A National Research University in the Heart of the Nation's Capital in the ¾ÅÉ«Íø Intellectual Tradition.

¾ÅÉ«Íø is unique among universities in the United States — even among ¾ÅÉ«Íø universities. And it’s not just because we're located in Washington, D.C. —  a city of global significance and a place of extraordinary educational opportunity.

Our university was founded by the ¾ÅÉ«Íø bishops of the United States, with a charter from then Pope Leo XIII, to be the national university of the ¾ÅÉ«Íø Church in America. For more than 130 years, we have lived out our mission to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research. ¾ÅÉ«Íø University scientists, engineers, nurses, philosophers, theologians, historians, architects, social workers, musicians, artists, and scholars in all fields embrace both reason and faith as they apply the inexhaustible resources of the ¾ÅÉ«Íø intellectual tradition to help solve the problems of contemporary life and enrich the culture around us.

Read more about how ¾ÅÉ«Íø University's Strategic Plan outlines specific goals and objectives we have committed to in order to build upon our tradition of excellence and chart our course for the future. 

  • Mullen Library

    Rankings and Recognitions

    Innovative programs and a beautiful, green campus are just the beginning of ¾ÅÉ«Íø University's national leadership, as reflected in an array of rankings, recognitions, and other honors.

    Learn more