
Catholic college
The Catholic University of America
- LocationWashington, DC
- Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 5,171 students
- SponsorBishops of the United States
The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, founded and sponsored by the U.S. bishops. All undergraduates take two theology courses (Foundations of Theology I and II, on Scripture, Christ, and the Church) and two philosophy courses in a liberal arts curriculum the catalog describes as grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. A Dominican priest serves as university chaplain, director of Campus Ministry, and vice president for ministry and mission.
Mass, confession, and adoration
Confirm with the parish
Mass 1
- Monday–Friday12:30 PMMary, Mirror of Justice Chapel, Columbus School of Law (third floor) · Listed as daily Mass; open to the entire campus community.
Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.
Sources for these times (1)
- Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/mary-mirror-justice-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The chapel seats 25 adults comfortably. Daily mass is held at 12:30 p.m.”
Catholic churches nearby
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception — 0.2 mi · 400 Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington
- Saint Vincent de Paul Chapel — 0.3 mi
- Marian Scholasticate — 0.3 mi · 3885 Harewood Road Northeast
- Saint Anthonys Catholic Church — 0.4 mi · 1029 Monroe Street Northeast
- Notre Dame Chapel — 0.5 mi
- Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family — 0.5 mi · 4250 Harewood Road Northeast, Washington
Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.
Faith 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.
Sacramental life
Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Daily Mass at 12:30 p.m. in Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel in the Columbus School of Law on the main campus, open to undergraduates.)
Sources (1)
- Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/mary-mirror-justice-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The chapel seats 25 adults comfortably. Daily mass is held at 12:30 p.m.”
- Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/mary-mirror-justice-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (The 2026-2027 catalog lists Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., as Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain; the Dominican Province of St. Joseph lists CUA among the campuses where its friars serve as chaplains.)
Sources (3)
- University Leadership | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/copy-of-university-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. | Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission”
- Campus Ministries | Dominican Friars (Province of St. Joseph)dominicanfriars.org/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The friars of our province currently serve as chaplains for campus ministries that serve students from over 10 universities, including: Baruch College Brown University Catholic University of America”
- Father Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. | The Gibbons Instituteihe.catholic.edu/speaker/father-aquinas-guilbeau-o-p · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Father Aquinas serves as Chaplain at The Catholic University of America. In October of 2023, Father Aquinas was appointed by President Peter K. Kilpatrick as the University’s first Vice President of Ministry and Mission.”
- University Leadership | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/copy-of-university-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Chapel open for prayer on campusYes
Sources (1)
- Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/mary-mirror-justice-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The small chapel is open to the entire campus community, including law, graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.”
- Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/mary-mirror-justice-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration1 to 5 times a week (5 weekly times documented: 5 Mass, 0 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
Theology and core curriculum
84 of 100 points on what we could document.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (All students take TRS 201 and TRS 202A/B. B.A./B.S. students in non-professional programs take up to four TRS courses, and engineering students take two.)
Sources (3)
- The Undergraduate Curriculum | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/the-undergraduate-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“All students, including those in professional degree programs, take 10 foundational courses (marked in the chart below with*).”
- Requirements for all Catholic University Students | Undergraduate Announcements 2025-2026catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-theology-and-religious-studies/the-undergraduate-program-in-theology-and-religious-studies/requirements-for-all-catholic-university-students · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“All students at the Catholic University of America must fulfill Liberal Arts requirements that introduce them to the joint work of faith and reason and to fundamental teachings of the Catholic tradition about revelation, the person of Christ, the identity of the Church, and the dignity and call of the human person. Undergraduate students take two, three, or four TRS courses, depending on their area and focus of study.”
- Undergraduate Curricula and Academic Regulations | College of Engineering, Physics, and Computingcatholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/college-of-engineering-physics-and-computing/undergraduate-curricula-and-academic-regulations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“These include one English composition course, two Theology and Religious studies courses, two core Philosophy courses, one course in either social sciences, fine arts, or literature, one mathematics course, and one science course.”
- The Undergraduate Curriculum | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/the-undergraduate-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)At least one required course is explicitly Catholic theology
Sources (3)
- The Liberal Arts Courses | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/the-undergraduate-curriculum/the-liberal-arts-courses · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“THEOLOGY and RELIGIOUS STUDIES: Faith Seeking Understanding Foundations in Theology 1: Scripture and Jesus Christ Foundations in Theology 2: The Church and the Human Person”
- Requirements for all Catholic University Students | Undergraduate Announcements 2025-2026catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-theology-and-religious-studies/the-undergraduate-program-in-theology-and-religious-studies/requirements-for-all-catholic-university-students · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“All students at the Catholic University of America must fulfill Liberal Arts requirements that introduce them to the joint work of faith and reason and to fundamental teachings of the Catholic tradition about revelation, the person of Christ, the identity of the Church, and the dignity and call of the human person. Undergraduate students take two, three, or four TRS courses, depending on their area and focus of study.”
