The Catholic University of America ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at The Catholic University of America costs about $223,336 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $63,217 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 7.9 years (20-year ROI: 153%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$223,336
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$28,217/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
153%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The Catholic University of America's in-state tuition is $55,834. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $58,049. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $63,217, and after ten years, earnings reach $73,250. The median debt for students is $26,000, and 48.5% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. However, the one-year earnings are higher than the tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$55,834
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$63,217
Graduation Rate
79%
Receive Financial Aid
49%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work | $66,570 | 183% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $106,457 | 540% |
| Law | $103,990 | 518% |
| Political Science and Government | $61,154 | 134% |
| Psychology, General | $55,808 | 86% |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | $71,352 | 226% |
| Architecture | $65,840 | 176% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $106,142 | 537% |
| Music | $35,385 | -97% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $80,518 | 308% |
| Civil Engineering | $83,146 | 331% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $86,263 | 359% |
| Marketing | $67,030 | 187% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $87,663 | 372% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $82,248 | 323% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,150 | 143% |
Peer Comparison
153%
20yr ROI
112%
20yr ROI
576%
20yr ROI
159%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.