Acceptance Rate
83%
“Home to America's largest Catholic basilica and the only U.S. pontifical canon law faculty, right in the heart of Washington, D.C.”
Washington, DC
Location
The Catholic University of America traces its roots to 1887, when U.S. Catholic bishops established it as the national university for the Church in America, the only one sponsored directly by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. You'll find a close-knit community of about 3,000 undergraduates who often share a deep commitment to faith, service, and intellectual inquiry within the Catholic tradition. Students who thrive here appreciate structured spiritual life alongside rigorous academics, while those seeking a secular or highly party-focused environment might feel out of place.
Nestled in northeast Washington, D.C., the campus offers immediate Metro access to the city's internships, museums, and federal buildings, but you'll navigate a high cost of living and an urban setting without the leafy isolation of many colleges. Housing guarantees spots for freshmen in traditional residence halls, though upperclassmen often seek off-campus apartments amid D.C.'s competitive rental market. The personality blends reverent tradition with practical ambition, drawing motivated Catholics from across the country.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classrooms emphasize the Catholic intellectual tradition, with small seminars in majors like theology and canon law fostering close discussions, though introductory courses in nursing or business can fill lecture halls with dozens of students. The Columbus School of Law and the School of Architecture stand out for their specialized curricula, and undergrads can join faculty research in ethics or social work through programs tied to D.C. resources. You'll encounter a supportive teaching style where professors often know you by name, but competitive admission to popular tracks like nursing means declaring interests early.
Intellectual life revolves around faith-informed inquiry, with opportunities to study abroad at pontifical universities in Rome. Tradeoffs include fewer massive research grants compared to larger secular schools, so hands-on projects lean toward policy analysis and community service rather than lab-heavy STEM.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
3,177 undergrad • 2,066 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
55%
Black / African American
9%
Hispanic / Latino
15%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
19%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
A typical week mixes daily Masses at the stunning Basilica of the National Shrine, club meetings, and weekend trips to Nationals Park or the National Mall via a short Metro ride. Residence halls named after saints create tight-knit communities with required freshman programming, and traditions like the annual Red and Black Ball bring formal fun to the calendar. The social scene centers on faith-based events, service trips, and intramurals rather than a dominant party culture, though D.C.'s nightlife tempts those over 21.
You'll enjoy over 200 clubs, from debate to Irish dance, in a vibe that's earnest and welcoming but can feel insular if faith isn't central to you. Summers bring humid heat and winters biting cold, while the urban edge means construction noise and security awareness over a secluded quad feel.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$24,241
$30K – $48K
$25,854
$48K – $75K
$26,915
$75K – $110K
$27,059
$110K+
$38,140
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
87%
4 Years Graduation Rate
68%
6 Years Graduation Rate
76%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$73,250
87% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at The Catholic University of America and return in the fall. 68% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 76% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
68%
4-6 years
8%
Non-grad
24%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$53,040
Acceptance
83%
Undergrads
3,177
4-Year Grad Rate
68%
Endowment
$427M
Washington, DC 20064