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Head-to-head comparison

American University vs The Catholic University of America: which has better ROI?

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

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

Option A Washington, DC

American University

Net price / year
$41,943
Earnings, 10 years
$77,370
Payback
5.8 yrs

Option B Washington, DC

The Catholic University of America

Net price / year
$29,561
Earnings, 10 years
$73,250
Payback
4.8 yrs
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 5.8 years at American University, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $77,370 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAmerican UniversityThe Catholic University of America
Net price / yr$41,943$29,561
Total net cost$167,772$118,244
Median earnings, 10 yrs$77,370$73,250
Median debt$22,750$26,000
Payback5.8 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$412,428$379,556

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, American University or The Catholic University of America?

The Catholic University of America, at $29,561 a year after aid versus $41,943 — a gap of $12,382 a year, or $49,528 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do American University or The Catholic University of America graduates earn more?

American University graduates report a median $77,370 ten years after entry, $4,120 more than the $73,250 at The Catholic University of America. 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, American University or The Catholic University of America?

American University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $26,000 at The Catholic University of America, a difference of $3,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

79% of students finish at The Catholic University of America, against 75% at American University. 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.

American University vs The Catholic University of America: frequently asked questions

Is American University 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 5.8 years at American University, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $77,370 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, American University or The Catholic University of America?
The Catholic University of America: $29,561/yr net price after aid versus $41,943/yr at American University — a difference of $12,382 a year, or about $49,528 over four years.
Do American University or The Catholic University of America graduates earn more?
American University graduates earn a median $77,370 ten years after entry, versus $73,250 at The Catholic University of America — a $4,120 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.