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Head-to-head comparison

The Catholic University of America vs Gallaudet University: 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

The Catholic University of America

Net price / year
$29,561
Earnings, 10 years
$73,250
Payback
4.8 yrs

Option B Washington, DC

Gallaudet University

Net price / year
$15,845
Earnings, 10 years
$43,101
Payback
No payback
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 not at all at Gallaudet University, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $43,101 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe Catholic University of AmericaGallaudet University
Net price / yr$29,561$15,845
Total net cost$118,244$63,380
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,250$43,101
Median debt$26,000$18,000
Payback4.8 yrs—
20-year net return$379,556-$168,560

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

The short answer

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

Gallaudet University, at $15,845 a year after aid versus $29,561 — a gap of $13,716 a year, or $54,864 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 The Catholic University of America or Gallaudet University graduates earn more?

The Catholic University of America graduates report a median $73,250 ten years after entry, $30,149 more than the $43,101 at Gallaudet University. 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, The Catholic University of America or Gallaudet University?

Gallaudet University: its completers carry a median $18,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at The Catholic University of America, a difference of $8,000. 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 47% at Gallaudet 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.

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

Is The Catholic University of America or Gallaudet University a better value?
The Catholic University of America. It clears its $118,244 net cost in about 4.8 years versus no clear payback at Gallaudet University, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $43,101 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The Catholic University of America or Gallaudet University?
Gallaudet University: $15,845/yr net price after aid versus $29,561/yr at The Catholic University of America — a difference of $13,716 a year, or about $54,864 over four years.
Do The Catholic University of America or Gallaudet University graduates earn more?
The Catholic University of America graduates earn a median $73,250 ten years after entry, versus $43,101 at Gallaudet University — a $30,149 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.