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College · Catholic life on campus

American University

  • LocationWashington, DC
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 13,019 students

Affiliation: United Methodist

Official website

American University is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

AUCatholic, the Catholic campus ministry at American University, is based at the Kay Spiritual Life Center at 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Its published schedule lists weekday Mass on Tuesday through Friday, a Sunday Mass at the Kay center, weekly confession, and Thursday adoration, with two priests listed as chaplains and a campus minister. Its formation programs include Bible studies, OCIA, Venture, Fragua, and a Works of Mercy service program.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 4

  • Tuesday6:30 PMKay Spiritual Life Center · Faith, Food & Fellowship Mass.
  • Wednesday–Friday8:30 AMKay Spiritual Life Center
  • Sunday12:00 PMKay Spiritual Life Center
  • Sunday7:00 PMSt. Ann's (parish, listed by the ministry) · Listed on the ministry's page at a parish; not counted for L5.

Confession 3

  • Tuesday6:00 PMKay Spiritual Life Center · Until 6:30 PM.
  • Saturday4:00 PMSt. Ann's (parish, listed by the ministry) · Until 4:45 PM.
  • Sunday11:30 AMKay Spiritual Life Center · Until 12:00 PM.

Adoration 1

  • Thursday2:30 PMKay Spiritual Life Center · Until 4:30 PM, per the main pages. The site footer lists 3 to 5 PM; see gaps.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Mass Tuesday 6:30 PM (Kay) Wednesday 8:30 AM (Kay) Thursday 8:30 AM (Kay) Friday 8:30 AM (Kay)”
    Daily Mass is listed on campus at the Kay center on Tuesday at 6:30 PM and Wednesday through Friday at 8:30 AM.
    “Daily Mass Tuesday 6:30 PM (Kay) Wednesday 8:30 AM (Kay) Thursday 8:30 AM (Kay) Friday 8:30 AM (Kay)”
    Daily Mass is listed on campus at the Kay center on Tuesday at 6:30 PM and Wednesday through Friday at 8:30 AM.
    “Sunday Mass 12:00 PM (Kay) 7:00 PM (St. Ann’s)”
    Sunday Mass is listed at 12:00 PM at the Kay center and at 7:00 PM at St. Ann's.
    “Sunday Mass 12:00 PM (Kay) 7:00 PM (St. Ann’s)”
    Sunday Mass is listed at 12:00 PM at the Kay center and at 7:00 PM at St. Ann's.
    “Tuesdays: 6:00PM - 6:30PM (Kay)”
    Confession is listed Tuesdays from 6:00 to 6:30 PM at the Kay center.
    “Saturdays: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM (St. Ann’s)”
    Confession is listed on Saturdays from 4:00 to 4:45 PM at St. Ann's.
    “Sundays: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Kay)”
    Confession is listed on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Kay center.
    “Thursday 2:30 - 4:30PM (Kay)”
    Adoration is listed Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at the Kay center.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of American University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miAnnunciation Catholic Church: 0.8 mi1Saint Ann Church: 0.9 mi2Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church: 1.4 mi3Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church: 1.9 mi4Church of the Little Flower: 2.2 mi5Holy Trinity Catholic Church: 2.2 mi6AUCatholic (Catholic Campus Ministry at American University): 0.2 miAmerican University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Annunciation Catholic Church — 0.8 mi · 3810 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest
  2. Saint Ann Church — 0.9 mi · Yuma Street Northwest, Washington
  3. Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church — 1.4 mi · 4835 MacArthur Boulevard Northwest
  4. Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church — 1.9 mi · 2665 Woodley Road Northwest
  5. Church of the Little Flower — 2.2 mi · 5807 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda
  6. Holy Trinity Catholic Church — 2.2 mi · 1315 36th Street Northwest, Washington

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

BCatholic life on campus: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Catholic life on campus

