At $32,798/yr net price, The Catholic University of America graduates earn $73,250/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,250/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,798 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $131,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,250/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,250/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,216/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,709/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,667/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,131/yr |
| $110,001+ | $39,898/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,690 | $61,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $89,092 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $73,769 | |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $26,976 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,101 | $24,625 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $64,162 | $147,964 |
| Architecture and Related Services, Other. | Doctoral | $63,997 |
The Risk Factor
81.3% of students at The Catholic University of America graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
The Catholic University of America delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $73,250 ten years out significantly outpacing the $32,798 annual net price. Your debt load will likely stay manageable at a median of $26,000, creating a favorable earnings-to-debt ratio.
Nursing programs at CUA represent your strongest financial bet, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually despite higher debt loads of $61,500. Business administration and human resources management also perform well financially, while engineering programs earn respectable salaries around $71,000. Liberal arts and social science majors face weaker prospects, though the school's Washington DC location provides access to government and nonprofit career paths that may offset lower starting salaries.
Your biggest financial risk lies in CUA's limited financial aid reach. Only 16.74% of students receive aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive. If you need significant financial assistance, you may find better options elsewhere.
CUA makes financial sense if your family can afford the net price without excessive borrowing and you plan to study nursing, business, or engineering. The 81% graduation rate and 83% retention rate suggest most students complete their degrees on time. Catholic students from middle to upper-middle-class families often find the combination of values-based education and career outcomes worth the investment, particularly those targeting healthcare or business careers in the DC metro area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Catholic University of America worth the cost?
The Catholic University of America costs $32,798 annually and graduates earn a median of $73,250 after 10 years, which puts ROI in the middle range for private universities. Nursing and business programs show strong earning potential, but other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at The Catholic University of America?
Nursing programs at The Catholic University of America lead earnings with graduates making around $100,690, followed by business administration at $89,092. Engineering and human resources programs also perform well, while other majors typically earn less than the school average.
How much debt do students graduate with from The Catholic University of America?
Students at The Catholic University of America graduate with a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. The 81% graduation rate means most students finish their degrees, though one in five students leave without graduating.
Does The Catholic University of America offer good financial aid?
The Catholic University of America's net price of $32,798 suggests moderate financial aid since the sticker price is higher. Students should compare aid packages carefully, as the high acceptance rate of 86% may mean less merit aid competition than at more selective schools.