2012 American Cardinals Dinner Fact SheetApril 27, 2012
Mission As the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, founded and sponsored by the bishops of the country with the approval of the Holy See, The Catholic University of America is committed to being a comprehensive Catholic and American institution of higher learning, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ as handed on by the Church. Dedicated to advancing the dialogue between faith and reason, Catholic University seeks to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research, all in service to the Church, the nation and the world.
The Flagship Catholic University Catholic University is unique as the national university of the Catholic Church and as the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. bishops. Established in 1887 as a papally chartered graduate and research center, the University began offering undergraduate education in 1904. All 12 of the University's schools offer graduate degrees and/or professional degrees. Undergraduate degrees are awarded by eight schools - architecture and planning, arts and sciences, engineering, music, nursing, philosophy, professional studies, and social work.Catholic University is the only American university with ecclesiastical faculties granting canonical degrees in canon law, philosophy and theology. Theological College, the University seminary, prepares men for the priesthood who come from many dioceses of the United States.CUA enjoys a distinguished history and has filled an important niche: doctoral programs in philosophy and social work that are among the nation's oldest; the only university library science and music schools in Washington, D.C.; the largest architecture school in the area; a law school that is a pioneer in clinical education; and a drama department that has been the educational incubator for acclaimed playwrights, directors, and actors.Students at Catholic University have the best of both worlds: They study and live on the largest campus in Washington, D.C., where they can enjoy a complete collegiate experience, but they are also located in the heart of the nation's capital. Traveling by Metrorail, which is near the edge of campus, students are only a 10-minute ride away from Union Station, Capitol Hill, and the Library of Congress, and within easy reach of the abundant array of educational, cultural, social, political, and professional opportunities that Washington has to offer.Many first-time visitors to campus are captivated by the University's expansive setting among tree-lined rolling hills where the skyline is dominated by the adjacent, majestic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in the United States.
Facts at a Glance Acres 184 Major buildings 55 Library volumes 1.4 million
Academic Offerings Doctoral programs 66 Master's programs 113 Bachelor's programs 73 Joint master's programs 19
Faculty Full-time 394 Part-time 404 Full-time, with doctoral or terminal degrees 97 percent Full-time who teach undergraduates 70 percent
Students Undergraduate 3,633 Graduate 3,261 • Students from Chicago • Students from Illinois
Religious Affiliation CUA welcomes members of all religious faiths.Catholic students:Undergraduate 81 percent Graduate 59 percent