76 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Archdiocese of Washingtonadw.org/living-the-faith/young-adult-campus-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Kay Spiritual Life Center 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 202-885-3327 aucatholicdc.org”
      The Archdiocese of Washington's campus ministry listing gives the Kay Spiritual Life Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, as American University's campus ministry address.
    2. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We are the Catholic Campus Ministry at American University”
      The ministry describes itself as the Catholic campus ministry at American University.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (Two priests are listed as chaplains: Fr. Iván Pertiné (Chaplain) and Fr. Marcelo Olmedo (Co-Chaplain). Fr. Pertiné is also General Director of the Saint John Society.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | AUCatholicaucatholicdc.org/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “He led the Catholic Newman Centers at Oregon State University and Portland State University for three years before coming to Washington, DC, as the Catholic Chaplain at American University.”
      Fr. Iván Pertiné is listed as the Catholic Chaplain at American University.
      “He is now a Co-Chaplain at American University since July 2026.”
      Fr. Marcelo Olmedo is listed as Co-Chaplain at American University since July 2026.
      “Fr. Iván Pertiné is General Director of the Saint John Society”
      Fr. Iván Pertiné is also General Director of the Saint John Society.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Weekday Mass is listed Tuesday through Friday at the Kay center (four weekdays).)
    Sources (1)
    1. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass Tuesday 6:30 PM (Kay) Wednesday 8:30 AM (Kay) Thursday 8:30 AM (Kay) Friday 8:30 AM (Kay)”
      Daily Mass is listed on campus at the Kay center on Tuesday at 6:30 PM and Wednesday through Friday at 8:30 AM.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelOne weekend Mass (One Sunday Mass is listed at the Kay center (12:00 PM). The 7:00 PM Sunday Mass at St. Ann's is at a parish and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday Mass 12:00 PM (Kay) 7:00 PM (St. Ann’s)”
      Sunday Mass is listed at 12:00 PM at the Kay center and at 7:00 PM at St. Ann's.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Scheduled confession is listed weekly on Tuesdays (6:00 to 6:30 PM) and Sundays (11:30 AM to 12:00 PM) at the Kay center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tuesdays: 6:00PM - 6:30PM (Kay)”
      Confession is listed Tuesdays from 6:00 to 6:30 PM at the Kay center.
      “Sundays: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Kay)”
      Confession is listed on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Kay center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (Bible studies, Venture (for first-semester freshmen), and Fragua circles of friends are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Programs | AUCatholicaucatholicdc.org/programs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We offer Bible Studies at various times throughout the year.”
      The ministry offers Bible studies at various times during the year.
      “Venture is a semester-long program for first semester Catholic freshmen to form meaningful friendships in Christ and deepen their faith.”
      The ministry runs Venture, a semester-long formation program for first-semester Catholic freshmen.
      “Fragua is designed to form those who have encountered Christ in the path of the new life.”
      The ministry lists Fragua, a formation program with courses and circles of friends.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Formation (OCIA, Venture, Fragua, Bible study), service (Works of Mercy), and a summer mission trip are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Programs | AUCatholicaucatholicdc.org/programs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “OCIA is the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults for those who are interested in becoming Catholic or want to learn more about the Catholic faith.”
      The ministry lists OCIA for adults interested in becoming Catholic.
      “Venture is a semester-long program for first semester Catholic freshmen to form meaningful friendships in Christ and deepen their faith.”
      The ministry runs Venture, a semester-long formation program for first-semester Catholic freshmen.
      “Join us for Works of Mercy, a program for volunteering that occurs twice per month on Saturday mornings”
      The ministry runs Works of Mercy, a volunteer program twice a month on Saturday mornings.
      “Every year, AUCatholic partners with students from The Catholic University of America to mission in Belize.”
      The ministry lists a yearly summer mission trip to Belize.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (10 weekly times documented: 6 Mass, 3 confession, 1 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is listed at the Kay center on four weekdays (Tuesday through Friday) and at noon on Sunday.
    Sources (1)
    1. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass Tuesday 6:30 PM (Kay) Wednesday 8:30 AM (Kay) Thursday 8:30 AM (Kay) Friday 8:30 AM (Kay)”
      Daily Mass is listed on campus at the Kay center on Tuesday at 6:30 PM and Wednesday through Friday at 8:30 AM.
      “Sunday Mass 12:00 PM (Kay) 7:00 PM (St. Ann’s)”
      Sunday Mass is listed at 12:00 PM at the Kay center and at 7:00 PM at St. Ann's.
  • Confession is listed every week, on Tuesdays and Sundays at the Kay center.
    Sources (1)
    1. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tuesdays: 6:00PM - 6:30PM (Kay)”
      Confession is listed Tuesdays from 6:00 to 6:30 PM at the Kay center.
      “Sundays: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Kay)”
      Confession is listed on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Kay center.
  • Formation programs are listed for students, including OCIA, Venture for freshmen, Fragua, Bible studies, and mentoring with a priest.
    Sources (1)
    1. Programs | AUCatholicaucatholicdc.org/programs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “OCIA is the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults for those who are interested in becoming Catholic or want to learn more about the Catholic faith.”
      The ministry lists OCIA for adults interested in becoming Catholic.
      “Venture is a semester-long program for first semester Catholic freshmen to form meaningful friendships in Christ and deepen their faith.”
      The ministry runs Venture, a semester-long formation program for first-semester Catholic freshmen.
      “Fragua is designed to form those who have encountered Christ in the path of the new life.”
      The ministry lists Fragua, a formation program with courses and circles of friends.
      “We offer Bible Studies at various times throughout the year.”
      The ministry offers Bible studies at various times during the year.
      “For those seeking to deepen their relationship with God through a one-on-one relationship with a priest or missionary.”
      The ministry offers mentoring and spiritual direction with a priest or missionary.

