The Catholic University of America

Admissions at The Catholic University of America

Students Outside of McMahon Hall

Financial Aid

The Catholic University of America offers several forms of financial assistance to qualifying students. Our focus is on helping as many eligible students as possible achieve their goal of obtaining a high quality academic and values-based education. Eight out of every 10 full-time students at Catholic University receive some level of financial aid, based on both need and academic potential.

  • Academic Scholarships

    The Catholic University of America bases teaching assistantships and merit scholarships on applicant's academic history and their Graduate Record Exam results. In order to qualify for a university scholarship, students must submit a GRE score. The university-wide scholarship competition starts February 1st of each year and funds are awarded on a rolling basis after that deadline. Each academic school also has scholarship funds that are distributed to qualified applicants.

  • Need-Based Grants

    Federal, state and Catholic University-funded grant programs are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. A complete financial aid package can be created by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  • Other Funding

    The Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies office maintains a database of funding and reseach opportunities for graduate students. Learn more about these resources.


"I am pursuing my doctoral degree in politics and am able to subsidize my education through a teaching assistantship. Teaching students adds another dimension to my experience at CUA."

-Stergos Kaloudis, Doctoral Candidate
Department of Politics

CUA Shifting to the Federal Direct Loan Program for Fall 2009

Effective for fall 2009 semester enrollment, The Catholic University of America will begin participation in the Federal Direct Loan Program for student and parent federal loans. This program replaces the Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) in which federal loans were obtained through private lenders.

Learn more about the Direct Loan Program.

  • Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After reviewing your completed application, you may be considered for university, state and federal need-based grants, low-interest loans, and work-study opportunities.
  • Office of Financial Aid
    Learn more about financial aid programs and scholarships offered by CUA to help with your graduate education expenses.
  • Applying for Financial Aid
    Find out how to apply today for financial aid to get you started in the right direction for your graduate education at CUA.
  • Education Expense Budget
    View a chart of the costs of attending CUA. Available are the direct and indirect costs of attending the university before any financial aid or scholarships apply.