Through BLACK ENTERPRISE editors
November 15, 2025
The University of the District of Columbia is rising in the HBCU rankings and redefining access.
Written by Sean Mitchell
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Washington, DC’s only public university and the nation’s only urban land-grant HBCU, has reached a major milestone, ranking 18th among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 9th among public HBCUs in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings.
The jump marks UDC’s highest placement to date and reflects significant gains in student success, research innovation and affordability. The university credits its focused strategy with expanding access and tailoring programs to the workforce needs of Washington, D.C.
“This recognition reflects the incredible progress we have made toward delivering high-quality, affordable education that empowers our students and serves our city,” UDC President Maurice D. Edington said in a statement from the university. “We are proud to represent what an urban, public HBCU can achieve when given the opportunity to grow.”
The rise of the university is no small feat. Just five years ago, the university ranked in the bottom third of the U.S. News HBCU list. Since then, new academic programs, increased research funding and targeted investments in student support have driven improvements.
Key initiatives include the launch of UDC’s new Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning (WDLL) division, which has trained more than 20,000 DC residents in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, green infrastructure and healthcare. The expansion of undergraduate research through the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also positioned UDC as a hub for applied innovation.
In interviews with local media, Edington emphasized the university’s mission-driven approach: “We are an anchor for Washington, DC – a place where education, equity and community meet.”
Students say the university’s culture and affordability are key to its success. “I could have moved out of state, but UDC offered me the same quality of education at a fraction of the cost,” said senior biology major Aaliyah Green. “It feels good to know that my school is finally getting the recognition it deserves.”
The average tuition at UDC is less than $7,000, making it one of the most affordable four-year institutions in the region. Combined with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and robust internship pipelines at local agencies, the university’s offerings are becoming increasingly competitive. Experts say the rise of UDC also signals a shift in the way urban HBCUs are perceived.
“UDC’s progress shows that public investment and visionary leadership can transform the outcomes of historically underfunded institutions,” said Dr. Crystal Moore, higher education policy analyst at the Brookings Institution.
“It’s not just about rankings – it’s about access and impact.”
As DC continues to develop economically and demographically, UDC’s growth represents more than academic success: it is a story of resilience and reinvention.
“When our students succeed, the city succeeds,” Edington said. “We are building the next generation of leaders right here in the nation’s capital.”
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