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Catholic University of America (CUA) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Catholic University of America reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Catholic University of America. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Catholic University of America reviews, or contribute your own Catholic University of America review if you're a current student there.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes here are small. The average class is about 18 people. So you really get to have a relationship with your teachers and they know you by name. The teachers are very helpful and make time to answer questions and make sure everything is clear. Although some of the required classes (Theology and Philosophy) don't interest me, i still learn a lot.
    Am enjoying being here

    The one thing I love about the school is the surrounding area. I'm from the area so I loved it anyway. The metro is on campus so it's really easy to go out and explore and have fun. The campus hosts a lot of activities throughout the year. I wouldn't say its my favorite place to be for student activities. But it's not awful either. I also wish there was more diversity. As an African-American Student, there isn't much offered for us either. The school is majority Caucasian. It would be nice for the school population to not be so homogeneous. If I could do it again, I probably would not have gone here.
    Bang for the buck

    The school is very expensive. In my opinion. For the amount of money you pay you would expect to actually see your money going somewhere. Such as more dorms, or in the food, food court, more washing machines, etc. I understand the campus is old, but I cant really see my money going anywhere. I've seen better schools that cost less. We just got a new President so it could change.
    Great for these types of students

    -Catholics AND Non-Catholics: They don't force you to pray or go to church. It's just there if you prefer to go. We don't pray all day or take time out of our day to pray and meditate.
    -Students willing to learn
    -Students who like a small campus
    -Students who enjoy the city

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Becca

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    CUA offers a great deal of very challenging courses, especially on the Honors level (the Honors Program is fantastic, so apply for it if you can!) The teachers I have had at CUA are absolutely brilliant, and they enjoy sharing what they know with students. CUA wants students to experience a great breadth and depth of knowledge, so there are always lectures to attend and performances by the music and drama departments - there's always an opportunity to learn.
    Am enjoying being here

    There's little to complain about at CUA. Sure, we all have our occasional gripes (the only ones I can recall are that the Student Restaurant is too small, and that residence halls are becoming single-sex), but CUA is such a fantastic place. The students and faculty are welcoming and kind; the campus has its own Metro stop (super-convenient for going to museums, shows, monument-hopping), and it's next to the largest church in the Western hemisphere (you can even live next to it.) The combination of accessibility to one of the most vibrant U.S. cities and the strong sense of community makes CUA one of the most enjoyable places in all of Washington, D.C.
    Bang for the buck

    College isn't cheap these days - it is difficult to reconcile the cost of a college education with the current economic climate. However, CUA offers a lot for the amount they charge, which is actually less than other private colleges. Many of the residence halls have been refurbished in the past few years, and the fitness centers are fantastic. There are also a great deal of technological advancements for the classrooms, which makes it easier for teachers and students to engage with their academic subjects. I would suggest looking into the school's scholarships, which greatly reduce costs, but overall, the school delivers with great academic programs and residence life.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take advantage of overnight opportunities as well as the chance to sit in on a lecture - it'll give you a glimpse of what you can expect academically and socially, and you'll get to meet students who have at least a little bit of university life under their belts.
    Visit the Basilica - seriously, the largest Catholic church in the Western hemisphere. Even if you aren't Catholic, there's a lot of beautiful art and architecture to be seen.
    Also, don't be afraid if you're not Catholic - a lot of the student body isn't, and nobody is going to force you to believe something you don't.
    Great for these types of students

    - those interested in politics, international studies, and history - the nation's capital is a good location
    - drama students - the CUA drama department is renowned for its work
    - students interested in social work or service-related careers, especially with a Catholic perspective

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    current student

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Though some of the required classes can be difficult, the students here do learn a lot and are eager to understand the information. The classes you get to choose are very interesting and the instructors teach them so well that the homework is clear.
    Am enjoying being here

    The school is great and there are countless opportunities offered on a daily basis. The location is superb because the metro stop is conveniently located on campus, so getting into the city is just a few minutes away on the metro. Everyone is friendly and personable and willing to help.
    Bang for the buck

    This school is pretty expensive and though it offers a lot of financial aid to many students, the tuition is a little steep. But in return for such a hefty tuition, you have Washington, DC so close along with numerous opportunities for internships and experiences.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early and visit the campus because it is beautiful.
    Great for these types of students

    Athletes focused on academics. Politics or nursing majors.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes are small which allows the students to form a relationship with their professors. The professors really want to see their students succeed and are very willing to help students.
    Am enjoying being here

    Being in D.C. is awesome! There is always something to do either on campus or downtown.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a bit expensive but they are good about grants and aid for all students.

  • 11 out of 22 people found this review useful.

