This chapter provides an overview of Catholic higher education in the United States, primarily the major themes that have developed in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It covers the history and development of these institutions, including general characteristics and trends related to students, faculty, and leadership. The authors describe the distinctive mission of Catholic higher education to support both intellectual development and faith formation among students. Special attention is given to those staff responsible for implementing this reality: Student Affairs staff, mission officers, and campus ministry staff. The authors analyze some of the major challenges confronting contemporary Catholic higher education.