The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception stands at the edge of campus, which says a lot about The Catholic University of America. The US bishops founded it in 1887 as the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. It sits in Brookland, in north-east Washington, DC, with its own Red Line Metro stop. Architecture, engineering, nursing, music and social work are among its strengths.
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Official website: catholic.edu
1887
Private Catholic research university
Brookland, Washington, DC
Brookland-CUA station, Red Line
$50,000 – $58,000
Published tuition before scholarships, undergraduate and graduate
$20,000 – $26,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on catholic.edu before you apply.
BS Architecture
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Master of Architecture
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BS Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Business Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Master of Social Work
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Architecture and planning taught in the Crough Center.
A Red Line Metro stop right beside campus.
Social work, policy and law schools close to federal agencies.
Graduates join federal contractors, consulting firms, hospitals and non-profits in the DC area.
Architecture graduates work in Washington practices and further afield.
STEM graduates can extend OPT; check your programme's designation.
Undergrad
Early or regular
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited places
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus is large and green for a city university, with the Basilica on one side and the Brookland Metro station on the other. Monroe Street Market, by the station, has cafes and student apartments.
Downtown Washington and the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are about 15 minutes away on the Red Line. DC is expensive, though Brookland rents are lower than in the western neighbourhoods.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduates can apply Early Action or Early Decision in November, or regular decision in January. Graduate programmes set their own deadlines, many in winter or on a rolling basis. International students should apply early to allow time for the I-20.
Most programmes start in fall (late August). Many graduate programmes and some undergraduate ones also admit in spring (January).
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from The Catholic University of America after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Architecture, engineering, nursing, business analytics and social work are popular. Undergraduates need secondary school results and English at about IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80. Graduate applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree, and architecture needs a portfolio.
Catholic University gives merit scholarships to many first-year undergraduates, including international students. Graduate awards and assistantships vary by school, so ask your department.