- TRS 202A The Church and the Human Person | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/200/trs-202a · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“This course introduces students to central theological questions of Catholicism about the nature of the Church and the human person through the examination of scriptural, historical, and contemporary treatments of the questions, particularly their development in the major documents of the Second Vatican Council.”
- The Liberal Arts Courses | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/the-undergraduate-curriculum/the-liberal-arts-courses · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (PHIL 201 and 202 are required in every school (Honors students take honors-sequence equivalents). B.A. students take a third philosophy course.)
Sources (2)
- Undergraduate Philosophy Requirements (Non-Majors) | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-philosophy/undergraduate-philosophy-requirements-non-majors · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Except for students participating in the University Honors Program, PHIL 201 and 202 are required courses for students enrolled in each School and are normally taken during the freshman year.”
- Undergraduate Curricula and Academic Regulations | College of Engineering, Physics, and Computingcatholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/college-of-engineering-physics-and-computing/undergraduate-curricula-and-academic-regulations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“These include one English composition course, two Theology and Religious studies courses, two core Philosophy courses, one course in either social sciences, fine arts, or literature, one mathematics course, and one science course.”
- Undergraduate Philosophy Requirements (Non-Majors) | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-philosophy/undergraduate-philosophy-requirements-non-majors · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description
Sources (1)
- The Undergraduate Curriculum | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/the-undergraduate-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“In accordance with its mission and its aims and goals, The Catholic University of America provides its undergraduate students with an education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition.”
- The Undergraduate Curriculum | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/the-undergraduate-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
Sources (1)
- The Undergraduate Program in Theology and Religious Studies | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-theology-and-religious-studies/the-undergraduate-program-in-theology-and-religious-studies · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“In the context of a Catholic University liberal arts education, the Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and religious studies provides students with both a wide exposure to the various sub-disciplines of theology and religious studies”
- The Undergraduate Program in Theology and Religious Studies | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-theology-and-religious-studies/the-undergraduate-program-in-theology-and-religious-studies · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Campus culture and residence life
Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (The catalog lists retreats among Campus Ministry's work; individual retreats could not be counted because the Campus Ministry site blocks automated access.)
Sources (1)
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Campus Ministry staff exercises its ministry in a variety of ways: through gathering the university community for prayer and liturgy; through catechesis and sacramental preparation; through social justice projects, community service, and mission trips; through pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and retreats; and through a variety of social events.”
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Overnight guest policy in residence hallsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Yes (Campus Ministry has Residence Ministers.)
Sources (1)
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Residence Ministers and teams of student volunteers witness to the Gospel by sharing their time and energies with their peers.”
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Vice President for Ministry and Mission (first appointed October 2023).)
Sources (2)
- University Leadership | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/copy-of-university-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. | Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission”
- Father Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. | The Gibbons Instituteihe.catholic.edu/speaker/father-aquinas-guilbeau-o-p · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Father Aquinas serves as Chaplain at The Catholic University of America. In October of 2023, Father Aquinas was appointed by President Peter K. Kilpatrick as the University’s first Vice President of Ministry and Mission.”
- University Leadership | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/copy-of-university-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Service and Catholic social teaching
79 of 100 points on what we could document.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service or volunteer centerYes (Campus Ministry's staff runs community service, service projects, and mission trips. No separate service center page could be read.)
Sources (2)
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Campus Ministry staff exercises its ministry in a variety of ways: through gathering the university community for prayer and liturgy; through catechesis and sacramental preparation; through social justice projects, community service, and mission trips; through pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and retreats; and through a variety of social events.”
- Cardinal Day of Service | Catholic University Advancementengage.catholic.edu/events/cardinal-day-service · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Additionally, Campus Ministry hosts service projects for students, and they often invite alumni and parents to participate in major service activities.”
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (TRS 159 Theology of Mission prepares students for a university-sponsored mission experience.)
Sources (1)
- TRS 159 Theology of Mission: Service in Charity and Justice | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/100/trs-159 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“This is a full-semester course oriented toward preparing students for participation in a university-sponsored mission experience and, thus, investigates the practical, pastoral and theological aspects of Christian mission. Students will explore the scriptural foundations for Catholic Social Teaching, theological reflection and social analysis.”
