Chartered in 1974 from three other institutions of higher learning, The University of the District of Columbia is the only public institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. This historically black university maintains an open admissions policy, and is the only urban land-grant institution in the nation.

Not only is this Washington, DC-based school an academic institution granting graduate and baccalaureate degrees, but it also serves as a community college that is attuned to the occupational needs within the city it inhabits. Constantly aware of its Washington, DC-based surroundings and residents, the university designs its programs with the evolving, growing, and critical needs of the District in mind.

In addition to designing its curriculum based on the needs of the city, The University of the District of Columbia also reaches out to city residents to help them boost their skill sets and advance their education, particularly those who are already on the job or who wish to become more competitive to qualify for jobs. Also, as an urban land-grant institution, the University ensures that its core charge of teaching, research, and public service, as specified in the Morrill Act, is in vanguard for improving the quality of life of the residents of the District of Columbia.

Diversity is key to this Washington, DC-based school. With its open admissions policy, the University of the District of Columbia provides broad opportunities for those under-prepared as well as for those adequately prepared for higher education. The mission of this Historically Black University is to enable its students with marketable skills that can then be cycled into the working mechanics of the city. According to the University, its role in developing the under-prepared student is critical to the success of its students as well as to the future financial health and well-being of the District of Columbia.

But the learning doesn.t stop at the borders of the district. With more than 25 nation represented, The University also boasts a large international student population. These visiting students are fully embraced by the university community, and the city benefits from their diverse presence as well.