Douglas Olsen
There are 181 Catholic universities and colleges in the US, according to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU). The Catholic University of America (CUA), America's oldest Catholic research university, has a student population of 5,243, as of 2025. While this is a decline from 6,076 in 2016, the university has seen a slight increase in overall student enrollment in recent years. CUA's undergraduate population makes up more than half of its students, with 2,929 undergraduates. The university's annual undergraduate tuition of $54,630 to $58,000 is considered expensive, and may be a factor in its declining enrollment. However, CUA's strong Catholic identity and diverse student population continue to attract students from across the United States and the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University Name | The Catholic University of America (CUA) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Yearly Tuition | $54,630 in 2023 |
| Number of Undergraduates | 2,929 |
| Number of Students in 2022 | 4,968 |
| Number of Students in 2016 | 6,076 |
| Number of Students in 2023 | 5,243 |
| Number of Students in 2024 | 3,861 |
| Most Common Race/Ethnicity Group | White |
| Most Common Bachelor's Degree | General Business Administration & Management |
| Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid | 95% |
| Number of Varsity Teams | 25 |
| Athletic Colors | Red and Black |
| Athletic Conference | NCAA Division III Landmark Conference |
| Football Conference | Old Dominion Athletic Conference |
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What You'll Learn
The Catholic University of America's student numbers
The Catholic University of America (CUA), located in Washington, D.C., is the national university of the Catholic Church. Founded by the U.S. bishops and the pope, it is dedicated to advancing the dialogue between faith and reason. CUA offers a diverse range of academic degrees, including Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Canon Law, Engineering, Law, Library Science, Music, Nursing, Philosophy, Social Work, and Theology.
CUA has a strong athletic presence, with the CUA Cardinals competing in the NCAA Division III Landmark Conference and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference for football. The university also boasts 25 Division III athletic programs, with nearly a fifth of the student body participating.
In terms of student numbers, CUA experienced a slight increase in overall enrollment in 2024, according to Vice President for University Communications, Karna Lozoya. This positive trend comes amid challenges in first-time fall enrollment due to FAFSA delays and cost uncertainty. The exact numbers for this increase were not disclosed, but it is worth noting that CUA has seen growing interest from applicants in recent years.
Prior to this, in 2023, there were 2,929 undergraduate students at CUA, making up more than half of the total student population. The university has seen fluctuations in enrollment over the years, with a high of 6,076 students in 2016, dropping to a low of 4,968 in 2022, and climbing back up to 5,243 presently.
The high cost of undergraduate tuition at CUA, which was $54,630 in 2023, may be a contributing factor to the enrollment challenges. This amount is significantly higher than the national average for Doctoral Universities. However, it is important to note that CUA offers financial aid, with 95% of undergraduate students receiving aid through grants and 48% through loans in 2023.
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Catholic colleges' high enrollment in 2024
Despite low enrollment numbers across academic institutions in the US, several Catholic colleges have reported high enrollment for the fall of 2024.
University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota
The University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, has seen its largest incoming class for the second year in a row, with enrollment increasing from 3,805 students in 2023 to 3,861 students in 2024. The university's media relations specialist, Tom Ackerman, attributes this growth to the university's authentic" Catholic identity.
Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, has seen another year of record enrollment, with 2,213 full-time undergraduates. The college's director of marketing and communications, Stephen Johnson, highlights their Catholic values, such as being "Christ-centered" and community- and faith-oriented. Benedictine has been experiencing a positive enrollment growth trend for over 20 years, with growing freshmen classes and large increases in transfer students.
Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, New Hampshire
Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire has a small student body by design, with a total of 98 students enrolled this year. This number has more than doubled since 2009, and the college president, William Edmund Fahey, attributes this growth to the college's strong Catholic identity.
John Paul the Great Catholic University, California
John Paul the Great Catholic University in California focuses on a small number of students, with 288 enrolled this year. The university experienced a 1% increase in fall student enrollment over 2023, despite the uncertainties caused by the flawed FAFSA rollout. James Crowell, the mission advancement officer, emphasizes their niche status and commitment to providing a high-quality education.
Catholic University of America (CUA)
The Catholic University of America (CUA), America's oldest Catholic research university, has reported a slight increase in overall student enrollment for the fall of 2024, despite challenges and delays in first-time fall enrollment. Vice President for University Communications Karna Lozoya notes that CUA has been experiencing an upward trend in interest over the past several years.
While these Catholic colleges are experiencing high enrollment, it is important to note that Catholic universities, in general, are facing a potential enrollment crisis. The high cost of tuition at some Catholic universities, such as the Catholic University of America, may deter prospective students. However, Catholic colleges with strong Catholic identities and distinct Catholic programs have gained attention from Catholic families and seen increased enrollment.
