
620 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20064, USA


The Catholic University of America holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a recognized regional accrediting agency. This accreditation confirms that the university meets established standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness, which is an important factor for prospective students evaluating their higher education options.
The university's individual academic programs also receive specialized accreditation where applicable. These programmatic accreditations further assure students of the quality and rigor of specific professional or academic fields offered at the institution.
The Catholic University of America requires prospective students to have completed high school or obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Applicants must submit their secondary school records and meet a minimum secondary school GPA requirement. Recommendations and a college program application are also necessary components of the admissions process.
While the university does not mandate an admission test, submission of standardized test scores, including the SAT or ACT, is recommended. Additionally, applicants are required to provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Other standardized tests may be submitted optionally.
The institution does not operate under an open admission policy, meaning it maintains selective criteria for enrollment. Dual credit or credit for college courses taken during high school is not accepted; however, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized.
The acceptance rate at The Catholic University of America is relatively high, standing at 84%, placing it within the top 30 percent nationally for selectivity. In recent admissions cycles, the university received an average of 5,874 applications, with approximately 4,925 students admitted and 861 ultimately enrolled. These figures indicate a moderately competitive admissions environment.
The Catholic University of America requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee is standard among many institutions and contributes to processing the application efficiently. However, applicants should be aware that fee waivers are available under certain conditions, which can alleviate the financial burden associated with applying.
Students eligible for fee waivers typically include those who demonstrate financial need or qualify through specific programs recognized by the university. It is important for applicants to check the university's official guidelines or contact the admissions office to understand the criteria and application process for obtaining a waiver.
The availability of fee waivers reflects The Catholic University of America's effort to make higher education more accessible to a diverse range of students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. By offering these waivers, the university helps ensure that the cost of application does not become a barrier to prospective students with limited resources.
The Catholic University of America offers its students access to ROTC programs through its role as a cooperating host institution. Rather than hosting its own standalone ROTC unit, the university partners with a branch unit located at a neighboring or nearby institution. This arrangement allows students enrolled at The Catholic University of America to participate in ROTC training and activities while completing their academic studies.
The Catholic University of America accepts transfer students for several terms throughout the year, including fall, spring, and summer. Prospective transfer students can apply to enter during these semesters, providing some flexibility in the timing of their enrollment. The university does accept transfer credits, allowing students to bring previously earned academic credits to their new program of study. However, detailed information about the acceptance of specific credit types such as CLEP or DANTES examinations is not available.
The Catholic University of America offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, and summer sessions, allowing students to tailor their international study to fit their schedules and academic goals. The university facilitates partnerships with institutions in multiple countries, providing options across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Students may participate in programs that focus on language immersion, global political studies, religious and cultural history, or international business, depending on their academic interests. Faculty-led trips often emphasize experiential learning and include site visits, cultural excursions, and direct engagement with local communities.
The Catholic University of America supports students in earning credits abroad that count toward their degree requirements, ensuring a seamless integration of study abroad experiences into their academic progress. Additionally, the university provides resources and advising to help students prepare for the cultural adjustments and logistical aspects of studying overseas.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer