
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 one that is not a seminary. Founded in 1887, CUA is the only American university to have been visited by three popes. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CUA is also part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Year of founding | 1887 |
| Type of institution | Private Catholic research university |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Campus size | 173-176 acres |
| Student-faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Carnegie Classification | "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" |
| Number of visits by a Pope | 3 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,139 (fall 2023) |
| Tuition and fees | $58,378 |
| Percentage of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid | 62% |
| Four-year graduation rate | 75% |
| Median salary for graduates six years after graduation | $63,217 |
| Accreditation Liaison Officer | Dr. Christopher Evans |
| Commission Staff Liaison | Ryan Hartnett, Vice President |
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What You'll Learn
- The Catholic University of America is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- The University is part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
- The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2027-2028
- The University is ranked #171 in National Universities and #64 in Best Value Schools
- The University has a 75% four-year graduation rate

The Catholic University of America is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of two pontifical universities of the Catholic Church in the United States and the only one that is not primarily a seminary. Established in 1887 as a graduate and research centre, it began offering undergraduate education in 1904. The Catholic University of America is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognised by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Middle States region includes the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Catholic University of America is part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
The Catholic University of America is ranked #171 in National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. It is also ranked #64 in Best Value Schools. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,139 (as of fall 2023), and the campus size is 176 acres, making it the largest college campus in the nation's capital. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, and the university utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
The Catholic University of America is the only American university to have been visited by three popes. Pope John Paul II visited in 1979, Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, and Pope Francis in 2015.
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The University is part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Middle States region includes the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Catholic University of America is also a part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is a voluntary agreement among its member states and U.S. territories that allows institutions to provide distance education and coursework to students in other states and territories. It provides a more uniform and widely accepted process to resolve student complaints.
As a part of SARA, The Catholic University of America can offer its online programs to students in other states and territories. However, it's important to note that California is not a part of SARA, so online students residing in California should first bring any complaints to the university and then to the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
The Catholic University of America is ranked #171 in National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and #64 in Best Value Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,139 as of Fall 2023, and its campus size is 176 acres, making it the largest college campus in Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. The university offers a semester-based academic calendar and has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio.
With a focus on the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition, The Catholic University of America provides a unique educational experience in a powerful and historic city surrounded by lush, green landscapes.
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The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2027-2028
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Middle States region includes the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The University is also part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is an agreement between states that makes it easier for institutions to provide online courses to students in other states. However, it is important to note that California is not part of SARA, and students residing in California should be aware of this and direct any complaints accordingly.
The Catholic University of America has a scheduled evaluation visit for 2027-2028. This evaluation will be conducted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to assess the University's accreditation status. These evaluations are conducted periodically to ensure that accredited institutions maintain the standards and requirements set by the accrediting agency.
The Catholic University of America is a highly regarded private Catholic research university located in Washington, D.C. It has a rich history, having been established in 1887 with the approval of Pope Leo XIII. The University offers a comprehensive curriculum, including undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on both Catholic intellectual tradition and liberal arts. The campus spans 173 to 176 acres, making it the largest college campus in the nation's capital, and serves as a vibrant hub for its students and the surrounding community.
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The University is ranked #171 in National Universities and #64 in Best Value Schools
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It is one of two pontifical universities of the Catholic Church in the United States and the only one that is not primarily a seminary. Established in 1887 as a graduate and research centre, it began offering undergraduate education in 1904. CUA is the only American university to have been visited by three popes. Pope John Paul II visited in 1979, Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, and Pope Francis in 2015.
CUA's campus 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. CUA's campus is the largest and greenest in Washington, D.C., spanning 176 acres. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,139 (as of fall 2023) and a student-faculty ratio of 10:1.
In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, CUA is ranked #171 in National Universities and #64 in Best Value Schools. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 75%, and six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $63,217. The school's tuition and fees are $58,378, and 62% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. CUA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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The University has a 75% four-year graduation rate
The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private Catholic research university in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1887 and currently has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,139 students. The university's campus size is 176 acres, making it the largest college campus in the nation's capital.
CUA has a four-year graduation rate of 75%, which is impressive. This statistic indicates that the university effectively supports its students' academic success and progress toward degree completion within the traditional four-year timeframe. This rate also suggests that the university provides a conducive learning environment and adequate resources to facilitate timely graduation.
The high graduation rate can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, CUA offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares students for their future careers. The university's "First Year Experience" program, for instance, provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts, ensuring students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, the university maintains a low student-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for more personalized attention and support for students. This ratio enables close mentorship and guidance from faculty members, fostering a supportive academic community.
Furthermore, CUA's accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education ensures that the university meets high academic standards. This accreditation affirms the quality and recognition of CUA's educational programs, providing assurance to students and employers that the institution delivers a valuable and reputable education. The university's participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) further underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards and addressing student complaints effectively.
The university's strong graduation rate also reflects its dedication to student success and outcomes. CUA provides various resources and support services to help students thrive academically and personally. Additionally, the university offers need-based financial aid to 62% of first-year students, making education more accessible and reducing financial barriers that could impede graduation. Overall, the 75% four-year graduation rate speaks to the university's effectiveness in fostering student success and its ability to provide a high-quality education that prepares graduates for their future endeavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Catholic University of America is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, the Catholic University of America is ranked #171 in National Universities and #64 in Best Value Schools.
The Carnegie Classification of the Catholic University of America is "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".