- TRS 159 Theology of Mission: Service in Charity and Justice | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/100/trs-159 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (TRS 330 The Church and Social Issues reviews Catholic social teaching. TRS 159 covers its scriptural foundations. Neither is required. The curriculum's stated character outcomes include translating Catholic social doctrine into responsibility for communities.)
Sources (2)
- TRS 330 The Church and Social Issues | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/300/trs-330 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“A review of the social teaching of the Church introduces a discussion of the grounds and limits of the Church's intervention in social and political issues.”
- TRS 159 Theology of Mission: Service in Charity and Justice | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/100/trs-159 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“This is a full-semester course oriented toward preparing students for participation in a university-sponsored mission experience and, thus, investigates the practical, pastoral and theological aspects of Christian mission. Students will explore the scriptural foundations for Catholic Social Teaching, theological reflection and social analysis.”
- TRS 330 The Church and Social Issues | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/300/trs-330 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Mission trips (Latin America, the Caribbean, and the US-Mexico border region per TRS 159) and the Cardinal Cupboard food pantry supported through Campus Ministry giving.)
Sources (3)
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Campus Ministry staff exercises its ministry in a variety of ways: through gathering the university community for prayer and liturgy; through catechesis and sacramental preparation; through social justice projects, community service, and mission trips; through pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and retreats; and through a variety of social events.”
- TRS 159 Theology of Mission: Service in Charity and Justice | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/100/trs-159 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“This is a full-semester course oriented toward preparing students for participation in a university-sponsored mission experience and, thus, investigates the practical, pastoral and theological aspects of Christian mission. Students will explore the scriptural foundations for Catholic Social Teaching, theological reflection and social analysis.”
- Support Campus Ministry at Catholic Universityadvance.catholic.edu/giving/to/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Cardinal Cupboard, which is the University's food pantry assisting all those in our community facing food insecurity”
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes
Sources (2)
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Campus Ministry staff exercises its ministry in a variety of ways: through gathering the university community for prayer and liturgy; through catechesis and sacramental preparation; through social justice projects, community service, and mission trips; through pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and retreats; and through a variety of social events.”
- Cardinal Day of Service | Catholic University Advancementengage.catholic.edu/events/cardinal-day-service · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Additionally, Campus Ministry hosts service projects for students, and they often invite alumni and parents to participate in major service activities.”
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.
Strengths
- All undergraduates take two theology courses, Foundations of Theology I (Scripture and Jesus Christ) and The Church and the Human Person, which the catalog describes as teaching fundamental Catholic teachings.
Sources (2)
- Requirements for all Catholic University Students | Undergraduate Announcements 2025-2026catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-theology-and-religious-studies/the-undergraduate-program-in-theology-and-religious-studies/requirements-for-all-catholic-university-students · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“All students at the Catholic University of America must fulfill Liberal Arts requirements that introduce them to the joint work of faith and reason and to fundamental teachings of the Catholic tradition about revelation, the person of Christ, the identity of the Church, and the dignity and call of the human person. Undergraduate students take two, three, or four TRS courses, depending on their area and focus of study.”
- TRS 202A The Church and the Human Person | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/200/trs-202a · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“This course introduces students to central theological questions of Catholicism about the nature of the Church and the human person through the examination of scriptural, historical, and contemporary treatments of the questions, particularly their development in the major documents of the Second Vatican Council.”
- Requirements for all Catholic University Students | Undergraduate Announcements 2025-2026catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-theology-and-religious-studies/the-undergraduate-program-in-theology-and-religious-studies/requirements-for-all-catholic-university-students · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- All undergraduates take two philosophy courses (PHIL 201 and 202), and the catalog says the curriculum is grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Sources (2)
- Undergraduate Philosophy Requirements (Non-Majors) | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-philosophy/undergraduate-philosophy-requirements-non-majors · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Except for students participating in the University Honors Program, PHIL 201 and 202 are required courses for students enrolled in each School and are normally taken during the freshman year.”
- The Undergraduate Curriculum | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/the-undergraduate-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“In accordance with its mission and its aims and goals, The Catholic University of America provides its undergraduate students with an education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition.”
- Undergraduate Philosophy Requirements (Non-Majors) | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/school-of-philosophy/undergraduate-philosophy-requirements-non-majors · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- A Dominican priest serves as University Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry and also holds a vice presidency for ministry and mission.
