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Arkansas State University: Crowley's Ridge Parkway - ASU Library
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College · Catholic life on campus

Arkansas State University

  • LocationJonesboro, AR
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 14,032 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

Arkansas State University is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

St. John Newman University Parish in Jonesboro is a personal parish whose mission is to serve Arkansas State University students, faculty and staff. Its Catholic Campus Ministry is a registered student organization on the university's 2026-27 list. Published times include Sunday Masses at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, weekday Masses at 6:30 PM during the academic year, and confession on Sundays and weekdays. Programs listed include men's and women's Bible studies, a weekly fellowship night, OCIA and student retreats.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Sunday11:00 AMSt. John Newman University Parish, 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro
  • Sunday5:00 PMSt. John Newman University Parish, 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro
  • Monday–Friday6:30 PMSt. John Newman University Parish, 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro · During the academic year (August to May), per the diocese's parish page.

Confession 2

  • Sunday4:00 PM–4:50 PMSt. John Newman University Parish, 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro
  • Monday–Friday5:30 PM–6:20 PMSt. John Newman University Parish, 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro · Please check the calendar for changes, per the ministry's confession page.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sun. | 11 a.m., 5 p.m. | Mon. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May) | Tues. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May)”
    The diocese's parish page lists Sunday Masses at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m. during August to May.
    “Sun. | 11 a.m., 5 p.m. | Mon. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May) | Tues. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May)”
    The diocese's parish page lists Sunday Masses at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m. during August to May.
    “Sun. | 11 a.m., 5 p.m. | Mon. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May) | Tues. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May)”
    The diocese's parish page lists Sunday Masses at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m. during August to May.
  2. Confession Times | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/confession-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sunday: 4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:20 PM”
    The parish's confession page lists Sunday confession from 4:00 to 4:50 PM and weekday confession from 5:30 to 6:20 PM.
    “Sunday: 4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:20 PM”
    The parish's confession page lists Sunday confession from 4:00 to 4:50 PM and weekday confession from 5:30 to 6:20 PM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Arkansas State University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miNewman Center: 1.0 mi1Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church: 1.7 mi2Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church: 1.8 mi3St. John Newman University Parish (Catholic Campus Ministry at Arkansas State University): 0.9 miArkansas State University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Newman Center — 1.0 mi · 2800 East Johnson Avenue, Jonesboro
  2. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church — 1.7 mi · 1107 East Highland Drive, Jonesboro
  3. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 1101 East Highland Drive, Jonesboro

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ACatholic life on campus: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Catholic life on campus

