Catholic colleges with the strongest Catholic core in Massachusetts
Catholic colleges ranked by the theology and core pillar: required theology and philosophy, Catholic content, and the core curriculum.
Catholic colleges with the strongest Catholic core in Massachusetts6 schools
6 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Massachusetts.
- Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Has a graded theology and core pillar and a complete Compass Score.
- Ordered by the theology and core pillar score alone, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Assumption University
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade B
- 2 required theology courses
- 2
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- Catholic core: grade B
- 2 required theology courses
- 3
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MA · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade C
- 1 required theology course
- 4
- 5
- 6
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade D
- 1 required theology course
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assumption University | $29,498 | $27,000 | $74,895 | 75% |
| Boston College | $41,704 | $19,000 | $103,937 | 91% |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms | $17,545 | $25,000 | $51,540 | 68% |
| Stonehill College | $33,016 | $25,000 | $77,745 | 76% |
| Emmanuel College | $26,706 | $27,000 | $68,245 | 68% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $38,782 | $27,000 | $90,543 | 87% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.