Compare 5 Public Finance. programs in District of Columbia. Average earnings: $96,485.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Public Finance tells a different story. Across 5 programs, earnings range from $81,023 to $126,672—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Georgetown University's Public Finance program leads with graduates earning $126,672, well above the $96,485 average. George Washington University follows at $101,012, while The Catholic University of America produces graduates earning $87,663—a $45K spread that demonstrates program-level differences matter more than institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Georgetown graduates borrow $15,500 and face just a 2.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. When parent loans are included, Georgetown still leads with a 7.2% family burden—proof that top programs can also be affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $126,672 | 202 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Excellent |
| #2 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $101,012 | 153 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Good |
| #3 | $87,663 | 35 | $26,000 | Excellent | $50,215 | Manageable | |
| #4 | American UniversityPrivate | $86,053 | 64 | $22,750 | Excellent | $39,169 | Manageable |
| #5 | Howard UniversityPrivate | $81,023 | 42 | $24,500 | Excellent | $58,682 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
