About The Catholic University of America
Students pay an average net price of $32,798 after financial aid, below the $55,834 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $73,250 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,000 quite manageable with monthly payments around $276. The 93.3% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes for Cardinals alumni.
The small-school experience shines through an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and 83.5% retention rate. Only 2.86% of students come from in-state, creating a truly national student body drawn to the capital. The campus houses 1,988 students, fostering close community ties. With 21 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division III and 668 total athletes, nearly one in four students participates in athletics, though without athletic scholarships the focus remains on academic achievement.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 48.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 79.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,250
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,690 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $89,092 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $73,769 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,101 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $64,162 |
| Architecture and Related Services, Other. | Doctoral | $63,997 |
Campus Life
The 193-acre campus feels like a college town within the city, centered around the iconic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Students attend daily Mass, participate in service learning projects, and join one of 21 varsity sports teams competing in Division III. With 97% of students coming from out of state, weekends often mean exploring DC's museums, catching Metro rides to Georgetown or Capitol Hill, or attending campus events. The Cardinals compete in the Landmark Conference, and school traditions revolve around the Catholic calendar year. Students typically graduate with $26,000 in debt but earn a median salary of $73,250 within ten years, reflecting strong alumni networks in politics, media, and nonprofit work.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,988 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
48 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Murder | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–44°F
- July Avg
- 70°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.5%
- Women
- 56.6%
- White
- 57.6%
- Black
- 9.3%
- Hispanic
- 19.4%
- Asian
- 3.0%
- In-State Students
- 2.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.7%
Location
- Address
- Washington, District of Columbia 20064
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,250
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,531
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The Catholic University of America?
The Catholic University of America accepts 85.59% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for students seeking a faith-based education in the nation's capital. This generous acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to welcome students who share its Catholic values and academic vision.
How much does The Catholic University of America cost after financial aid?
Students at The Catholic University of America pay an average net price of $32,798 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $55,834. The university provides institutional grants averaging $34,449 to 22.10% of students, helping make this strong Catholic education more affordable.
What is The Catholic University of America known for academically?
The Catholic University of America is the only university in the United States founded by Catholic bishops, with particularly strong programs in theology, philosophy, and social work. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship in these faith-integrated academic disciplines.
What are the career outcomes for The Catholic University of America graduates?
Graduates of The Catholic University of America earn a median salary of $73,250 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 93.3% employment rate. The university achieves a solid 81.30% six-year graduation rate, reflecting its commitment to helping students complete their degrees successfully.
Where is The Catholic University of America located and what is campus life like?
The Catholic University of America sits in Washington, DC, with housing capacity for 1,988 students on its urban campus. The Cardinals compete in 21 varsity sports as NCAA Division III athletes, while 668 total student-athletes represent just over 20% of the 3,063-student enrollment.
Does The Catholic University of America have notable alumni in politics and media?
The Catholic University of America has produced influential graduates including Senator Susan Collins, former House Speaker John Boehner, and well-known journalists Tim Russert and David Gregory. This reflects the university's strong tradition of preparing leaders for public service and national discourse from its Washington, DC location.
