The Catholic University of America

Key Highlights

• Private nonprofit university founded in Washington, D.C., in 1887
• Institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Catholic mission is integrated into the university's educational identity
• Organized across 12 schools and colleges, plus a Theological College

Student Life & Environment

Student life reflects both a residential university and an explicitly Catholic campus. Residence Life organizes programs within university housing, while the Center for Student Engagement supports events, student organizations, belonging initiatives, and student representation. Formal representative bodies include undergraduate and graduate student associations. Campus Ministry and faith-based programming are prominent, but the university also provides general services related to health, counseling, disability support, wellness, safety, and academic and career development. Housing options for 2026–27 range from traditional singles, doubles, triples, and quads to suites and apartments, although not every room type is offered in every hall. Housing charges include internet, laundry, and cable connection. Residential first-year and sophomore undergraduates must select the Open Access dining plan; residential juniors may choose either Open Access or the Weekly 14 plan. These requirements should be included in budget comparisons rather than treating room and food as fully optional costs. The Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center functions as a central activity venue. Students can also participate in recreational programs and intercollegiate athletics. The university competes at NCAA Division III, making athletics available without positioning sports as the institution's primary identity. Prospective students who want a secular campus culture should examine the religious environment carefully, while those seeking structured community, worship, service, and faith-informed programming may find the setting aligned with their priorities.

Location & Surroundings

The main campus is at 620 Michigan Avenue NE in Washington, D.C. University admissions materials describe a 173-acre campus about three miles from the U.S. Capitol. This gives students a defined campus environment within a major city rather than a collection of buildings dispersed through downtown. Washington can extend learning beyond campus, particularly for students interested in government, public policy, international affairs, museums, research, healthcare, education, media, culture, and nonprofit work. The university emphasizes access to internships and professional connections across the metropolitan area. Its career materials identify opportunities at organizations such as the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, National Institutes of Health, NASA Goddard, public schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and federal agencies, though placements are not guaranteed. The campus is accessible by Metro, which can reduce reliance on a car for commuting to central Washington. Students should still account for the cost of living in the region, transportation beyond the included or assessed transit arrangements, and the time required to travel between campus, internships, and other parts of the city.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For 2026–27, the university's undergraduate financial-aid budget lists base tuition of $60,500, a $1,774 fee allowance, $12,160 for housing, $8,780 for food, and allowances for books, transportation, personal expenses, and loan fees. The resulting estimated cost of attendance for a dependent student living on or off campus is $89,486 before financial aid. This is a planning budget rather than a guaranteed bill, and program, enrollment, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances can change the total. The detailed 2026–27 schedule charges most full-time undergraduate programs either $30,250 or $30,620 per semester. Listed housing rates range from $4,930 to $7,040 per semester, depending on room type, while dining plans range from $195 for a small community plan to $4,390 for Open Access. Residential class-year rules restrict which dining plans some students may choose. Full-time domestic undergraduates and all international students must carry the university's medical insurance unless they complete an eligible waiver by the deadline. Students should use the official aid offer and itemized bill rather than headline tuition alone. Scholarships and need-based assistance may materially reduce cost, but awards are individual and should not be assumed. Career support includes individual advising, résumé assistance, internship and job-search help, networking, career fairs, and the Cardinal Careers platform. The university reports that 71% of responding surveyed graduates had at least one internship during their studies; because this is based on survey respondents rather than every graduate, it should not be read as a guaranteed outcome. No verified salary or placement-rate claim is used here.