UDC’s Economic Impact Generates over $400 Million to the District of Columbia

Independent Economic Impact Study demonstrates UDC’s value proposition to Washington Metropolitan Area

Washington, D.C. — The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) announced the results of an Independent Economic Impact Study that showed the University generated $406 million within the District of Columbia and $523 million in annual financial impact in the Washington Metropolitan Region. The results of the study demonstrate UDC’s value proposition to the Washington Metropolitan Area as a “Force for Good” through its research, academic preparation, job creation and role in community development.

As the District’s only public university, the University of the District of Columbia has a longstanding commitment to providing affordable, world-class instruction that addresses the needs and challenges of groups historically denied access to higher education.

“This independent study confirms the importance of having a strong public system of higher learning in the District as the anchor for a sustainable, resilient, equitable urban community,” President Ronald Mason, Jr. said. “We are the pathway to the middle class. The results of this study emphasize the value of the Equity Imperative, the University’s strategic plan. An investment in UDC is an investment in the future of the District as a model for the nation”

The study included an analysis of impact indicators and fiscal contributions and was conducted in 2020 by Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI), a Philadelphia-based economic consulting firm. Key takeaways include:

4:1 return on investment to local economy from funding by District of Columbia Government

Responsible for the creation of over 2,700 jobs

For the Washington Metropolitan Area, this impact increases to $523 million, supporting about 3,450 jobs and $219 million in employee compensation

Contributes $27 million in tax revenue

Creates an economically competitive region through workforce development and business support

UDC research ecosystem is growing, having garnered $43 million in awards and grants

Dr. Victor McCrary, UDC’s Vice President for Research and Graduate Programs, said, “In addition to our mission of academic excellence, UDC’s faculty is recognized nationally for their research leading to innovations that are in alignment with the theme of the University’s strategic plan, The Equity Imperative, of ‘Urban Sustainability and Urban Resiliency.’ We are D.C.’s Research Laboratory.”

The transdisciplinary research conducted by UDC focuses on areas which increase both urban sustainability and urban resiliency in agriculture, business, engineering, workforce development, law and social justice and the arts and sciences.

In FY20, UDC garnered over $43 million in awards, grants and other financial awards to our faculty to explore new avenues of knowledge and programs and train our students in curiosity-driven and use-inspired research. UDC has several research centers and awards that are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Energy (DoE), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recently, UDC faculty received awards for their research and technology contributions by both the Women of Color in STEM and Black Engineer of the Year Awards annual conferences.

This study also highlighted the economic impact of UDC’s alumni throughout the region. Our alums strengthen the region through agglomeration effects and new venture creation. They also strengthen the region through civic leadership and community service. Approximately 15,600 UDC alumni are currently employed in the District with certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s or advanced degrees. UDC alumni earn an aggregate annual wage premium of $197.3 million within D.C.

UDC supports an ecosystem where corporations, government and small businesses can thrive while providing individuals and their families with pathways to the middle class. UDC plays a catalytic role in enriching the District, strengthening the region and advancing equitable outcomes in our society – UDC is a ‘Force for Good’.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is the nation’s only public university in the Nation’s capital. It is also the only exclusively, urban, land-grant university in America. It is an emerging research Historically Black College and University and serves the residents of the District of Columbia as well as constituents from the Washington Metropolitan Region. To learn more about program investment opportunities, please contact Rodney Trapp at rodney.trapp@udc.edu, and for research, Victor McCrary, victor.mccrary@udc.edu.