Innovative programs and a beautiful, green campus are just the beginning of Catholic University's national leadership, as reflected in an array of rankings, recognitions, and other honors.

Catholic University is in the Colleges of Distinction, a group of fewer than 400 institutions from across the nation assessed for their strengths in four primary areas of student and family interest:
Quality of teaching
Student engagement
Sense of community
Successful postgraduate outcomes

A deliberately diverse collection of public and private colleges and universities, inclusion on the Colleges of Distinction list is determined by each institution's "commitment to the undergraduate experience." Catholic University is one of only three in the District of Columbia to appear on the list.

 Top Awards & Recognitions

view of campus buildings

More of the ‘Best’

  • CatholicU is rated one of Princeton Review’s Best 390 Colleges in America.
  • Catholic University was ranked by the college guide publisher Niche on lists for
  • The Catholic University of America is ranked #74 for best value by U.S. News and World Report.
  • Catholic University is in the Colleges of Distinction, a group of fewer than 400 institutions from across the nation assessed for their strengths in four primary areas of student and family interest: quality of teaching, student engagement, sense of community, and successful postgraduate outcomes.
  • The University remains the only comprehensive research university recommended by the Newman Guide, which highlights faithfully Catholic colleges. 

Sustainability

Military

  • Silver Military Friendly® Ranking 4-years running
  • The Catholic University of America also was ranked #13 in the mid-Atlantic region by Military Times for their 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges list.

Schools & Academics

  • students collaborating on class work

    Arts and Sciences

    U.S. News & World Report ranked four of Catholic University’s Arts and Sciences graduate programs in its top 200 list: English, History, Political Science, and Psychology.
  • Nurse standing outside hospital

    Nursing

    The Conway School of Nursing was ranked #27 on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 220 Best Graduate Schools for Nursing. The online master's in nursing program is #32 in the nation.
    The undergraduate program in nursing is #43 in the country, placing it in the top six percent of nursing programs.
  • Social work students working at Miriam's Kitchen

    Social Service

    The National Catholic School of Social Service continues to be a U.S. News & World Report Best School for Social Work.