96 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This is a personal parish (Code of Canon Law, Can. 518) with a unique mission of serving the college students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State University.”
      The diocese describes the parish as a personal parish with a mission to serve Arkansas State University students, faculty and staff.
    2. Catholic Campus Ministries | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/campus-ministry/locations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The following is a list of the Catholic Campus Ministry programs available on the campuses of Arkansas colleges and universities.”
      The diocese lists Catholic campus ministry programs at Arkansas colleges, including Jonesboro.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The ministry's dedicated university parish (its own Catholic campus ministry) is about 0.89 mile from the campus (computed from its published address).)
    Sources (2)
    1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This is a personal parish (Code of Canon Law, Can. 518) with a unique mission of serving the college students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State University.”
      The diocese describes the parish as a personal parish with a mission to serve Arkansas State University students, faculty and staff.
      “2800 E. Johnson Ave. Jonesboro AR 72401”
      The diocese publishes the parish address as 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.
    2. Formation and Fellowship Events | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Come and hang out with us on Wednesdays at 7PM in the parish hall!”
      Wednesday Night Live is held at 7 PM on Wednesdays in the parish hall.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Msgr. R. Scott Friend is listed as pastor of this university parish with no other assignment; three associate pastors are also listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Pastor: Msgr. R. Scott Friend”
      Msgr. R. Scott Friend is listed as pastor of St. John Newman University Parish.
      “This is a personal parish (Code of Canon Law, Can. 518) with a unique mission of serving the college students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State University.”
      The diocese describes the parish as a personal parish with a mission to serve Arkansas State University students, faculty and staff.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 6:30 PM at the parish during the academic year (August to May).)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sun. | 11 a.m., 5 p.m. | Mon. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May) | Tues. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May)”
      The diocese's parish page lists Sunday Masses at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m. during August to May.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Sunday Masses at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM at the parish.)
    Sources (2)
    1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sun. | 11 a.m., 5 p.m. | Mon. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May) | Tues. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May)”
      The diocese's parish page lists Sunday Masses at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m. during August to May.
    2. Registered Student Organizations 2026-2027 | Arkansas State Universityastate.edu/student-life/activities-and-leadership/registered-student-organizations26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Men's and Women's Bible Study Tuesday at 7 PM Wednesday Night Live at 7 PM Mass on Sunday 11 AM & 5 PM Free Student Meal Sunday at 6 PM.”
      The university's 2026-27 registered student organization list entry for the Catholic Campus Ministry lists men's and women's Bible study, Wednesday Night Live, Sunday Masses and a Sunday free student meal.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession is scheduled Sunday 4:00 to 4:50 PM and Monday through Friday 5:30 to 6:20 PM at the parish.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Confession Times | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/confession-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: 4:00 PM to 4:50 PM Monday: 5:30 PM to 6:20 PM”
      The parish's confession page lists Sunday confession from 4:00 to 4:50 PM and weekday confession from 5:30 to 6:20 PM.
    2. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Sun. 4 p.m.; Mon. - Fri. 5:30 p.m.”
      The diocese's parish page lists confession on Sundays at 4 p.m. and on weekdays at 5:30 p.m.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (The university's registered student organization list includes the Catholic Campus Ministry with men's and women's Bible studies; the ministry's pages list men's and women's groups.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Registered Student Organizations 2026-2027 | Arkansas State Universityastate.edu/student-life/activities-and-leadership/registered-student-organizations26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Men's and Women's Bible Study Tuesday at 7 PM Wednesday Night Live at 7 PM Mass on Sunday 11 AM & 5 PM Free Student Meal Sunday at 6 PM.”
      The university's 2026-27 registered student organization list entry for the Catholic Campus Ministry lists men's and women's Bible study, Wednesday Night Live, Sunday Masses and a Sunday free student meal.
    2. Formation and Fellowship Events | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Men's and Women's Bible Studies provide an opportunity to encounter Christ through His Word alongside fellow believers”
      The ministry offers men's and women's Bible studies as formation events.
      “In addition to studying Scripture, both our Men's Group and Women's Group offer several opportunities for fellowship throughout the academic year.”
      The ministry has a men's group and a women's group offering fellowship during the academic year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Programs listed include student retreats and OCIA.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Formation and Fellowship Events | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Throughout the year, we have opportunities for students to attend retreats, taking a step away from the world to truly listen for and follow God's voice.”
      The ministry offers retreats for students throughout the year.
    2. OCIA | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/rcia · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a program designed to introduce the Catholic faith to those interested in joining the Catholic Church.”
      The parish offers OCIA, a program for adults interested in joining the Catholic Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (13 weekly times documented: 7 Mass, 6 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Masses are published on Sundays at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM and on weekdays at 6:30 PM during the academic year.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sun. | 11 a.m., 5 p.m. | Mon. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May) | Tues. | 6:30 p.m. (Aug. - May)”
      The diocese's parish page lists Sunday Masses at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m. during August to May.
  • The Catholic Campus Ministry is listed as a registered student organization, with men's and women's Bible study, retreats and OCIA among its programs.
    Sources (3)
    1. Registered Student Organizations 2026-2027 | Arkansas State Universityastate.edu/student-life/activities-and-leadership/registered-student-organizations26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Men's and Women's Bible Study Tuesday at 7 PM Wednesday Night Live at 7 PM Mass on Sunday 11 AM & 5 PM Free Student Meal Sunday at 6 PM.”
      The university's 2026-27 registered student organization list entry for the Catholic Campus Ministry lists men's and women's Bible study, Wednesday Night Live, Sunday Masses and a Sunday free student meal.
    2. Formation and Fellowship Events | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Throughout the year, we have opportunities for students to attend retreats, taking a step away from the world to truly listen for and follow God's voice.”
      The ministry offers retreats for students throughout the year.
    3. OCIA | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/rcia · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a program designed to introduce the Catholic faith to those interested in joining the Catholic Church.”
      The parish offers OCIA, a program for adults interested in joining the Catholic Church.

