University of the District of Columbia, Public university in Northwest Washington D.C., United States.

The University of the District of Columbia is a public institution in Northwest Washington that grants degrees from certificate to doctorate across several academic divisions. Classes take place on three separate campuses, each with its own focus in teaching and research.

The institution began in 1851 as Normal School for Colored Girls and trained African American teachers. In 1977 several educational institutions merged to create the present university as the capital's only public higher education institution.

The Felix Grant Jazz Archives hold 45,000 vinyl records and serve students in the Jazz Studies Program as a research resource. This collection reflects the city's musical tradition and makes historic recordings available to new generations.

Getting there usually involves the Metro, with Van Ness Station on the Red Line closest to the main campus. Visitors should note that the locations spread across the city and require separate journeys.

The institution holds the distinction of being the first urban land-grant university in the United States and directs its research toward city social and economic issues. This status combines public education mission with hands-on projects for the local community.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Inception: 1851
• Address: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008
• Website: http://udc.edu
• GPS coordinates: 38.94394,-77.06533
• Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:05