    Leticia from Silver Spring, MD

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Maggie

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Catholic University of America is such a welcoming and warm environment that is perfect for any student willing and ready to learn and have fun. The location, student life, and classes all have spectacular things to offer that are there for the taking. Catholic U is a place that I look forward to calling home for the next four years of my life and I can not wait until I start there in the fall.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely take a hold of the scholarships and financial aid that Catholic University generously offers. Applying for the scholarships and financial aid are quick and easy!
    Academic Rigor

    The classes that I sat in on were interactive as well as informative!
    Dorm Life

    I loved the freshman and sophomore dorms that I toured! And the sense of community that comes along with living with all of your classmates is irreplaceable.
    Food and Dining

    The food was great when I visited. And I love that they offer healthy alternatives!
    What to do for fun

    I only visited Catholic University two times and each time I was there I was running around like crazy doing everything I possibly could. They have various student run events on campus, as well as fun extracurricular activities, such as intramural sports and dance classes. Also, you could always hang out in downtown D.C., where the night life is always thriving!
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is excellent! If you go out into D.C. for a night and end up missing your ride back, you can call the campus security and ask for a ride home.

  • Ben

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This school is very religious. A lot of student organization and clubs. they make you think like a philosopher.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't always stay in your dorm, go around campus and look for activities to do and you will love it and make new friends. Go on the freshmen retreat, life changing.
    Academic Rigor

    As long as you show up to class and turn your papers in on time, you will be fine.
    Dorm Life

    they have living and learning communities; Art, politics and religion.
    Food and Dining

    The food here is alright, they kind of serve the same thing every week.
    What to do for fun

    There are tons of clubs and the red line can take you anywhere in DC, just be careful and make sure you go with friends.
    Bang for the buck

    Too expensive but might be worth it.
    Great for these types of students

    CUA is not really diversed
    Clubs and Activities

    Plenty of clubs ans student organizations.
    Campus Safety

    you will feel very safe at CUA, Campus police is strict.

  • Margaret from River Ridge, LA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Catholic is a small college with decent academics and plenty of friendly people. It's lots of fun in D.C. and on campus. Both faith and party lifestyles are very active here.
    Tips for prospective students

    Check out the program you want to be involved in and make sure to ask about it if you visit campus. Also, visit campus!
    Academic Rigor

    Classes vary but are definitely do-able as long as you keep up with the work. Very small class sizes so it is easy to form relationships with your teachers. Don't expect to be skipping class everyday because most take attendance.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are all single sex, but have really great community. Security in the traditional style dorms is pretty strict and all visitors have to be signed in after around 4 o'clock. The suite style living in Centennial Village is nice, but the traditional dorm buildings are nicer style wise.
    Food and Dining

    Food in the student restaurant is not the greatest but plentiful. It's also very repetitive but open late. Breakfast is the best meal because there's lots of fresh fruit and made to order omelets.
    What to do for fun

    Learn how to navigate the Metro and take advantage of being in D.C. to explore all that the city has to offer. Make sure to become active on campus and participate because it will help you stay in the loop. There are plenty of fun things to do both on campus and off.
    Bang for the buck

    My experience has been very personalized and I feel like the school cares about my success. The community is wonderful and I come out of class everyday feeling like I have learned and one step closer to my chosen career!
    Clubs and Activities

    It seems like there's something for everyone here! Plenty of clubs and organizations to join and there's always several events going on on campus.
    Campus Safety

    Campus is super safe, just be careful about wandering into the surrounding neighborhood at night, this is Washington D.C. and it can be dangerous.

  • CUA Rocks!

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    catholic university's academics are impressive, with brilliant professors and dedicated students. the students are great, smart people who love learning. the location in washington dc is great for many reasons.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you are not catholic--don't worry! the catholicness is not forced upon anyone. if you are catholic, campus ministry does a wonderful job helping you to grow in your faith.
    Academic Rigor

    very challenging, but also very worthwhile academics, especially in philosophy and theology.
    Dorm Life

    great student body, and the dorms are safe and clean.
    Food and Dining

    the food can sometimes be a little bland, but overall it is not offensive.
    What to do for fun

    there are so many fun things to do here! there are countless things to do in washington, dc. the school has many chances for catholics to worship, with three chapels.
    Bang for the buck

    the price is high, but it is very worth it.
    Clubs and Activities

    there's always something new and fun to do, especially with the house on fridays!
    Campus Safety

    the department of public safety does a great job!

