Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of the District of Columbia

This program ranks in the bottom 10% both nationally and among DC schools—a significant red flag in a city where business graduates from other universities earn substantially more. After four years, UDC business grads reach $54,497, still below what typical first-year graduates earn at Georgetown, Howard, or American. Given that DC employers are literally down the street, this earnings gap suggests either weaker recruiting pipelines or curriculum gaps that matter in the local market.

The 52% earnings growth from year one to year four is genuinely strong and shows these graduates do advance in their careers. However, starting from $35,894 in one of America's most expensive cities means many graduates likely struggle financially in those crucial early years, even as they're paying down $32,500 in debt. The debt load itself is above both national and DC medians, making the value equation even tougher.

For families considering this program, understand you're paying above-average debt for below-average outcomes in a city where other options exist. If UDC is the only financially viable choice due to in-state tuition or other constraints, the solid earnings trajectory offers some hope. But if your student can access Howard, American, or even Catholic University through financial aid, those programs deliver substantially better returns in the DC job market where this degree will be used.