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Catholic University's renewal in Catholic identity
The Catholic University of America has seen a slight increase in overall student enrollment, despite challenges presented by the FAFSA delays and cost uncertainty. This growth can be attributed to the university's strong Catholic identity and mission on campus, which has gained the attention of Catholic families. The university's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual enrichment guided by its Catholic identity has been a key factor in attracting students.
The Catholic University of America is unique among universities in the United States, even among other Catholic universities. As the national university of the Catholic Church in America, it was founded in 1887 by the country's bishops with the approval of the Holy See. The university takes seriously its responsibility to uphold the traditions of the Church and serve the nation, believing that students can thrive in an environment where reason and faith coexist. This commitment to faith and academic excellence is reflected in its motto, "God is My Light".
The university's campus is located next to the Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world. The vibrant Catholic community on and around campus, as well as its rich historical gems, further enhance the Catholic identity. The campus has been visited by three popes, a distinction not held by any other university in the United States.
The Catholic University of America offers a diverse and multicultural community, welcoming students from all backgrounds and faiths. The university's Campus Ministry team and many campus chapels play an important role in fostering a life of faith on campus. The university's strong Catholic identity is also reflected in its academic programs, such as the Columbus School of Law, the Conway School of Nursing, and the Busch School of Business, which have seen significant growth in applications.
In conclusion, the Catholic University of America's renewal in Catholic identity and mission has been a driving force behind its recent success in attracting students and families seeking a strong Catholic culture. The university's commitment to academic excellence, spiritual enrichment, and faith-based community has resulted in a slight increase in overall student enrollment, despite the challenges faced by many universities across the country.
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Catholic colleges' enrollment crisis
Catholic colleges and universities with strong Catholic identities have seen record enrollment for fall 2024, despite an overall decline in college enrollment since 2010. However, Catholic colleges are not immune to the enrollment crisis affecting higher education in the US.
Enrollment Crisis in Catholic Colleges
The Catholic University of America (CUA), America's oldest Catholic research university, has faced challenges in first-time fall enrollment due to FAFSA delays and resultant cost uncertainty. The high undergraduate tuition of $58,000 a year has also contributed to a decrease in students attending. CUA has had to lay off staff to stabilize its budget ahead of a "'demographic cliff' caused by a drop in the US birth rate. The number of 18-year-olds, who are set to begin college, will decline each year for the next 15 years, resulting in Catholic colleges competing for a smaller pool of applicants.
Strategies for Success
Some Catholic colleges have been successful in increasing their enrollment by aggressively recruiting high school students from across the country and offering more generous financial aid packages. These colleges have also focused on retaining students by providing additional support services and promoting a positive atmosphere.
Colleges with a strong Catholic identity, such as the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, have seen record enrollment. UMary's Vice President for Public Affairs, Rachael Brash, attributed the growth to the university's "'authentic' Catholic identity", stating that prospective students and their families are seeking authenticity. Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, has also seen record enrollment by highlighting Catholic values such as being "Christ-centered" and community- and faith-oriented.
A Way Forward
To survive the enrollment crisis, Catholic colleges and universities need to reconsider their financial and business models. Emphasizing their Catholic identity and mission can help attract students who are seeking authenticity and a strong Catholic culture. Additionally, developing unique programs that build upon the rich heritage of the Catholic intellectual tradition can be a key strategy for success.
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Catholic University's undergraduate tuition
The Catholic University of America (CUA), located in Washington, D.C., is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. It was founded by the U.S. bishops and the pope and is dedicated to advancing the dialogue between faith and reason. CUA is the largest college campus in D.C. and its alumni live in all 50 states and 130 foreign countries.
CUA offers a comprehensive financial aid program for undergraduate students, including need-based aid, scholarships, federal work-study, and other forms of financial assistance. The average tuition and room-and-board cost after scholarships and grants for first-year students in 2023-24 was $34,793. Tuition for engineering and architecture students is higher at $59,648 per year. According to one source, the overall undergraduate tuition at CUA is $58,000 per year, although this fee is reduced for most students based on their GPA or financial need.
Amid a general decline in college enrollment across the United States, Catholic colleges and universities with strong Catholic identities have seen record enrollment numbers in recent years. For instance, the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, experienced its largest incoming class for the second year in a row, with enrollment increasing from 3,805 students in 2023 to 3,861 students. Similarly, the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire, a Catholic liberal arts college, hit its highest number of students in 2024, with 98 students.
CUA has also experienced a slight increase in overall student enrollment, attributed to its strong Catholic identity and the increased interest in applications over the past several years.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, there were 2,929 undergraduate students enrolled at Catholic University, with a total student population of 5,243.
The number of students at Catholic University has decreased over time, with enrollment declining by more than 800 students since 2016. However, there was a slight increase in overall student enrollment in 2024.
The median undergraduate tuition at Catholic University is high, at $54,630 in 2023, which is $23,627 more than the national average for Doctoral Universities.
There are 181 U.S. members of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) as of 2024. However, this number only represents a portion of all Catholic universities in the country.