  • Cathryn from Washington, DC

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This university takes education seriously, but also manages to be very student-friendly. The small size allows for strong community bonds, and the location in the middle of the city is very convenient for all endeavors. The university sticks to its title of Catholic, and offers a strongly orthodox education and community.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking for a strongly orthodox Roman Catholic school, this is the one. Just be sure before you apply that they offer the field of study you are interested in. As the student population is relatively small, so is the diversity of their academic offerings.
    Academic Rigor

    The university is dedicated to quality education, especially in their English and Philosophy departments. If a student is considering this university, he or she should be a dedicated and punctual individual.
    Dorm Life

    While many of the dorms were built more than 50 years ago, they have been refurbished recently. The community is great, and the university puts in a lot of effort to ensure this.
    Food and Dining

    This university is unique in that it offers an unlimited meal plan, which includes $100 per semester for purchases from the campus Starbucks. The cafeteria has long hours, and the staff are very helpful and friendly.
    What to do for fun

    The university offers a wide range of student organizations. Campus Ministry offers many religious organizations and service opportunities. The university is located in what is called Little Rome, because there are several Catholic institutions surrounding the area, including the National Shrine (which itself is a day-long endeavor). There is a Metro station on campus, so the rest of the DC area is easily accessible from the university.
    Bang for the buck

    The university provides for its students. The cost is shocking to an entering freshman, but once you get to campus and start experiencing student life, you realize just why you paid that much.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is located practically on campus. It is the largest Church in the United States, with an upper and lower level, and contains more than 100 shrines dedicated to countries around the world.
    Great for these types of students

    This university is great for Politics, English, Classical, and Philosophy majors, among others. Students should be dedicated to their education. While this university is attended and enjoyed by students from all belief systems, if you are Catholic (Roman or Eastern), there are a lot of fun, religion-based activities for you to enjoy and several opportunities for daily Mass.
    Clubs and Activities

    The university has a wide offering of clubs in relation to the size of the student body--from the CUAnime club to the Rowing club, Philosophy club and Book club, and several service-based organizations.
    Campus Safety

    Although the university is located in an underprivileged area, many students call our campus the bubble, because our campus police are so dedicated. Students can feel safe and secure, and experience very few emergency situations during their college career.

  • Ariel from Waldorf, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Catholic is a wonderful school with a breath taking campus, wonderful staff, and wonderful -i mean wonderful- academics. The professors are great but tough, and this is no fly by school. Only the most determined will last and succeed.
    Tips for prospective students

    Please do not attend this school with the mentality that this is 1) a party school or 2) a predominately white campus. All races and faiths attend here and the religious views of the school are not pushed on the students.
    Academic Rigor

    One of the most difficult schools to attend as a freshman. When comparing this University with the State universities my fiends went to, there is no comparison. They do not understand how time consuming or challenging the classes can be. The same class at a state university to this university, i may spend 2-3 hours on a reading or summary where as they may only spend 45 minuets.
    Dorm Life

    The dorm life is about average. New policy this year stated that single sex dorms will be put into full effect all over campus aside from one dorm. Some may see this as a down fall, but i personally like it, guys can be disgusting and destructive. Two Resident advisors on each floor
    Food and Dining

    The food is okay, a bit overpriced though. But the dining hall opens from 7:30 everyday and closes at midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on the weekends so very convenient. Also there is a separate Starbucks another food court and a connivence store all in one building, in addition to all the great restaurants in D.C.
    What to do for fun

    Since the university is located in the middle of D.C. the possibilities are endless. The zoo, museums, chinatown, night clubs, shopping at Dupont Circle, movies, warner theater, paintball, and so so much more in addition to the Capital where all the monuments are.
    Bang for the buck

    For how much you pay, there are a lot of benefits. Cafe open until midnight or 2 a.m., 24 hour computer lab, 24 hour library, fitness center open until 1 a.m., on campus access to metro, and many other amenities many universities do not have, but i would still say a bit overpriced.
    Great for these types of students

    -Motivated students
    -Involved students
    -AMAZING Architect, engineering, and Nursing program so those thinking to going into that field. (Really good)
    -Politic or law majors (In the heart if D.C., best way to make connections and find internships)
    Clubs and Activities

    There are so many activities! Seriously, for almost anything you can imagine, and if there is not a club you are interested in, administration is always open to starting new ones. A few are anime, black student alliance, fencing, ballroom dancing, rugby,
    Greek Life

    I dont really hear about Greek life at all besides when rushing happens. Not that big on campus or popular.
    Campus Safety

    One of the biggest priorities for administration is the safety of the students. We have a decently sized campus security that is 24 hours, blue light emergency buttons spread throughout campus, and 24 hour campus walk through. I work or CP myself, and i would know personally how efficient and good they are at their job.