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University of the District of Columbia vs Trinity Washington University: 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

Trinity Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $37,208 in 6.8 years versus not at all at University of the District of Columbia, on median earnings of $53,804 vs $44,236 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of the District of ColumbiaTrinity Washington University
Net price / yr$10,648$9,302
Total net cost$21,296$37,208
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,236$53,804
Median debt$24,872$28,250
Payback—6.8 yrs
20-year net return-$103,776$71,672

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 Trinity Washington University?

Trinity Washington University, at $9,302 a year after aid versus $10,648 — a gap of $1,346 a year, or $15,912 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of the District of Columbia or Trinity Washington University graduates earn more?

Trinity Washington University graduates report a median $53,804 ten years after entry, $9,568 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 Trinity Washington University?

University of the District of Columbia: its completers carry a median $24,872 in federal loans versus $28,250 at Trinity Washington University, a difference of $3,378. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at Trinity Washington University, 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 Trinity Washington University: frequently asked questions

Is University of the District of Columbia or Trinity Washington University a better value?
Trinity Washington University. It clears its $37,208 net cost in about 6.8 years versus no clear payback at University of the District of Columbia, on median earnings of $53,804 vs $44,236 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of the District of Columbia or Trinity Washington University?
Trinity Washington University: $9,302/yr net price after aid versus $10,648/yr at University of the District of Columbia — a difference of $1,346 a year, or about $15,912 over four years.
Do University of the District of Columbia or Trinity Washington University graduates earn more?
Trinity Washington University graduates earn a median $53,804 ten years after entry, versus $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia — a $9,568 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.