Welcome

We are excited you are considering The Catholic University of America as the place where you will grow into adulthood, explore new ideas and knowledge, meet new friends and mentors, and experience the joy of mastering new challenges. Catholic University is where you will begin to invest in your future!

Our team looks forward to working closely with you and your family to determine your demonstrated need, your family’s expected out-of-pocket expenses, and strategies to meet those costs. Our staff are available via telephone, email, Zoom, or in-person appointments. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!

  • Applying for Aid

    If you are an incoming student applying only for merit-based scholarships and do not wish to be considered for need-based federal or institutional financial aid, you only need to complete your admission application. The Office of Undergraduate Admission can assist you with any questions regarding your admission application.

    The Catholic University of America assists students in financing their education by offering financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Catholic University. Scholarships generally use merit or academic achievement as the main criterion. Most grant and loan programs are need-based. These programs help students pay the difference between the cost of education and the amount they (and their parents, if they are dependent students) can contribute. As you continue to pursue your academic endeavors, please take some time to review our types of aid.

    Prospective undergraduate students starting in Spring 2025 or taking classes in Summer 2025 should submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA currently available at studentaid.gov.

    New students starting in Fall 2025(August 2025) must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA when it becomes available after December 1, 2024. Our office does not collect or review the CSS Profile. The FAFSA is submitted electronically at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The Catholic University of America's Federal Title IV School Code is 001437. 

    Undergraduate scholarships and university grants will remain the same for all four years of study, up to 8 semesters, unless requirements are unmet or financial circumstances change. See your financial aid offer letter and Cardinal Station for specific details.

  • Early Action

    Students seeking admission for the fall can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming year after it is available on October 1. The 2025-2026 FAFSA is delayed until after December 1, 2024. You should file your FAFSA by January 1 to ensure timely processing. 

  • Regular Decision & Transfer

    Fall Entrance
    Students seeking admission for the fall can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming year after it is available on October 1(delayed to December 1, 2024). You should file your FAFSA by February 1 to ensure timely processing. The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible near October 1. 

    Students submitting a FAFSA after April 1, will be considered for need-based assistance on a funds-available basis.

    Financial Aid Offer Letters for admitted students with a valid FAFSA on file will be mailed beginning April 1.

    Spring Entrance
    Spring transfer students who are seeking financial aid should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year. 

    Spring transfer students should file their FAFSA by September 1 to ensure timely processing.

    Students submitting a FAFSA after December 1, will be considered for need-based aid on a funds-available basis.

    Financial Aid Offer Letters for admitted spring transfer students with a valid FAFSA on file will be mailed on a rolling basis, beginning November 15.

  • Additional Documentation

    For all applicants, we frequently ask for additional documentation after we have reviewed the FAFSA and mailed a Financial Aid Award Letter. Additional documents will be requested via a Missing Information Letter, email, and your to-do list in Cardinal Station. Your financial aid offer may be revised based on the additional documentation.

  • FSA ID

    If you have not previously done so,  you will be required to create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/ to submit the FAFSA, sign loan documents, and complete counseling. Everyone who needs to provide information on the FAFSA must have an FSA ID. This includes the student, the student's parents or stepparents (if the student is a dependent), and the student's spouse (if applicable). 

    Parents and students will need their own, separate FSA ID.