Head-to-head · 2026
George Washington University vs The Catholic University of America
Compare average net price ($36,586 at George Washington University; $29,561 at The Catholic University of America), ROI score (6.21 vs 6.19), ten-year median earnings ($90,873 vs $73,250), and admissions selectivity (47.1% acceptance at George Washington University; 82.8% at The Catholic University of America) using federal College Scorecard data. George Washington University has a 5-1 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | George Washington University | The Catholic University of America |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.21 ✓ | 6.19 |
| Avg net price | $36,586 | $29,561 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $90,873 ✓ | $73,250 |
| Acceptance rate | 47.1% ✓ | 82.8% |
| Graduation rate | 84% ✓ | 79.5% |
| Median debt | $20,449 ✓ | $26,000 |
| Enrollment | 11,182 | 3,154 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1433 | — |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
George Washington University costs $7,025 more per year than The Catholic University of America ($36,586 vs $29,561). George Washington University graduates report $17,623 higher median earnings after ten years ($90,873 vs $73,250). On EduGradify's model that puts George Washington University ahead on projected ROI (6.21 vs 6.19, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (George Washington University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, George Washington University is selective at 47.1% acceptance versus 82.8% (accessible) at The Catholic University of America.
Frequently asked
George Washington University vs The Catholic University of America, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is George Washington University or The Catholic University of America the better value?
George Washington University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.21 vs 6.19), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
The Catholic University of America is cheaper — average net price $29,561 per year vs $36,586 at George Washington University. The annual difference of $7,025 adds up to about $28,100 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
George Washington University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $90,873 vs $73,250 at The Catholic University of America. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,623.
Which school is harder to get into?
George Washington University is more selective at 47.1% acceptance vs 82.8% at The Catholic University of America.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. George Washington University reports a C value grade; The Catholic University of America reports C.