Top Catholic Universities in US 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide
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Looking to study at a Catholic university in the U.S. in 2025? You’re in the right place! Catholic universities offer great education, a strong sense of community, and values that focus on both faith and learning. Some are big and well-known like Notre Dame and Georgetown, while others are smaller and feel like home, like Benedictine College. No matter what you’re looking for—top programs, friendly campuses, or amazing job opportunities—this guide will help you find the best Catholic universities in the U.S. Let’s explore your options!
Why Should You Choose The Catholic University of America in 2025?
Looking for a university that offers strong academics, Catholic values, and amazing career opportunities? The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. could be just what you’re looking for in 2025. It’s the only national university of the Catholic Church in the U.S. CUA is ranked among the top 200 national universities by U.S. News & World Report 2025. It’s especially well-known for its programs in Theology, Architecture, Philosophy, Engineering, Law, and Politics.
One of the biggest perks? The campus is just 3 miles from the U.S. Capitol, which means students have access to some of the best internship spots in the country—like the White House, World Bank, and Smithsonian Institution. The university offers over 70 undergraduate majors and 150+ graduate programs. Classes are small, with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, so you get personal attention and support from your professors. Following are the key details of The Catholic University of America:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Year of Establishment | 1887 |
| U.S. News Ranking 2025 | #187 (National Universities) |
| Total Enrollment | 5,400+ students (around 3,000 undergraduates) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 9:1 |
| International Student % | Approx. 7% |
| Popular Programs | Theology, Architecture, Law, Music, Philosophy, Politics |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | ~$54,000/year (not including housing or other expenses) |
| Total Annual Cost Estimate | ~$72,000/year (includes housing, books, and other fees) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~84% |
| Average GPA (Admitted) | 3.5+ |
| English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 80+; IELTS: 6.5+; Duolingo: 105+ |
| Campus Size | 176 acres – the largest green campus in D.C. |
| Internship Opportunities | Capitol Hill, Smithsonian, World Bank, NGOs |
| Official Website | catholic.edu |
| Top Student Accommodation Near The Catholic University of America | The Lanes at Union Market, Florida Ave, Tempo, University View, Terrapin Row, The Varsity |
What Makes College of the Holy Cross a Top Catholic University in 2025?
If you’re looking for a small, friendly college with a strong academic reputation and deep Catholic roots, College of the Holy Cross is a fantastic choice in 2025. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, this Jesuit liberal arts college has been around since 1843. Holy Cross focuses only on undergraduate education, so everything at the college is centered around helping undergrad students succeed. There are no graduate programs, which means students get more attention.
In fact, the college has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, making it easy to get help and guidance when you need it. Ranked #33 among National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report 2025, Holy Cross offers 60+ majors, minors, and programs in fields like Political Science, Psychology, English, Biology, and Economics. Nearly 90% of students live on campus, so the community vibe is strong, welcoming, and fun. Following are the key details of College of the Holy Cross:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Year of Establishment | 1843 |
| U.S. News Ranking 2025 | #33 (National Liberal Arts Colleges) |
| Total Enrollment | ~3,200 undergraduate students |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Popular Majors | Political Science, Psychology, Economics, English, Biology |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | ~$60,000/year |
| Total Annual Cost Estimate | ~$78,000/year (including housing, fees, and books) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~36% |
| Average GPA (Admitted) | 3.8+ |
| Average SAT/ACT Scores | SAT: 1320–1450; ACT: 30–33 |
| English Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 90+; IELTS: 7.0+ |
| Campus Size & Type | Suburban; 174 acres |
| Career Outcomes | 90%+ employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduation |
| Official Website | holycross.edu |
Why Is Boston College Among the Best Catholic Universities in the US in 2025?
Boston College (BC) is one of the top Catholic universities in the U.S., and in 2025, it’s ranked #39 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Boston college was founded in 1863, offers 60+ undergraduate majors and several graduate programs across its eight schools. It’s especially known for the Carroll School of Management, which is highly rated for finance and business, as well as its nationally recognized Theology and Education programs.
