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Established in 1887, Catholic University of America (CUA) is a pontifical university of the Catholic Church in the United States, directly approved by the pope of the Catholic Church. With a rich history and a mission rooted in faith, CUA offers an unsurpassed educational experience that integrates faith and reason.


Overview of Catholic University of America (CUA)


As the second-oldest research university in the country, Catholic University of America (CUA) provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. With a commitment to academic excellence, CUA offers its students unrivaled opportunities for internships, research, and experiential learning.

CUA's vibrant student-life experience is underscored by its campus located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Set in a sprawling 176-acre urban landscape, the college boasts the largest college campus in the capital. Students are engaged in a broad array of extracurricular activities including intercollegiate sports teams, musical theatre productions, and social service initiatives like Habitat for Humanity.

At CUA, the compatibility of faith and reason is central to the educational journey. With numerous chapels and a strong emphasis on the Catholic faith, the university offers a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of community and spiritual growth. And CUA attracts a diverse student population, including undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world. It provides a home for first-time students, transfer students, and low-income students, supporting them in their pursuit of higher education.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 11 : 1
Graduation Rate 76%
Year Founded 1887

Student Enrollment


Total Students4,968

Undergraduate
3,011
Graduate
1,957

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,295
1,295
Female 1,716
1,716

Graduate Student

Male 842
842
Female 1,115
1,115

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CUA Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS5,801

Male 2,536
Female 3,265

ACCEPTANCE4,989

Male 2,105
Female 2,841

Acceptance Rate86%

Male 83%
Female 87%

Enrollment 748

Male 358
Female 426
Admissions
Application Fee N/A
High School GPA Required To Be Considered
High School Rank Not Required, But Considered
High School Transcripts Required To Be Considered
College Prep Courses Required To Be Considered
Recommendations Required To Be Considered
Formal demonstration of competencies Not Required, But Considered
Work experience Not Required, But Considered
Personal statement or essay Required To Be Considered
Legacy status Not Considered
SAT/ACT Not Considered
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc) Not Considered
English Proficiency Test Required To Be Considered
Application Deadline January 15
Common Application Accepted Yes

CUA Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The cost of tuition at Catholic University of America (CUA) can vary depending on a variety of factors. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the undergraduate cost of attendance for full-time students is approximately $48,560. This includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, on-campus room and board, and other expenses.

It's important to note that the cost does not differ for in- and out-of-state students because this is a private institution. All students saw an average cost of $54,186 during the 2022-23 academic year. In addition to tuition and housing, students should also consider other expenses such as transportation, personal expenses, books and supplies, room and board, and health insurance. These additional costs can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances.

As for living arrangements, CUA offers a range of options. On-campus housing is available for students who prefer to live in dormitories or residential halls. Off-campus options are also available for students who wish to live independently and those who have the option of living with their families. The cost of off-campus housing can vary depending on the location and amenities.

Overall, while tuition costs at CUA may vary, the university is committed to providing students with a quality education that is both rigorous and supportive. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help make CUA's educational opportunities accessible to all students.

Average net price 2021-2022
Net Price $36,031
Average Total Aid $34,449
Students Receiving Financial Aid 99%
Room & Board $16,670

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $54,186
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $54,186
  • Books and Supplies - $1,000
  • Room & Board - $16,670
  • Other - $3,150

Popular Academic Programs at CUA


At Catholic University of America (CUA), academics are at the core of the educational experience. With a wide range of undergraduate programs, CUA offers students the opportunity to pursue their passions and interests. From engineering to theology, the university provides a comprehensive range of disciplines to choose from.

One of the hallmarks of CUA's academic approach is its emphasis on individualized support for students. Professors at CUA are dedicated to helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. With small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and receive personalized attention.

In addition to classroom learning, CUA also places a strong emphasis on experiential education. The university provides extensive opportunities for internships, allowing students to gain practical skills and real-world experience in their chosen field. These internships not only provide valuable networking opportunities but also often lead to job offers upon graduation.

Student Population Total


Student Population 4,968

Undergraduate
3,011
Graduate
1,957
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 186 Total Graduates / 24%
Business Administration and Management, General 133 Graduates
Accounting 23 Graduates
Business/Commerce, General 20 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 6 Graduates
Social Sciences 118 Total Graduates / 15%
Political Science and Government, General 70 Graduates
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics 26 Graduates
Criminology 12 Graduates
Sociology, General 5 Graduates
Psychology 76 Total Graduates / 10%
Psychology, General 76 Graduates
Engineering 69 Total Graduates / 9%
Mechanical Engineering 38 Graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering 13 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 12 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 6 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 66 Total Graduates / 9%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 66 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 33%

Outcome & Salary


Catholic University of America is dedicated to preparing students for success in the professional world. Graduates from CUA have achieved impressive outcomes, with high job placement statistics and competitive starting salaries. In fact, a full 92% of students were found to be employed, attending graduate school, in an internship, or in long-term service shortly after their graduation. Additionally, 84% of those graduates were earning $50,000 or more.

One of the key drivers of this success is CUA's emphasis on providing students with opportunities for internships and research experiences. Through partnerships with organizations and businesses, students are able to gain practical experience and develop valuable skills in their respective fields. These hands-on experiences enhance their career readiness and give them a competitive edge in the job market.

When considering Catholic University of America, students should also take into account the average student debt and graduation rate. The university is committed to keeping student debt manageable and offers various resources for financial aid. Furthermore, CUA boasts a respectable graduation rate of 76%, well above the national rate, indicating a supportive and conducive learning environment that helps students succeed academically. Overall, the outcomes of graduates from Catholic University of America demonstrate the effectiveness of the institution in preparing students for professional success.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $69,700
College Grads Average Salary $78,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $129,500
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $780,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $2,075,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $144,124
10 Year Projected ROI $635,876
20 Year Projected ROI $1,930,876
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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