Sources (2)
- University Leadership | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/copy-of-university-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. | Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission”
- Father Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. | The Gibbons Instituteihe.catholic.edu/speaker/father-aquinas-guilbeau-o-p · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Father Aquinas serves as Chaplain at The Catholic University of America. In October of 2023, Father Aquinas was appointed by President Peter K. Kilpatrick as the University’s first Vice President of Ministry and Mission.”
- University Leadership | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/copy-of-university-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Mass is celebrated daily at 12:30 p.m. in the law school chapel, which is open to undergraduates.
Sources (1)
- Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/mary-mirror-justice-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The chapel seats 25 adults comfortably. Daily mass is held at 12:30 p.m.”
“The small chapel is open to the entire campus community, including law, graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.”
- Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/mary-mirror-justice-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Concerns
- Catholic social teaching is offered as an elective (TRS 330) rather than as a required course.
Sources (1)
- TRS 330 The Church and Social Issues | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/300/trs-330 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“A review of the social teaching of the Church introduces a discussion of the grounds and limits of the Church's intervention in social and political issues.”
- TRS 330 The Church and Social Issues | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/courses/trs-theology-and-religious-studies/300/trs-330 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- The only pro-life student group found on a readable official page is at the law school.
Sources (1)
- Student Organizations | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/StudentOrgs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“CUA Law Students for Life”
- Student Organizations | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/StudentOrgs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
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Campus ministry home
Office of Campus Ministry
- Address: 620 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20064
- Location: On campus
Source: catholic.smartcatalogiq.com, verified Oct. 8, 2026, adw.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026
Catholic clubs and student life
9 groups and regular activities · 6 on campus, 3 off campus
Retreats 1
- Campus Ministry retreatsOff campusCampus Ministry lists retreats among its programs; dates and locations were not available.
Service 3
- Campus Ministry service projectsOff campusService projects for students hosted by Campus Ministry.
- Mission tripsOff campusUniversity-sponsored mission experiences; the TRS 159 preparation course covers Latin America, the Caribbean, and the US-Mexico border region.
- Cardinal CupboardOn campusUniversity food pantry for community members facing food insecurity, supported through Campus Ministry giving.
Faith formation 2
- Residence Ministers and student ministry teamsOn campusCampus Ministry's Residence Ministers and student volunteer teams offer peer ministry and accompaniment.
- Catechesis and sacramental preparationOn campusCampus Ministry offers catechesis, sacramental preparation, and spiritual direction.
Clubs and groups 2
- Saint John Paul II Guild of Catholic LawyersOn campusCatholic student organization at the Columbus School of Law.
- CUA Law Students for LifeOn campusPro-life student organization at the Columbus School of Law.
Liturgy and prayer 1
- Daily Mass at Mary, Mirror of Justice ChapelOn campusDaily 12:30 PMDaily Mass in the law school chapel, open to undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.
Campus ministry
Sources (3)
- University Leadership | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/copy-of-university-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. | Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission”
- Office of Campus Ministry | Undergraduate Announcements 2026-2027catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-announcements/campus-overview/other-campus-resources/office-of-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Campus Ministry staff exercises its ministry in a variety of ways: through gathering the university community for prayer and liturgy; through catechesis and sacramental preparation; through social justice projects, community service, and mission trips; through pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and retreats; and through a variety of social events.”
“Campus Ministry’s pastoral and professional staff, composed of clergy and laity, seeks to be a welcoming, encouraging, and enlivening presence for students, faculty, administrators, and staff.”
“The Campus Ministry staff exercises its ministry in a variety of ways: through gathering the university community for prayer and liturgy; through catechesis and sacramental preparation; through social justice projects, community service, and mission trips; through pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and retreats; and through a variety of social events.”
- Campus Ministry | Archdiocese of Washingtonadw.org/living-the-faith/young-adult-campus-ministry/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Ave. NE Washington, DC 20064 202-319-5575”
“The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Ave. NE Washington, DC 20064 202-319-5575”
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Academic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.79%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.87%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.11 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$22,922
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) | 3,139 |
|---|---|
| Total students | 5,171 |
| Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid | $29,561 |
| Cost of attendance (per year) | $75,481 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $26,000 |
| Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time | 79% |
| First-year retention | 87% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $73,250 |
| Admission rate | 83% |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 20% |
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
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 131283
- Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (high research)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
- Report an error or a newer source
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Questions families ask
- Is the Catholic University of America a Catholic college?
- Yes. The Catholic University of America is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Washington. Its sponsor is Bishops of the United States.
- Where is Mass celebrated at the Catholic University of America?
- Mass is listed at Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel and Columbus School of Law (third floor). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
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