The campus is gorgeous, with classic stone buildings, modern classrooms, and plenty of green space. Students have access to high-tech labs, cozy libraries, and sports facilities. Getting in is competitive—only about 17% of applicants are accepted—so you’ll be studying with some of the best and brightest. Following are the key details of Boston College (BC):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts |
| Year of Establishment | 1863 |
| U.S. News Ranking 2025 | #39 (National Universities) |
| Total Enrollment | ~14,600 students (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Undergraduate Students | ~9,500 |
| Popular Majors | Finance, Political Science, Psychology, Theology, Education |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | ~$67,000/year |
| Estimated Total Annual Cost | ~$85,000 (includes housing, meals, books, and other expenses) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~17% |
| Average GPA (Admitted) | 3.9+ |
| Average SAT/ACT Scores | SAT: 1400–1510; ACT: 32–34 |
| English Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 100+; IELTS: 7.5+ |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Study Abroad Options | 30+ countries; 1,000+ students study abroad each year |
| Campus Type & Size | Suburban; 338 acres |
| Scholarships & Financial Aid | 100% need-based aid; no merit scholarships |
| Career Outcomes | 95%+ employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Notable Alumni | John Kerry, Amy Poehler, CEOs, politicians, academics |
| Official Website | bc.edu |
| Top Student Accommodation Near Boston College | ESL Townhouse Brighton, 1047 Commonwealth, ESL Townhouse Fenway, Lightview, Nova Quincy |
What Are the Key Highlights of the University of Notre Dame in 2025?
Looking for a university that gives you both a top-quality education and a strong Catholic community? Then the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana should definitely be on your radar in 2025. It ranks #18 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. Notre Dame is famous for its beautiful campus and strong programs in Business, Engineering, Political Science, and Philosophy.
The university has over 12,800 students, including around 8,900 undergrads, so it feels like a mix of a close community and a global institution. It’s pretty selective though—with a 15% acceptance rate—but don’t worry: Notre Dame is generous with need-based financial aid and supports students from all backgrounds. Following are the key details of University of Notre Dame:
| Category | Details |
| Location | South Bend, Indiana |
| Year of Establishment | 1842 |
| U.S. News Ranking 2025 | #18 (National Universities) |
| Total Enrollment | 12,800+ students (including ~8,900 undergrads) |
| Popular Programs | Business, Engineering, Political Science, Philosophy |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | ~$65,000/year |
| Estimated Total Cost | ~$84,000/year (with housing, books, meals, etc.) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~15% |
| Average GPA (Admitted) | 3.9+ |
| SAT/ACT Scores | SAT: 1460–1560; ACT: 33–35 |
| English Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 100+; IELTS: 7.5+ |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 9:1 |
| Study Abroad | 75% of students go abroad to 50+ countries |
| Campus Life | 30+ residence halls, D-I sports, 500+ clubs |
| Alumni Network | 140,000+ alumni globally with strong career support |
| Graduate Outcomes | 96% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Official Website | nd.edu |
| Top Student Accommodation Near University of Notre Dame | Overlook at Notre Dame, University Edge, Irish Flats |
Why Is Georgetown University a Leading Catholic University in 2025?
If you want to study at one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in the U.S., Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. is a top choice. It’s the oldest Catholic university in the country, founded way back in 1789, and in 2025 it ranks #22 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. Georgetown is best known for its Government, Law, Business, and International Affairs programs.
Thanks to its amazing location—just steps away from the U.S. Capitol, embassies, and global organizations like the World Bank—students get real-world opportunities from day one. Admissions are competitive with an acceptance rate of 13%, but once you’re in, you become part of a diverse, globally connected community that can help you build a successful future anywhere in the world. Following are the key details of Georgetown University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Washington, D.C. (Georgetown neighborhood) |
| Year of Establishment | 1789 |
| U.S. News Ranking 2025 | #22 (National Universities) |
| Total Enrollment | ~19,000 students (7,500 undergrad, 11,500 grad) |
| Popular Programs | Government, Law, Business, International Affairs, Global Health |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | ~$66,000/year |
| Estimated Total Cost | ~$88,000/year (includes housing, meals, etc.) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~13% |
| Average GPA (Admitted) | 3.9+ |
| SAT/ACT Scores | SAT: 1450–1560; ACT: 33–35 |
| English Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 100+; IELTS: 7.5+ |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
| Campus Size | 104 acres, urban setting |
| Internship Access | White House, Capitol Hill, World Bank, NGOs |
| Study Abroad | Programs in 40+ countries + Georgetown Qatar campus |
| Graduate Outcomes | 96% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Famous Alumni | Bill Clinton, King Felipe VI of Spain, U.S. Supreme Court Justices |
| Official Website | georgetown.edu |
| Top Student Accommodation Georgetown University | Florida Ave, Tempo, 2221 S Clark St, Terrapin Row, University View, The Varsity |
What Makes Benedictine College a Great Choice for Catholic Higher Education in 2025?
