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The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC·Private nonprofit·3,063 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $60,500 within 10 years; strong 81% graduation rate.

84%
Accept
3,063
Students
$32,798
Net Price
81%
Grad Rate
$60,500
Earnings
10 yr
$22,250
Debt

About This School

The Catholic University of America is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia with approximately 3,063 undergraduate students enrolled. The Catholic University of America has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 84%. The average net price after financial aid is $32,798 per year. The graduation rate is 81%, and the typical graduate earns $60,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C., United States. It is one of two pontifical universities of the Catholic Church in the United States – the only one that is not primarily a seminary – and the only institution of higher education founded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Established in 1887 as a graduate and research center following approval by Pope Leo XIII, the university began offering undergraduate education in 1904. In the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, it is classified as an R1 university.

Worth considering if you're drawn to a faith-centered academic environment in Washington, DC — the 81% graduation rate and $60,500 median earnings are solid, and $22,250 in median debt is relatively manageable. The 84% acceptance rate means this isn't a reach school for most applicants, but that also signals it may not carry the same prestige weight as more selective peers. The $32,798 annual net price is the real variable to watch — run your financial aid numbers carefully before committing.

Founded
1887
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing28%
Social Sciences11%
Health Professions11%
Engineering10%
Psychology7%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Communications3%
Biological Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Susan SarandonJon VoightLuis Antonio TagleRaymond Leo BurkeJohn SlatteryMary DalyFrancis ArinzeKathy HochulJohn HeardMartin O'MalleyHugh Everett IIIPat Carroll

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$55,834
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,834
Avg Net Price
$32,798
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants17%
Median debt at graduation$22,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
81%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$60,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$60,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White58%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,063 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

The Catholic University of America

620 Michigan Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20064

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in District of Columbia

Browse all District of Columbia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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