Catholic University of Korea
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 56.2%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (28,686 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:22
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 72.0%
- Retention Rate
- 72.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at Catholic University of Korea blends typical Korean university experiences with distinctive elements reflecting the institution's religious identity. Students navigate demanding coursework and competitive pressure common throughout Korean higher education, but do so within a community that explicitly values spiritual and ethical development alongside academic achievement. Campus ministry programs offer opportunities for reflection and service that complement academic pursuits. The multiple campus structure means student experiences vary depending on field of study. Medical students spend most of their time at the medical campus and affiliated hospitals, immersed in clinical culture from early in their training. Students in other programs may have more traditional college experiences at the Bucheon or other campuses, with the full range of student organizations, activities, and social opportunities. Religious life remains visible on campus even for non-Catholic students. Chapel services, religious observances, and pastoral counseling are available for those who want them, while not imposed on those who prefer to keep their education secular. Many students find the spiritual resources helpful during stressful academic periods, regardless of their personal religious background. Korean university culture includes an active social scene with various clubs, events, and the close friendships formed through class cohorts. The drinking culture common at Korean universities exists here too, though the Catholic context may moderate some excesses. Students form study groups, socialize in campus areas between classes, and develop networks that often persist long after graduation.
Location & Surroundings
The Seoul metropolitan area, home to Catholic University's campuses, ranks among the world's most populous and economically important urban regions. Greater Seoul houses roughly half of South Korea's population in a sprawling city that mixes ancient palaces with gleaming skyscrapers, traditional markets with luxury shopping, and quiet temple grounds with pulsing nightlife districts. Students at Catholic University access all of this through Korea's excellent public transportation system. The main campus in Bucheon sits in the western part of the Seoul metropolitan area, a city that has developed from Seoul's industrial hinterland into a more residential and commercial center. Bucheon has its own identity and amenities while remaining connected to central Seoul via subway lines that make commuting straightforward. Housing costs in Bucheon run lower than in central Seoul districts, helping students manage living expenses. Korean weather brings four distinct seasons with real variety. Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and occasional snow. Summers bring heat and humidity that can feel oppressive, with monsoon rains in July and August. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions that Koreans celebrate enthusiastically, with cherry blossom viewing and autumn leaf trips as cultural traditions. The cost of living in Seoul has risen substantially as Korea has developed economically. While still lower than cities like Tokyo or Singapore, Seoul is no longer cheap. Students should budget carefully for housing, food, and transportation, though Korean food prices remain reasonable for those willing to eat like locals rather than seeking Western options.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Catholic University of Korea falls in the range typical for Korean private universities, higher than public institutions but reasonable by international standards. Different programs carry different tuition rates, with medical and other professional programs generally costing more than humanities or social science degrees. Korean students can access government loan programs and various scholarships to help finance their education. Living costs in the Seoul area add significantly to the overall budget. Housing represents the largest expense for most students, with options ranging from dormitories (limited and competitive) to private studio apartments called "one rooms" to shared housing arrangements. Food costs remain manageable if students eat at campus cafeterias and local Korean restaurants rather than more expensive imported or Western options. Career outcomes for graduates vary by field but generally reflect Catholic University's solid reputation in Korean higher education. Medical graduates pursue residencies and eventual practice throughout the Korean healthcare system. Business and engineering graduates compete for positions at Korean conglomerates and smaller firms alike. Social welfare and theology graduates often work in church-related organizations, nonprofits, or government social services. The alumni network provides connections that prove valuable in Korea's relationship-oriented business culture. Former graduates working at companies often help current students and recent graduates find opportunities. The Catholic identity of the university creates additional networks through church connections, which can be particularly valuable for careers in healthcare, education, and social services where Catholic institutions play significant roles.
Campus Location
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