UDC is Washington's only public university, and a historically Black land-grant institution. Its main campus is on Connecticut Avenue in Van Ness, right above the Red Line metro station. The university teaches engineering, computer science, business, nursing and urban agriculture, and it runs the David A. Clarke School of Law. Tuition is well below that of the city's private universities.
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Official website: udc.edu
Public HBCU and land-grant university
Van Ness, on Connecticut Avenue
David A. Clarke School of Law
The only public university in Washington, DC
$14,000 – $24,000
Non-resident tuition, approximate
$18,000 – $26,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on udc.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Electrical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Juris Doctor (JD)
Professional DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
LSAT, TOEFL: 90
A campus built over the Van Ness-UDC metro station.
The David A. Clarke School of Law, with a public-interest focus.
Urban farming research through its land-grant college.
Graduates work for DC agencies, non-profits and contractors, though many federal roles need US citizenship.
Engineering and computing graduates join tech and consulting firms in the DC region.
STEM graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Van Ness is a quiet, leafy stretch of north-west DC. The National Zoo and Rock Creek Park are a short ride south, and the Red Line reaches downtown in about fifteen minutes.
DC rent is high, so many students share apartments or live in the Maryland suburbs along the Red Line. The museums on the National Mall are free.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
UDC reviews international applications on a rolling basis. Apply by about May for fall and October for spring so there's time for the I-20 and visa. The law school has its own deadline in the spring.
Most programmes start in fall (August) and spring (January). The law school admits in the fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from University of the District of Columbia first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Computer science, electrical engineering, the MBA and law are popular. Undergraduates need secondary school results and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61. Master's programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree, and the JD needs an LSAT score.
UDC has a small number of merit scholarships, and some graduate students find assistantships. Aid for international students is limited, so plan to cover most costs yourself.
