Accounting at The Catholic University of America

Catholic University's accounting graduates start at nearly $70,000—impressive compared to the national median of $54,000, but middle-of-the-pack for DC. Among 11 accounting programs in the district, this falls between George Washington and University of the District of Columbia, trailing Georgetown's elite $90,000 starting point by a meaningful margin. Given Catholic's 84% acceptance rate compared to Georgetown's selectivity, that gap makes sense, though parents might wonder if the $6,000 premium over UDC justifies the private school price tag.

The debt load of $25,725 translates to a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, and salaries climb to $82,000 by year four—a solid 18% bump that suggests these graduates are advancing steadily in their careers. That four-year number puts Catholic grads within striking distance of Georgetown's starting salaries, which is a notable catch-up.

The catch: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. If your child is DC-focused and values the smaller, mission-driven environment Catholic offers, these outcomes support that choice. The accounting credential performs well here, delivering earnings that far exceed the national average even if they don't quite match the district's top-tier programs. Just recognize you're paying for a brand that sits firmly in DC's second tier.