Howard University vs The Catholic University of America: which has better ROI?
The Catholic University of America has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,244 in 4.8 years versus 13.7 years at Howard University, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $63,066 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Howard University | The Catholic University of America |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $50,539 | $29,561 |
| Total net cost | $202,156 | $118,244 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,066 | $73,250 |
| Median debt | $24,500 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 13.7 yrs | 4.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $91,964 | $379,556 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Howard University or The Catholic University of America?
The Catholic University of America, at $29,561 a year after aid versus $50,539 — a gap of $20,978 a year, or $83,912 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Howard University or The Catholic University of America graduates earn more?
The Catholic University of America graduates report a median $73,250 ten years after entry, $10,184 more than the $63,066 at Howard University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Howard University or The Catholic University of America?
Howard University: its completers carry a median $24,500 in federal loans versus $26,000 at The Catholic University of America, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at The Catholic University of America, against 70% at Howard University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.