Overview
Founded in 1887 by the American Catholic bishops with the endorsement of Pope Leo XIII, The Catholic University of America is the only institution of higher education founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops and remains closely tied to the Vatican and the American Catholic Church. Located in Washington, D.C., the university has built a strong reputation in fields such as canon law, architecture, nursing, engineering, drama, and social work, and its School of Canon Law is the only one of its kind in the country. CUA is recognized as a national research university and has educated numerous clergy, politicians, and professionals over its long history.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Total students | 5,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 85% |
| Graduation rate | 72% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $48,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $48,500 |
| Room & board | $15,500 |
| Average financial aid | $32,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 95% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1100-1290 |
| ACT range | 23-29 |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Top Programs
- Architecture
- Nursing
- Canon Law
- Drama
- Engineering
- Social Work
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.