The Catholic University of America: what international applicants need

What are The Catholic University of America's application deadlines for 2026–27?

The Catholic University of America has 4 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026, Early Action on November 1, 2026, Early Decision II on February 1, 2027, and Regular Decision on February 1, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is The Catholic University of America's acceptance rate?

82.8% for students who started in fall 2024: The Catholic University of America admitted 5,558 of its 6,714 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does The Catholic University of America require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

The Catholic University of America is test-flexible for 2026–27: it accepts other exams in place of the SAT or ACT, and its testing page lists which ones.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (February 1, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

How much is The Catholic University of America's application fee for international students?

The Catholic University of America charges no application fee, for international and US applicants alike.

Which English tests does The Catholic University of America accept?

The Catholic University of America lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does The Catholic University of America accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests The Catholic University of America accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does The Catholic University of America require?

The Catholic University of America requires one teacher recommendation and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does The Catholic University of America require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. The Catholic University of America requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does The Catholic University of America have?

92 of The Catholic University of America's 3,177 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 2.9%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does The Catholic University of America cost for international students?

The Catholic University of America's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $58,378, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $18,200. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $81,296 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source