The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC

The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC

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The Catholic University of America is unique among universities in the United States—even among Catholic universities. And it’s not just because we're located in Washington, D.C.—a city of global significance and a place of extraordinary educational opportunity. We are a national research university in the heart of the nation's capital and we are rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Our university was founded by the Catholic bishops of the United States, with a charter from then Pope Leo XIII, to be the national university of the Catholic Church in America. For more than 130 years, we have lived out our mission to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research. Catholic University scholars in all fields embrace both reason and faith as they apply the inexhaustible resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition to solve contemporary issues and enrich the culture around us.

Our location in Washington, D.C., and status as the only national university of the Catholic Church attracts diverse and competitive transfer students from across the country and world. We welcome students wishing to transfer from another college or university to apply to The Catholic University of America.

Students can apply as a candidate for transfer admission if they hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at an accredited college or university. Students can transfer a maximum of 60 earned credit hours to Catholic University.

Learn more about transfer admission requirements

ACCOLADES

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Recognized as a 2023–2024 College of Distinction

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Recognized as a Catholic College of Distinction

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Recognized as a College of Distinction in Washington, DC

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Ranked #8 among The Best 388 Colleges for "Most Engaged in Community Service" | The Princeton Review

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Ranked #21 among the "Best Green Colleges in the US" | College Consensus

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Ranked #87 among the "Best Value Schools in the Nation" | U.S. News & World Report, 2024

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Named among the "Best Catholic Colleges," "Best Colleges in America," "Best Private Universities in America," and "Best Colleges in Washington, D.C." | Niche

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “I was immediately drawn to Catholic from the moment I stepped on campus. I could tell there was something special—that it was more than just a university. It really was a family.”

    • Kate Janik, Class of 2022
      Architecture 
  • “As a Politics student, there's no place like Washington, D.C., to live and learn. The opportunities to gain professional experience off campus with internship opportunities have been invaluable to my student experience.”

    • Philip Ahearn, Class of 2022
      Politics 
  • “I've made excellent friends in all grades and majors. And the professors are gems who care about their students and are great teachers and scholars. This is simply an open and welcoming and cheerful place.”

    • Javier Mazariegos, Class of 2023
      English and Philosophy