Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
The Catholic University of America: Father O’Connell Hall CUA
Photo: Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

The Catholic University of America

  • LocationWashington, DC
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 5,171 students
  • SponsorBishops of the United States
Official website

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)
  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.”
    Mass is celebrated daily at 12:30 p.m. in the law school's Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel on campus.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of The Catholic University of America, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 miBasilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: 0.2 mi1Saint Vincent de Paul Chapel: 0.3 mi2Marian Scholasticate: 0.3 mi3Saint Anthonys Catholic Church: 0.4 mi4Notre Dame Chapel: 0.5 mi5Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family: 0.5 mi6Office of Campus Ministry: 0.1 miThe Catholic University of America (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception — 0.2 mi · 400 Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington
  2. Saint Vincent de Paul Chapel — 0.3 mi
  3. Marian Scholasticate — 0.3 mi · 3885 Harewood Road Northeast
  4. Saint Anthonys Catholic Church — 0.4 mi · 1029 Monroe Street Northeast
  5. Notre Dame Chapel — 0.5 mi
  6. 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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

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)
    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.”
      Mass is celebrated daily at 12:30 p.m. in the law school's Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel on campus.
  • 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)
    1. 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”
      A Dominican priest is Director of Campus Ministry, University Chaplain, and Vice President for Ministry and Mission.
    2. 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”
      Dominican friars of the Province of St. Joseph serve as chaplains for CUA campus ministry.
    3. 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.”
      Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau is university chaplain and the first Vice President of Ministry and Mission.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    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.”
      The law school chapel is open to undergraduates and the whole campus community.
  • 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).
BTheology and core curriculum: 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.

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)
    1. 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*).”
      All undergraduates, including professional programs, complete 10 foundational liberal arts courses.
    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.”
      All undergraduates take two to four theology courses that teach fundamental Catholic teachings.
    3. 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.”
      Engineering students, who have the smallest liberal arts requirement, take two theology and two philosophy courses.
  • 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)
    1. 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”
      The liberal arts curriculum includes Foundations in Theology 1 (Scripture and Jesus Christ) and 2 (The Church and the Human Person).
    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.”
      All undergraduates take two to four theology courses that teach fundamental Catholic teachings.
    3. 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 required second theology course is explicitly about Catholic theology of the Church and the human person.
  • 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)
    1. 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.”
      PHIL 201 and 202 are required of students in every school.
    2. 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.”
      Engineering students, who have the smallest liberal arts requirement, take two theology and two philosophy courses.
  • 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)
    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's stated goals name the Catholic intellectual tradition.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    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”
      A B.A. in theology and religious studies is offered.
  • 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.
N/ACampus culture and residence life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

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)
    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.”
      Campus Ministry offers liturgy, catechesis and sacramental preparation, service projects, mission trips, spiritual direction, retreats, and social events.
  • 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)
    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.”
      Campus Ministry has Residence Ministers and teams of student volunteers.
  • 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)
    1. 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”
      A Dominican priest is Director of Campus Ministry, University Chaplain, and Vice President for Ministry and Mission.
    2. 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.”
      Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau is university chaplain and the first Vice President of Ministry and Mission.
BService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

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)
    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.”
      Campus Ministry offers liturgy, catechesis and sacramental preparation, service projects, mission trips, spiritual direction, retreats, and social events.
    2. 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.”
      Campus Ministry hosts service projects for students.
  • 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)
    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.”
      A credit course prepares students for university-sponsored mission trips and covers Catholic social teaching.
  • 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)
    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.”
      An elective course reviews Catholic social teaching.
    2. 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.”
      A credit course prepares students for university-sponsored mission trips and covers Catholic social teaching.
  • 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)
    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.”
      Campus Ministry offers liturgy, catechesis and sacramental preparation, service projects, mission trips, spiritual direction, retreats, and social events.
    2. 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.”
      A credit course prepares students for university-sponsored mission trips and covers Catholic social teaching.
    3. 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”
      The Cardinal Cupboard food pantry, supported through Campus Ministry giving, serves community members facing food insecurity.
  • 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)
    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.”
      Campus Ministry offers liturgy, catechesis and sacramental preparation, service projects, mission trips, spiritual direction, retreats, and social events.
    2. 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.”
      Campus Ministry hosts service projects for students.

