Your story begins here
The Catholic University of America is unique among universities in the United States—even among Catholic universities. And it’s not just because we're located in Washington, DC—a city of global significance and a place of extraordinary educational opportunity. We are a national research university in the heart of the nation's capital, and we are rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Our university was founded by the Catholic bishops of the United States, with a charter from then Pope Leo XIII, to be the national university of the Catholic Church in America. For more than 130 years, we have lived out our mission to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research. Catholic University scholars in all fields embrace both reason and faith as they apply the inexhaustible resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition to solve contemporary issues and enrich the culture around us.
Discover a faith-filled community at one of America’s best catholic universities
Service and faith are at the heart of our mission. In all that we do—academics, research, student life—we keep an eye toward that mission. Eighty percent of our undergraduate students are Catholic, and they enjoy many opportunities to celebrate and grow in their faith. Mass is offered daily, both on campus and at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Especially popular are Sunday Masses in campus chapels with student-run music and liturgy.
Learn more about how we are faithfully Catholic.
