The Catholic University of America — ROI, Cost & Payback
The Catholic University of America charges a net price of $29,561/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $118,244. Graduates earn a median $73,250 ten years after entry, $24,890/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4.8 years — a 20-year net return of $379,556, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
The Catholic University of America's 4.8-year payback ranks #402 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 69% of them, and #3 of 9 in District of Columbia.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $29,561/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $118,244 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $73,250 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $24,890/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $26,000 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $379,556 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on The Catholic University of America's own numbers. Net price $29,561 × 4 years = $118,244 total. Median earnings $73,250 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $24,890 a year of premium. $118,244 ÷ $24,890 = 4.8 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $379,556. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do The Catholic University of America students graduate with?
A median $26,000 in federal loans among completers, or 35% of the $73,250 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of The Catholic University of America students graduate?
79% finish their degree. Spread the $118,244 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $149,676 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is The Catholic University of America expensive compared with other District of Columbia colleges?
Its $29,561 net price runs $0 above the $29,561 median across the 9 District of Columbia colleges we profile, or $0 more across the full degree.