The Catholic University of America's published cost of attendance is $75,481, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $17,358; middle-income families pay around $24,723; and higher-income families pay approximately $37,651.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $75,481 |
| Tuition and Fees | $58,378 |
| Room and Board | $18,200 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,216 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$45,920 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $29,561 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $17,358 |
| $30–48k | $17,895 |
| $48–75k | $24,723 |
| $75–110k | $28,295 |
| $110k+ | $37,651 |
The Catholic University of America's published cost of attendance is $75,481, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $17,358; middle-income families pay around $24,723; and higher-income families pay approximately $37,651. Azimuth ranks The Catholic University of America #1273 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. The university's aid structure combines need-based grants with federal and institutional loan options. Families apply for aid using the FAFSA and CSS Profile. The gap between sticker price and net price reflects the institution's commitment to need-based aid, though the affordability rank indicates that post-graduation debt service remains a meaningful consideration relative to peer institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $50,215; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $79,320, median federal debt of $26,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $294 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of the Catholic University of America earn median 4-year earnings of $79,320, placing The Catholic University of America in the 86.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The Catholic University of America sits in the 43.0 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks The Catholic University of America #390 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects The Catholic University of America's concentration in business and professional fields. Business Administration is the largest program with 135 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $87,907, performing at 1.3x the national benchmark for the field. The Psychology, General program graduates 85 students earning $52,846, and the The Political Science program graduates 74 students earning $73,917. Nursing and Architecture round out the top five, with graduates earning $96,949 and $69,838 respectively. The institution's dominant program family — Business — anchors the earnings profile and drives the long-term financial outcomes for most graduates.
