Head-to-head · 2026
The Catholic University of America vs University of the District of Columbia
Compare average net price ($29,561 at The Catholic University of America; $10,648 at University of the District of Columbia), ROI score (6.19 vs 10.39), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($73,250 vs $44,236), and admissions context (82.8% at The Catholic University of America; Open / not reported at University of the District of Columbia) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | The Catholic University of America | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.19 | 10.39 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $29,561 | $10,648 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $118,244 | $42,592 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $58,378 | $5,662 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $58,378 | $12,514 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $73,250 ✓ | $44,236 |
| Acceptance rate | 82.8% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 79.5% ✓ | 33.2% |
| Retention rate | 86.5% ✓ | 67.6% |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $24,872 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,154 | 3,351 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | The Catholic University of America | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,358 | $10,268 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $17,895 | $10,399 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $24,723 | $10,557 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $28,295 | $16,312 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $37,651 | — |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | The Catholic University of America | University of the District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 10.8% | 12% |
| Law | 7.4% | 8.6% |
| Social Work | 8.2% | 1.6% |
| Political Science and Government | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| Psychology, General | 6.4% | 2% |
| Architecture | 6% | 2.5% |
| Biology, General | 1.6% | 4.8% |
| Computer Science | 1.1% | 4.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of the District of Columbia reports the lower average net price by $18,913 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $75,652 difference over four years ($42,592 vs $118,244).
The Catholic University of America reports $29,014 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($73,250 vs $44,236). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 86.5% at The Catholic University of America and 67.6% at University of the District of Columbia. Median federal debt among completers is $26,000 vs $24,872, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
The Catholic University of America vs University of the District of Columbia, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of the District of Columbia is cheaper — average net price $10,648 per year vs $29,561 at The Catholic University of America. The annual difference of $18,913 adds up to about $75,652 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
The Catholic University of America reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $73,250 vs $44,236 at University of the District of Columbia. The gap in the federal data is $29,014. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.