The Catholic University of America SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Catholic University, the bigger planning question is often cost, not admission: the acceptance rate is 82.8%, while the average merit award is substantial. A GPA around 3.5 puts you near the entering average. Because the school is test optional, submit SAT or ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen your profile.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The Catholic University of America facts and stats
The Catholic University of America enrolls about 3,177 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Catholic University has an 87% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 80% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.
Washington, DC
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Key The Catholic University of America application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Catholic University, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and early fall for superscore-building retakes, with the September ACT or October SAT as the last likely scores to arrive in time for the November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadlines.
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What you'll actually pay
Catholic University is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $58,378, and the average merit award is $33,820, with 61% of students receiving aid. The FAFSA priority deadline is February 1.
At Catholic University, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $77,868 before aid. About 61% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $46,045, and merit support is substantial, including an average merit award of $33,820 and Catholic University of America Scholarships ranging from $17,000 to $32,000. Graduates leave with an average debt of $46,938.
Student life at The Catholic University of America
61% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
American University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 61.9%
SAT: 1300–1430
ACT: 29–32
National Intelligence University
Washington, DCGallaudet University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 58.1%
SAT: 798–990
ACT: 14–17
Georgetown University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 12.9%
SAT: 1400–1540
ACT: 31–35
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