The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public, land-grant, emerging research university in Washington, DC (DC) that focuses on education as a tool for equity and a pathway to the middle class. Looking to quantify its economic and catalytic impact on the local community, UDC retained Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) to evaluate university operations and initiatives.
UDC is at the forefront of advancements in research topics important to DC such as urban agriculture, food production, and green infrastructure. Through investment in the University, the DC government is providing individuals and their families with additional pathways to the middle class. Notably, for every dollar that the DC government invest in UDC, it is receiving $4 back in economic impact to the local economy.
In aggregate, UDC generates an annual economic impact of $406 million within Washington, DC, supporting about 2,770 jobs and $185 million in employee compensation. In addition, it generates nearly $26 million in tax revenue for the city’s government. Not only is UDC an economic engine, but it is creating a more equitable educational community. Through its workforce development and entrepreneurship programs, UDC is the best investment to reskill and upskill the DC workforce.
