Founded in 1887, The Catholic University of America is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Washington (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), District of Columbia. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a small-sized (Buydiploma enrollment range: 5,000-5,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the Buydiploma degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 136-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. CUA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.