application has a number of prerequisites which need to be fulfilled by students to have their application submitted successfully. Given below is a list of those:
- Official Academic Transcripts of High School
- Letter (s) of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of financial support
- Passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Minimum English Test Scores - TOEFL or IELTS
Graduate Admission Requirements
Students wishing to fulfil their postgraduate studies at this university have to make sure that they have decent scores from a known university along with work experience certifications. Mentioned below are the other necessary requirements they will need:
- Official Academic Transcripts of College
- Letter (s) of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of financial support
- Passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- CAS statement
- Minimum English Test Scores - TOEFL or IELTS
- Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
- Resume or CV showing work experience
University of the District of Columbia Fees
The university has several programmes both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, their fees is given below:
- Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computer Science - USD 16,388 /Yr
- Master of Science [M.S] Cancer Biology, Prevention and Control - USD 17,762 /Yr
- Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] - USD 17,762 /Yr
- Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science - USD 17,762 /Yr
- Bachelor of Architecture [B.Arch] - USD 16,388 /Yr
Placements
UDC graduates have had enormous success in finding employment after graduation. Under the Office of Career Services, the university offers internship alternatives to its students. It regularly hosts a virtual job and internship fair where students can meet and network with 50-100 employer enterprises, corporations, and organisations to discover various employment prospects, jobs, and internships for various academic degrees and programmes. Personal apparel and digital versions of resumes work best for this event, and enrollment is accessible through Handshake.
Scholarship
The University of District of Columbia offers various types of General and Merit-Based scholarships to their students. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate and high school senior students. However, international students get fewer scholarships than domestic students but some scholarships are available for international students. Below we have provided some of those scholarships:
|
Scholarship Name |
Amount |
|
Calvin Fields (Endowed Scholarship) |
Varies |
|
School of Business & Public Administration (SBPA) |
Varies |
|
Julia P. Marshall (Endowed) |
$7,000 |
|
James E. Joseph (Endowed Scholarship) |
$7,844 |
|
Jazz Ensemble |
Varies |
If you are not able to win any of the above scholarship schemes then you should consider turning to external scholarships. This type of financial aid is generic to every international student and is offered in plenty. UniScholars is one such marketplace of external scholarships. The counsellors here will help you take your first step towards your dreams!
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of the District of Columbia. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the University of the District of Columbia. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and the home of the University of the District of Columbia. As such, the student culture in Washington D.C. is highly influenced by these areas, as well as by the city's rich history, diverse population, and numerous cultural and recreational attractions. In terms of sports and recreation, Washington D.C. is home to several professional sports teams, including the Washington Football Team, the Washington Wizards, and the Washington Nationals. The city also has numerous parks and outdoor spaces, including the National Mall and Rock Creek Park. Overall, the student culture in Washington D.C. is diverse, intellectually stimulating, and socially engaged. Students have access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities, as well as opportunities to engage in political and civic life at the national and international levels. When it comes to living here, the following expenses should be considered:
|
Particulars |
Cost (Monthly) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1,445 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$949 |
|
Transportation |
$114 |
|
Food Cost |
$402 |
|
Utility Cost |
$156 |
|
Entertainment |
$52 |
|
Groceries |
$60 |
|
Clothes |
$125 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation |
$2,434 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,938 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$29,212 |