The Catholic University of America
About The Catholic University of America
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The Catholic University of America is a private research university in Washington, D.C., the only university founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops. It offers strong programs in architecture, engineering, political science, and nursing, with easy access to the nation's capital.
Founded
1887
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Students
5,220
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
82.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
79.5%
Near national average
Tuition
$58,378
Per year
Avg Net Price
$29,561
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$73,250
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
The Catholic University of America accepts the majority of applicants at 82.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
79.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.5%
4-Year Grad
66%
6-Year Grad
74%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
53%
$/Student
$22.9K
Class Size
Medium
66% graduate in 4 years, and 86.5% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$58,378
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,200
Books & Supplies
$1,216
Total Cost of Attendance
$75,481
After Financial Aid
$29,561
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,358
Receive Grants
20.3%
Take Loans
47.8%
The total cost of attendance runs about $75,481/yr, including $18,200 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $29,561.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at The Catholic University of America fund their education.
While in School
20.3%
Get Grants
Free money
47.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$114,619
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $73K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends The Catholic University of America.
Gender
53.8%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,154
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,066
Graduates
10.1%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
7.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men).
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,154
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
The Catholic University of America fields 13 varsity teams with 784 student athletes, about 25% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Landmark
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
784
25% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
469
Men
315
Women
10
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of The Catholic University of Americaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$73,250
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$57K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$81K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$45K
64 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$24K
52 grads
1yr Earnings
Architecture
$45K
43 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$76K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $63K at six years, $55K at eight, and $73K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The Catholic University of America
What is the acceptance rate at The Catholic University of America?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.