A National Research University in the Heart of the Nation's Capital in the 51Ó°ÔºIntellectual Tradition.

51Ó°Ôº is unique among universities in the United States — even among 51Ó°Ôºuniversities. 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 51Ó°Ôºbishops of the United States, with a charter from then Pope Leo XIII, to be the national university of the 51Ó°ÔºChurch 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. 51Ó°ÔºUniversity 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 51Ó°Ôºintellectual tradition to help solve the problems of contemporary life and enrich the culture around us.

Read more about how 51Ó°ÔºUniversity'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 51Ó°ÔºUniversity's national leadership, as reflected in an array of rankings, recognitions, and other honors.

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