Michael Brooks
The Catholic Church has a long history of involvement in higher education, and there are many Catholic universities around the world. The Catholic University of America (CUA), founded in 1887, is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. It is located in Washington, DC, and offers a range of degree programs, including undergraduate and graduate courses. There are also many other Catholic universities in the United States, including Alvernia University, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Georgetown University. For those seeking a more flexible option, Catholic International University offers online degree programs in Catholic theology, liberal arts, and faith development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Catholic University of America (CUA) |
| Type | Private Catholic research university |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Year founded | 1887 |
| Campus size | 176 acres |
| Student population | 3,000+ undergraduates and 2,400+ graduates |
| Acceptance rate | 83% |
| Graduation rate | 75-76% |
| Degrees offered | Certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral |
| Tuition and fees | $58,378 |
| Online Catholic universities | Catholic International University |
| Other Catholic colleges in the US | Albertus Magnus College, Alvernia University, Alverno College, Anna Maria College, Aquinas College (Grand Rapids and Nashville), and many others |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Location: Washington, DC
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of two pontifical universities in the United States that are not seminaries. It is also the only institution of higher education founded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Established in 1887 as a graduate and research centre, the university began offering undergraduate education in 1904.
The CUA's campus is in the residential community of Brookland in Northeast Washington, three miles (5 km) north of the Capitol building. The campus is bound by Michigan Avenue to the south, North Capitol Street to the west, Hawaii Avenue to the north, and John McCormick Road to the east. The campus is the largest in Washington, D.C., at 173 to 176 acres, and is known for being the greenest. It is adjacent to the Brookland neighbourhood, known as "Little Rome," which contains 60 Catholic institutions, including Trinity Washington University, the Dominican House of Studies, Archbishop Carroll High School, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
The CUA is a great school with a very friendly community. The small size of the school allows for strong community bonds, and its location in the middle of the city is convenient for all endeavours. The university offers a strongly orthodox education and community, with sports, clubs, and a diverse range of degree programs. The faculty is kind and generous with their time and resources.
The CUA offers a unique educational experience rooted in a deeper meaning. With 12 schools, more than 70 undergraduate programs, and 21 to 32 research centres and facilities, the university maintains the nurturing feel of an undergraduate college. The university's setting, with downtown Washington, D.C., just minutes away via the Metrorail system, makes Politics one of its most popular majors. Other prominent programs include Architecture, Biology, Business, Engineering, Music, Nursing, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Work, and Theology.
Fr. Corapi: An American Catholic?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
History: Founded in 1887
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C., United States. It is one of two pontifical universities of the Catholic Church in the United States and the only Catholic college founded by the U.S. bishops. Established in 1887 as a graduate and research centre, it followed approval by Pope Leo XIII, who granted permission to establish the university in a letter to James Cardinal Gibbons on 10 April 1887.
The Catholic University of America is the only institution of higher education founded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops first discussed the need for a national Catholic university at the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1866. At the Third Plenary Council on 26 January 1885, the bishops chose the name "The Catholic University of America". In 1882, Bishop John Lancaster Spalding travelled to Rome to obtain Pope Leo XIII's support for the university, also persuading his family friend Mary Gwendoline Caldwell to pledge $300,000 to establish it.
The university was incorporated in 1887 on 66 acres (27 ha) of land next to the Old Soldiers Home. President Grover Cleveland attended the laying of the cornerstone of Divinity Hall, now known as Caldwell Hall, on 24 May 1888, along with members of Congress and the U.S. Cabinet. The university first opened its doors on 13 November 1889, with a curriculum consisting of lectures in mental and moral philosophy, English literature, sacred scriptures, and various branches of theology. The first students graduated in 1889.
In 1900, Catholic University was one of 14 institutions offering instruction for the doctorate that formed the Association of American Universities. The university began offering undergraduate education in 1904, with the addition of an undergraduate programme.
Catholics: Enjoy Life, But With a Purpose
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Courses: Theology, liberal arts, science, and more
The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, DC, is the national university of the Catholic Church in the US. It was founded in 1887 and began offering undergraduate education in 1904. The university's programs emphasize the liberal arts, professional education, and personal development. The curriculum consists of courses in mental and moral philosophy, English literature, sacred scriptures, and theology.
Catholic International University is another Catholic university that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. The curriculum is grounded in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the documents of the Magisterium, emphasizing the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Second Vatican Council. Students can minor in History, Business, Education, Philosophy, or Sacred Scripture. The university also offers an Accelerated MA Pathway, allowing students to begin graduate coursework during their undergraduate studies.
Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio offers an online Bachelor's degree in Theology. The program builds on a liberal arts core curriculum and offers courses in three fundamental areas of theology: doctrine, morals, and Scripture. The university also offers a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry.
Various other Catholic universities in the United States offer a range of courses and degrees, including theology, liberal arts, science, and more. These include:
- Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT
- Alvernia University, Reading, PA
- Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI
- Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA
- Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI, and Nashville, TN
- Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Paul, MN
- Cabrini College, Radnor, PA
- Calumet College of Saint Joseph, Whiting, IN
- Canisius College, Buffalo, NY
- Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA
- Carroll College, Helena, MT
- Catholic Distance University, Charles Town, WV
- Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI
The Pope's Religion: A Spiritual Journey
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Acceptance rate: 83%
An 83% acceptance rate is considered relatively high. Generally, the most prestigious universities have lower acceptance rates, with some Ivy League colleges accepting less than 10% of applicants. For example, Brown University has an acceptance rate of 9.3%, while the California Institute of Technology and Harvard University have a minuscule 3% acceptance rate.
However, acceptance rates don't always indicate the quality of education at a university. For instance, the University of Mississippi has the highest acceptance rate among the top 150 popular schools in the US, at 98%, but it also has an 89% retention rate and a 68% graduation rate. This suggests that even though it is relatively easy to get into this university, many students choose to stay and graduate from it.
Other factors, such as the number of applicants, the selectiveness of the school, prestige, pull factors, and size, can also affect a university's acceptance rate. For example, smaller schools can have lower acceptance rates because they have fewer spots to fill. Additionally, some "top-tier" schools have been caught deliberately manipulating data to lower their acceptance rates and appear more selective.
Therefore, while an 83% acceptance rate is high and may indicate that a university is less competitive or selective, it is essential to consider other factors when evaluating a university's quality. These include the supports, programs, costs, and outcomes offered, as well as whether the university will be a good fit for your academic and career goals.
Spirit Catholic Radio's 501(c)(3) Status: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Online options: Catholic International University
Catholic International University (CIU), formerly known as Catholic Distance University, is a fully accredited university that offers continuing education programs, degrees, and certificates entirely online. The university was founded in 1983 as the first catechetical institute in the United States approved by the Vatican to award the Catechetical Diploma by correspondence. CIU offers a range of courses and degree programs that are designed to accommodate busy schedules while providing a faith-based education. The university's mission is to communicate the mind and heart of the Church in a digital world, preparing learners and educators worldwide in Catholic theology, liberal arts, faith development, ecclesial service, and leadership for the New Evangelization.
CIU's online programs provide flexibility and support to help students succeed. The university integrates faith, ethics, and innovation to ensure emerging technologies uplift humanity and reflect the greater good. CIU offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities, and encourages students to explore federal and private loan options. Online students at CIU have access to academic advising, technical support, and online library resources, as well as virtual tutoring, career counseling, and mental health support.
CIU's continuing education programs award Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with one CEU equal to 10 contact hours of learner interaction with the learning activity content. The university offers a convenient distance education model, delivering courses through virtual classrooms, interactive modules, and multimedia resources. As of October 2024, CIU offered 95 courses and had seen over 2 million lessons completed in more than 1,000 facilities worldwide.
CIU provides independent study courses, continuing education certificates, and online seminars to enrich students' faith journeys. The university's online library offers access to e-books and digital resources. CIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools. The university invites prospective students to learn more about its degree and certificate programs by visiting its website or contacting its admissions staff via email.
Baptism: A Catholic's Gateway to Grace
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of two pontifical universities in the United States and the only Catholic college founded by the U.S. bishops. It was established in 1887 as a graduate and research center following approval by Pope Leo XIII, and began offering undergraduate education in 1904.
Catholic University is the only Catholic college founded by the U.S. bishops and the only institution of higher education founded by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is also America's second-oldest research university. The campus is located in the Brookland neighborhood, known as "Little Rome," which contains 60 Catholic institutions.
Catholic University offers certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university has 12 schools, over 70 undergraduate programs, and 32 research centers and facilities.
Catholic University has an acceptance rate of 83% and a graduation rate of 75-76%.
![St. Joseph Sunday Missal Prayerbook and Hymnal for 2026 [Paperback] Catholic Book Publishing Corp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71N-HHa6foL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
