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University of the District of Columbia vs The Catholic University of America: which has better ROI?

Public, Washington DC · vs · Private nonprofit, Washington DC

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

The Catholic University of America has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,244 in 4.8 years versus not at all at University of the District of Columbia, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $44,236 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of the District of ColumbiaThe Catholic University of America
Net price / yr$10,648$29,561
Total net cost$21,296$118,244
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,236$73,250
Median debt$24,872$26,000
Payback—4.8 yrs
20-year net return-$103,776$379,556

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of the District of Columbia or The Catholic University of America?

University of the District of Columbia, at $10,648 a year after aid versus $29,561 — a gap of $18,913 a year, or $96,948 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of the District of Columbia or The Catholic University of America graduates earn more?

The Catholic University of America graduates report a median $73,250 ten years after entry, $29,014 more than the $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia. 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, University of the District of Columbia or The Catholic University of America?

University of the District of Columbia: its completers carry a median $24,872 in federal loans versus $26,000 at The Catholic University of America, a difference of $1,128. 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 33% at University of the District of Columbia. 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.

University of the District of Columbia vs The Catholic University of America: frequently asked questions

Is University of the District of Columbia or The Catholic University of America a better value?
The Catholic University of America. It clears its $118,244 net cost in about 4.8 years versus no clear payback at University of the District of Columbia, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $44,236 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of the District of Columbia or The Catholic University of America?
University of the District of Columbia: $10,648/yr net price after aid versus $29,561/yr at The Catholic University of America — a difference of $18,913 a year, or about $96,948 over four years.
Do University of the District of Columbia or The Catholic University of America graduates earn more?
The Catholic University of America graduates earn a median $73,250 ten years after entry, versus $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia — a $29,014 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.