Concerns

  • The ministry's Thursday adoration hours differ between the footer and the main pages.
    Sources (1)
    1. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Thursday 2:30 - 4:30PM (Kay)”
      Adoration is listed Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at the Kay center.
      “Adoration: 3-5 PM every Thursday (Kay)”
      The site footer lists Thursday adoration from 3 to 5 PM, which differs from the 2:30 to 4:30 PM times on the main pages.
  • Chaplaincy is shared between two priests, and one is also General Director of the Saint John Society.
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | AUCatholicaucatholicdc.org/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “He led the Catholic Newman Centers at Oregon State University and Portland State University for three years before coming to Washington, DC, as the Catholic Chaplain at American University.”
      Fr. Iván Pertiné is listed as the Catholic Chaplain at American University.
      “Fr. Iván Pertiné is General Director of the Saint John Society”
      Fr. Iván Pertiné is also General Director of the Saint John Society.
      “He is now a Co-Chaplain at American University since July 2026.”
      Fr. Marcelo Olmedo is listed as Co-Chaplain at American University since July 2026.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

AUCatholic (Catholic Campus Ministry at American University)

  • Address: 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
  • Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: Lower Level Offices 7 and 8 at the Kay Spiritual Life Center, Mass and adoration are held at the Kay Spiritual Life Center

View on map ↗

Source: adw.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, aucatholicdc.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

11 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 10 location not published

Service 2

  • Summer mission trip to BelizeOff campus
    Each summer (dates TBA)
    Yearly mission trip with students from The Catholic University of America.
    aucatholicdc.org
  • Works of Mercy
    Twice per month, Saturday mornings
    Volunteer program serving the wider DC community.
    aucatholicdc.org

Faith formation 7

  • Alpha
    Wednesdays 6:30 to 8:00 PM
    Group conversations on the basics of the Christian faith, with dinner and a talk, in Letts Lounge.
    aucatholicdc.org, aucatholicdc.org
  • Bible Study
    Various times during the year
    Bible study for students who want to know Jesus Christ better through Scripture.
    aucatholicdc.org, aucatholicdc.org
  • OCIA
    Order of Christian Initiation for Adults for those interested in becoming Catholic.
    aucatholicdc.org
  • Venture
    Semester-long program for first-semester Catholic freshmen.
    aucatholicdc.org
  • Fragua
    Formation courses and circles of friends for students who want to grow as disciples.
    aucatholicdc.org
  • Mentoring and Spiritual Direction
    One-on-one mentoring with a priest or missionary.
    aucatholicdc.org
Show 1 more
  • Omega
    Once per month, Saturday mornings
    For seniors preparing for life after college; includes Mass and breakfast.
    aucatholicdc.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

Social life 1

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Campus Ministry | Archdiocese of Washingtonadw.org/living-the-faith/young-adult-campus-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Kay Spiritual Life Center 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 202-885-3327 aucatholicdc.org”
    The Archdiocese of Washington's campus ministry listing gives the Kay Spiritual Life Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, as American University's campus ministry address.
    “Kay Spiritual Life Center 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 202-885-3327 aucatholicdc.org”
    The Archdiocese of Washington's campus ministry listing gives the Kay Spiritual Life Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, as American University's campus ministry address.
  2. AUCatholic | Campus Ministryaucatholicdc.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “We are the Catholic Campus Ministry at American University”
    The ministry describes itself as the Catholic campus ministry at American University.
  3. Get Connected | AUCatholicaucatholicdc.org/get-connected · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Kay Spiritual Life Center 4400 Massachusetts Ave - Washington, DC 20016 We are located in Lower Level Offices 7 and 8”
    The ministry's office is in Lower Level Offices 7 and 8 of the Kay Spiritual Life Center.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
88 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.75%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.88%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,381 · ACT 30.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$19,197

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
7,817
Total students13,019
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$41,943
Cost of attendance (per year)$76,058
Median federal debt at graduation$22,750
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
75%
First-year retention88%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$77,370
Admission rate62%
Students receiving Pell grants14%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1381
SAT reading & writing660–740
SAT math620–720
ACT composite29–32
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 57 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Washington

His Eminence Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington

Formal address: “Your Eminence”

Source: adw.org, adw.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county using NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 131159
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (high research)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): United Methodist
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is American University a Catholic college?
No. American University is not a Catholic college. Its listed religious affiliation is United Methodist. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by AUCatholic (Catholic Campus Ministry at American University).
What is American University’s Catholic Life Score?
79 out of 100 (grade B). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at American University?
Mass is listed at Kay Spiritual Life Center, St. Ann's (parish and listed by the ministry). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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