Enrollment at the University of the District of Columbia has climbed to 4,585 students for fall 2026, an 8% increase over last year, continuing a multiyear trend of growth at the District's only public university.
The new figures show gains across UDC’s seven schools and colleges, with particularly strong growth among first-time college students, returning undergraduates and students pursuing graduate and professional degrees.
The results mark five consecutive years of enrollment growth, with UDC's student population increasing nearly 32% since fall 2021. The sustained gains bring the university closer to its strategic goal of enrolling 6,000 students by fall 2029, with continued growth under President Maurice D. Edington's leadership since 2023.
“I am thrilled to see more students choosing UDC and proud that we are able to provide the high-quality education they need and deserve,” said Edington. “As the only public university and a vital workforce engine for the nation's capital, we are expanding pathways to meaningful careers, investing in research and innovation, and strengthening the support students need to succeed. This growth reflects the extraordinary work happening across our university and our continued commitment to delivering on our promise to the District.”
Growth Across the University
Several indicators point to growing interest among students at different stages of their educational journeys:
- More students beginning college: First-time-in-college enrollment rose 19%, from 641 to 761 students.
- More students returning to complete their education: Undergraduate readmissions increased 46%, from 123 to 179.
- Expanding graduate and professional enrollment: New graduate enrollment increased 32%, while the David A. Clarke School of Law welcomed 115 new first-time professional students, a 29% increase.
- More District residents choosing UDC: Enrollment among DC residents increased by 172 students to 3,368.
- Stronger full-time enrollment: The number of full-time students grew 14% to 2,157.
“Beyond the numbers is an important story about the individuals we serve and the many different paths they take to higher education,” said UDC Vice President of Enrollment Hasanna Tyus. “We're welcoming more students beginning their college journeys, more returning students determined to finish what they started, and more students pursuing advanced degrees. This progress speaks to the hard work and dedication of our admissions, academic and student success teams, along with focused recruitment and outreach that help students see UDC as a place where they can achieve their goals.”
Expanding Academic Opportunities and Investing in the Future
The enrollment gains come amid a period of academic expansion and significant investment in UDC's research and workforce development capabilities. Over the past year, the university has introduced new degree pathways, strengthened its academic offerings and secured funding to expand opportunities for students and faculty.
“Our academic programs are rigorous, relevant and responsive to the needs of our students and the communities we serve,” said UDC Chief Academic Officer April Massey. “From expanding graduate opportunities in social work to strengthening teacher preparation and advancing research in emerging fields, we are building on UDC's academic strengths while creating new opportunities for students to learn, discover and succeed. It's an exciting time for the university, and we're proud of the work happening across our colleges and schools.”
- New pathways into education and behavioral health: UDC launched its School of Education and Learning Sciences in January, building on the university's historic roots in teacher preparation. This fall, UDC also welcomed 20 students into the inaugural class of its Master of Social Work program, a new graduate pathway designed to help meet the District's need for behavioral health professionals.
- Preparing professionals for essential public services: UDC's new paramedic certification and degree program, developed in partnership with D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, began operating this fall. The program provides a pathway for emergency medical technicians to advance their careers through an associate degree or paramedicine certificate, strengthening the District's emergency medical workforce.
- Expanding technology career opportunities: UDC opened a Cybersecurity Tech Hub at its Congress Heights campus in partnership with Accenture and PeopleShores. The initiative launched with 50 apprentices and combines technical training with paid, hands-on experience, helping District residents pursue careers in a high-demand industry.
- Accelerating research and innovation: UDC secured nearly $16 million in federal research awards supporting quantum information science, nanotechnology and infrastructure resilience, including a $9.9 million award to expand research capacity and create new opportunities for faculty and student scholarship. The university also announced a $6.2 million congressional investment supporting improvements to research facilities, workforce training and infrastructure.
- Five years as a top 25 HBCU: UDC has earned a place among the nation's Top 25 HBCUs for five consecutive years in U.S. News & World Report's college rankings.