The Catholic University of America (CUA)

The Catholic University of America offers “strong academics,” with one student saying, “I have been able to balance my workload even though it is intense.” Many students appreciate The First-Year Experience Learning Communities, which pair small groups of students with a team of teachers to complete a core, four-course sequence in philosophy, theology, and English; these communities “are a great way to expose students to subjects that [they] wouldn’t usually take, while developing friendships.” Study abroad is also popular, with many students spending a semester at the Rome campus, where “for my liberal arts curriculum requirements, we were able to go out into Rome weekly and use real-life examples for our courses.” Depending on the class, teaching methods range from lectures to more hands-on approaches like “simulation-based learning, where students use realistic scenarios (such as clinical simulations, case studies, or role-playing exercises) to apply concepts.” Professors are “very approachable and open to discussing any remaining questions on the content or taking a deeper dive into applications of content,” and many actively “check in with their students to make sure the class is running smoothly.” This engagement reinforces the sense that professors “are there because they desire to be,” which in turn “imparts [a] lively and energetic atmosphere that encourages students to ask questions, make connections, and take their work seriously.” As one student summarizes, “The greatest strengths of The Catholic University of America are its integration of faith and academics, its strong sense of community, and its location in Washington, DC.”

This is “a diverse and content group of people” who “are genuinely interested in their fields of study and have clear aspirations for the future.” While most students are Catholic, “the degree to which they practice their faith varies.” This “kind and open” group “welcomes you with open arms. Everyone finds their people.” Students are often described as “funny, caring, and hardworking, and they embrace being themselves.” The school’s size allows for “a tight-knit community feel without it being a repeat of high school, [with] plenty of new people and groups to meet through[out] all four years.” Cardinals “are willing to help others out when needed,” and there is a “strong sense of morality and social justice” here. Many students are “academically driven in and out of the classroom,” with some “spending most of their time researching and debating academic topics for fun.” At the same time, students “manage to balance education with socialization, and still have time to be introspective and learn about their own beliefs and grow as a person.”

The campus “is absolutely stunning and is well-taken care of,” remaining “clean while still maintaining a ‘lived-in’ feel.” Students highlight “the amount of green space the campus has,” and many can be found “sitting outside on warm days, playing volleyball, throwing a football around, and [doing] other fun stuff.” The library “has an amazing supply of areas to study,” and students also “enjoy hanging out with friends in the student center.” Its location, along with convenient access to a nearby metro stop, is another major advantage, allowing students to explore downtown “to see the museums, attractions, restaurants, and try to immerse themselves in the DC culture.” There are “a lot of extracurriculars that are a great source of close friends,” including campus ministry, Knights of Columbus, and the Cardinal Service Corps, which serves DC-area food kitchens and shelters. A large portion of the campus community “attends Daily Mass at some point throughout the day,” reflecting how “Catholic offers a lot of opportunities for students to connect with others.” As one student puts it, “Peers truly bond within clubs, classes, and organizations.”