The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC

Yes, connect me!
The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC

Yes, connect me!

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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.

Learn more about international student services

ACCOLADES

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A College of Distinction for Quality of Teaching
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A College of Distinction for Student Engagement
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A College of Distinction for Sense of Community
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A College of Distinction for Successful Postgraduate Outcomes
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#9 Most Engaged in Community Service | The Princeton Review's Best 386 Colleges
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#21 in the nation on Best Green Colleges in the U.S. | College Consensus
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#83 for Best Value | U.S. News & World Report
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Best Catholic Colleges, Best Colleges in America, Best Private Universities in America, and Best Colleges in Washington, D.C. | Niche

Location

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.

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 and that it was more than just a university, it really was a family.”

    • Kate Janik, Class of 2022
      Architecture Major

  • “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 Major

  • “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 Double Major