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Head-to-head comparison

The Catholic University of America vs Trinity Washington 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

Trinity Washington University

Net price / year
$9,302
Earnings, 10 years
$53,804
Payback
6.8 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 6.8 years at Trinity Washington University, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $53,804 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe Catholic University of AmericaTrinity Washington University
Net price / yr$29,561$9,302
Total net cost$118,244$37,208
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,250$53,804
Median debt$26,000$28,250
Payback4.8 yrs6.8 yrs
20-year net return$379,556$71,672

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 Trinity Washington University?

Trinity Washington University, at $9,302 a year after aid versus $29,561 — a gap of $20,259 a year, or $81,036 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 Trinity Washington University graduates earn more?

The Catholic University of America graduates report a median $73,250 ten years after entry, $19,446 more than the $53,804 at Trinity Washington 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 Trinity Washington University?

The Catholic University of America: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $28,250 at Trinity Washington University, a difference of $2,250. 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 49% at Trinity Washington 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 Trinity Washington University: frequently asked questions

Is The Catholic University of America or Trinity Washington University a better value?
The Catholic University of America. It clears its $118,244 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 6.8 years at Trinity Washington University, on median earnings of $73,250 vs $53,804 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The Catholic University of America or Trinity Washington University?
Trinity Washington University: $9,302/yr net price after aid versus $29,561/yr at The Catholic University of America — a difference of $20,259 a year, or about $81,036 over four years.
Do The Catholic University of America or Trinity Washington University graduates earn more?
The Catholic University of America graduates earn a median $73,250 ten years after entry, versus $53,804 at Trinity Washington University — a $19,446 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.