The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Your Story Begins Here
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.
International students and scholars from more than 70 countries enrich our classrooms and campus culture at Catholic University. They bring knowledge and traditions that make our global community vibrant. Catholic University has a dedicated team—International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)—that provides educational and cultural programs and events throughout the year to help international students and scholars thrive.
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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 |
Students at The Catholic University of America enjoy a complete collegiate experience; they live and study on the largest campus in Washington, D.C., and also reside in the heart of the nation’s capital. Union Station, Capitol Hill, and the National Mall are only a five-minute Metrorail ride away, with a Metro station located adjacent to campus.
“I was immediately drawn to Catholic from the moment I stepped on campus. I could tell there was something special and that it was more than just a university, it really was a family.”
“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.”
“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.”