Concerns

  • No page reviewed states whether the parish at 2800 E. Johnson Ave. is on or next to the Arkansas State campus.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “2800 E. Johnson Ave. Jonesboro AR 72401”
      The diocese publishes the parish address as 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. John Newman University Parish (Catholic Campus Ministry at Arkansas State University)

  • Address: 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401
  • Distance from campus: 0.9 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: parish hall

View on map ↗

Source: dolr.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, howlcatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, dolr.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 7 location not published

Faith formation 2

  • Men's and Women's Bible Study
    Tuesdays at 7 PM
    Scripture study for men and for women, listed on the university's student organization list.
    astate.edu, howlcatholic.org
  • OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
    Program to introduce the Catholic faith to adults interested in joining the Church.
    howlcatholic.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Catholic Campus Ministry (registered student organization)
    Registered student organization of the St. John Newman University Parish campus ministry, with a stated purpose of discipleship and community through faith, service and love.
    astate.edu, astate.edu

Retreats 1

  • Student retreats
    Throughout the year
    Retreats for students, centered on the Eucharist and rooted in Catholic tradition.
    howlcatholic.org

Social life 3

  • Men's Group and Women's Group
    Throughout the academic year
    Fellowship opportunities including dinner events, service projects, bonfires and game nights.
    howlcatholic.org
  • Wednesday Night Live
    Wednesdays at 7 PM
    Weekly fellowship event in the parish hall with bowling, guest speakers, game nights and more during the year.
    howlcatholic.org, astate.edu
  • Free student meal
    Sundays at 6 PM
    Free student meal listed on the Catholic Campus Ministry's entry on the university's student organization list.
    astate.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. St. John Newman University Parish - Jonesboro | Diocese of Little Rockdolr.org/parishes/st-john-newman-university-parish-jonesboro · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “This is a personal parish (Code of Canon Law, Can. 518) with a unique mission of serving the college students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State University.”
    The diocese describes the parish as a personal parish with a mission to serve Arkansas State University students, faculty and staff.
    “This is a personal parish (Code of Canon Law, Can. 518) with a unique mission of serving the college students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State University.”
    The diocese describes the parish as a personal parish with a mission to serve Arkansas State University students, faculty and staff.
    “2800 E. Johnson Ave. Jonesboro AR 72401”
    The diocese publishes the parish address as 2800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.
  2. Registered Student Organizations 2026-2027 | Arkansas State Universityastate.edu/student-life/activities-and-leadership/registered-student-organizations26-27.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Purpose: Catholic Campus Ministry at Arkansas State University is dedicated to helping”
    The Catholic Campus Ministry at Arkansas State University is a registered student organization.
  3. Formation and Fellowship Events | St. John Newman University Parishhowlcatholic.org/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Come and hang out with us on Wednesdays at 7PM in the parish hall!”
    Wednesday Night Live is held at 7 PM on Wednesdays in the parish hall.

Reach out

Contact details for Brandon Lercher (Director of Campus Ministry) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
56 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.55%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.78%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,090 · ACT 21
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.17 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$5,703

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
8,760
Total students14,032
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$12,366
Cost of attendance (per year)$25,082
Median federal debt at graduation$20,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
55%
First-year retention78%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$42,617
Admission rate82%
Students receiving Pell grants38%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1090
SAT reading & writing490–570
SAT math480–620
ACT composite18–24
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 56 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Catholic Diocese of Little Rock

The Most Reverend Anthony B. Taylor, Bishop of Little Rock

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: dolr.org, dolr.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Arkansas State University a Catholic college?
No. Arkansas State University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. John Newman University Parish, Catholic Campus Ministry.
What is Arkansas State University’s Catholic Life Score?
86 out of 100 (grade A). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at Arkansas State University?
Mass is listed at St. John Newman University Parish, 2800 E. Johnson Ave. and Jonesboro. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Arkansas State University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Arkansas State University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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