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)
    1. 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.”
      All undergraduates take two to four theology courses that teach fundamental Catholic teachings.
    2. 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 required second theology course is explicitly about Catholic theology of the Church and the human person.
  • 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)
    1. 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.”
      PHIL 201 and 202 are required of students in every school.
    2. 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's stated goals name the Catholic intellectual tradition.
  • A Dominican priest serves as University Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry and also holds a vice presidency for ministry and mission.
    Sources (2)
    1. 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”
      A Dominican priest is Director of Campus Ministry, University Chaplain, and Vice President for Ministry and Mission.
    2. 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.”
      Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau is university chaplain and the first Vice President of Ministry and Mission.
  • Mass is celebrated daily at 12:30 p.m. in the law school chapel, which is open to undergraduates.
    Sources (1)
    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.”
      Mass is celebrated daily at 12:30 p.m. in the law school's Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel on campus.
      “The small chapel is open to the entire campus community, including law, graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.”
      The law school chapel is open to undergraduates and the whole campus community.

Concerns

  • Catholic social teaching is offered as an elective (TRS 330) rather than as a required course.
    Sources (1)
    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.”
      An elective course reviews Catholic social teaching.
  • The only pro-life student group found on a readable official page is at the law school.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Organizations | Columbus School of Law | Catholic Universitylaw.edu/StudentOrgs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “CUA Law Students for Life”
      The law school has a pro-life student organization.

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Campus ministry home

Office of Campus Ministry

  • Address: 620 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20064
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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 campus
    Campus Ministry lists retreats among its programs; dates and locations were not available.

Service 3

  • Campus Ministry service projectsOff campus
    Service projects for students hosted by Campus Ministry.
  • Mission tripsOff campus
    University-sponsored mission experiences; the TRS 159 preparation course covers Latin America, the Caribbean, and the US-Mexico border region.
  • Cardinal CupboardOn campus
    University food pantry for community members facing food insecurity, supported through Campus Ministry giving.

Faith formation 2

  • Residence Ministers and student ministry teamsOn campus
    Campus Ministry's Residence Ministers and student volunteer teams offer peer ministry and accompaniment.
  • Catechesis and sacramental preparationOn campus
    Campus Ministry offers catechesis, sacramental preparation, and spiritual direction.

Clubs and groups 2

  • Saint John Paul II Guild of Catholic LawyersOn campus
    Catholic student organization at the Columbus School of Law.
  • CUA Law Students for LifeOn campus
    Pro-life student organization at the Columbus School of Law.

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Daily Mass at Mary, Mirror of Justice ChapelOn campus
    Daily 12:30 PM
    Daily 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)
  1. 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”
    A Dominican priest is Director of Campus Ministry, University Chaplain, and Vice President for Ministry and Mission.
  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.”
    Campus Ministry offers liturgy, catechesis and sacramental preparation, service projects, mission trips, spiritual direction, retreats, and 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.”
    Campus Ministry's staff includes clergy and laity.
    “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 offers liturgy, catechesis and sacramental preparation, service projects, mission trips, spiritual direction, retreats, and social events.
  3. 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 Archdiocese of Washington lists CUA campus ministry at 620 Michigan Ave. NE with phone 202-319-5575.
    “The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Ave. NE Washington, DC 20064 202-319-5575”
    The Archdiocese of Washington lists CUA campus ministry at 620 Michigan Ave. NE with phone 202-319-5575.

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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.
89 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.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.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,139
Total students5,171
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 retention87%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$73,250
Admission rate83%
Students receiving Pell grants20%

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 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
  • Respond as this school

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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