The Catholic University of America
The only university in the country originally founded by United States Catholic bishops, Catholic University of America is a Catholic research institution in Washington, DC. Catholic University is home to 12 schools granting bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors and all classes conform to the doctrines of the church and the Holy See. As the national university of the Catholic church, Catholic University celebrates daily and Sunday masses at several chapels throughout campus. Throughout the year, Catholic U schedules a number of activities for first year students from the Metro Madness DC scavenger hunt to a Freshman Retreat. The institution operates a second campus in Rome, Italy, with a partner school, the Australian Catholic University.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Roman Catholic
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. | November 1 | January 15 |
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | January 11 | May 1 |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 15 | May 1 |
| Other | January 15 | March 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
31%
Submitting ACT
62%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 26
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
4,968
Total Number of Undergrads
3,011
Classroom Sizes
0
100
68%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
74%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
11:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $55,834 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $55,834 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $17,370 |
| Books and Supplies | $1180 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
80%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
12%
Average Aid Per Year
$34,449
12%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,260
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$33,537
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
54%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$10,152
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$23,250
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$248
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
100
Size of Town
Major city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
No
On Campus Women's Center
No
Housing
0
100
58%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Cardinals
School Colors
red and black
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Landmark Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Washington
New York
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Boston
Employed
6 mos. after graduation
63%
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$60,500
What Students Are Saying
The Catholic University of America is in a vibrant international metropolis that offers everything. It is a warm and inviting environment that cares deeply about the intellectual, emotional, spiritual,and physical well-being of each student. The student will have a lot of fun and interesting activities while being challenged to excel-I can't recommend the experience enough!
William from East Windsor, NJ
This university takes education seriously, but also manages to be very student-friendly. The small size allows for strong community bonds, and the location in the middle of the city is very convenient for all endeavors. The university sticks to its title of Catholic, and offers a strongly orthodox education and community.
Cathryn from Washington, DC
CUA is an amazing school; they have sports, clubs and tons of degree programs; so I'm sure you may find what you're interested in studying! It's very diverse; you'll meet students from many different cultures and parts of the world; and the staff are great -- very helpful for just about situation you encounter!
Tye
An academically and spiritually strong school. The institution is staunchly conservative, but the students have diverse opinions. The faculty is kind and very generous with time and resources.
Emma from Lexington, KY
Catholic has a great sense of community, there is a constant feeling of support and interest as a student. The academics are challenging, yet manageable. The faculty and student body is extremely welcoming and there is always aid available for whatever issues or troubles you might experience.
Shay from West Rutland, VT
Catholic University of America is such a welcoming and warm environment that is perfect for any student willing and ready to learn and have fun. The location, student life, and classes all have spectacular things to offer that are there for the taking. Catholic U is a place that I look forward to calling home for the next four years of my life and I can not wait until I start there in the fall.
Maggie
Catholic is a small college with decent academics and plenty of friendly people. It's lots of fun in D.C. and on campus. Both faith and party lifestyles are very active here.
Margaret from River Ridge, LA
catholic university's academics are impressive, with brilliant professors and dedicated students. the students are great, smart people who love learning. the location in washington dc is great for many reasons.
CUA Rocks!
CUA is a great school with a very friendly community. If you're looking for a relatively small school in a big city, CUA is probably a good fit for you. There's so much to do on and off campus that you'll never be bored.
Jacob
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