If you’re looking for a small Catholic college with a strong sense of faith, community, and academic excellence, then Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas might be just right for you. Founded in 1858, this college is deeply rooted in Catholic values. If you’re looking for a small Catholic college with a strong sense of faith, community, and academic excellence, then Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas might be just right for you.
Founded in 1858, this college is deeply rooted in Catholic values. Professors know your name, and faith is part of everyday life—from daily Mass and Adoration to mission trips and pro-life student groups. Set on a beautiful 120-acre campus overlooking the Missouri River, Benedictine offers a peaceful and inspiring environment to study and grow. Following are the key details of Benedictine College:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Atchison, Kansas |
| Year of Establishment | 1858 |
| U.S. News Ranking 2025 | Top 20 Regional Universities – Midwest |
| Total Enrollment | 2,200+ students (approx. 85% undergraduate) |
| Popular Programs | Theology, Business, Education, Engineering, Classical Architecture |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | ~$36,000/year |
| Estimated Total Cost | ~$48,000–$50,000/year (including housing, meals, and fees) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~98% |
| Average GPA (Admitted) | 3.5+ |
| SAT/ACT Scores | SAT: 1120–1300; ACT: 23–29 |
| English Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 79+; IELTS: 6.5+ |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 |
| Campus Size | 120 acres (hilltop overlooking the Missouri River) |
| Faith Life | Daily Mass, Campus Ministry, FOCUS missionaries, service trips |
| Official Website | benedictine.edu |
Conclusion
Catholic universities in the U.S. are a great choice if you want quality education and a welcoming environment that supports both your studies and your values. Whether you’re into business, science, politics, or theology, there’s a university that’s perfect for you. And don’t worry about where you’ll live—University Living can help you find safe, student-friendly housing close to your campus. Start planning now and get ready for an amazing college experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top Catholic universities in the USA for 2025?
Some of the best Catholic universities in the U.S. in 2025 include:
1. University of Notre Dame – Ranked #18 (U.S. News)
2. Georgetown University – Ranked #22
3. Boston College – Ranked #39
4. College of the Holy Cross – Ranked #33 (Liberal Arts Colleges)
5. The Catholic University of America – Ranked #187
6. Benedictine College – Top 20 in Midwest Region
These universities are known for strong academics, faith-based values, and excellent career outcomes.
What is the average tuition fee at Catholic universities in the U.S. in 2025?
Tuition fees at Catholic universities vary, but here’s a quick snapshot:
1. University of Notre Dame: ~$65,000/year
2. Georgetown University: ~$66,000/year
3. Boston College: ~$67,000/year
4. College of the Holy Cross: ~$60,000/year
5. The Catholic University of America: ~$54,000/year
6. Benedictine College: ~$36,000/year
Always check the total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other expenses.
Are Catholic universities in the U.S. good for international students?
es! Catholic universities in the U.S. are very welcoming to international students. Many offer:
1. Strong support services
2. English language programs
3. Scholarships and financial aid
4. Small class sizes with personalized attention
Top universities like Notre Dame, Georgetown, and CUA also have students from over 100+ countries.
Which Catholic university in the U.S. has the best job placements in 2025?
In 2025, University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University have excellent placement rates—96% of graduates are employed or in grad school within 6 months.
Boston College and College of the Holy Cross also report over 90–95% career success rates, thanks to their strong alumni networks and internship programs.
What are the English language requirements for international students at top Catholic universities?
Most Catholic universities in the U.S. accept:
TOEFL iBT: 79–100+
IELTS: 6.5–7.5+
Duolingo: 105–120+
