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Ashland University: Ashland University view in Ashland Ohio
Photo: Ll1324, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

College · Catholic life on campus

Ashland University

  • LocationAshland, OH
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 4,143 students

Affiliation: Brethren Church

Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

The Newman Catholic Campus Ministry at Ashland University, part of the Diocese of Cleveland's Newman program, offers a 4:30 PM Sunday Mass in the Lower Chapel and weekly confession before that Mass while school is in session. Weekday and additional weekend Masses are listed at St. Edward Parish, about a mile from campus, and the ministry runs Newman Nights, small groups, retreats, service, and mission trips.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 6

  • Sunday4:30 PMLower Chapel, Ashland University (on campus) · While school is in session.
  • Saturday4:30 PMSt. Edward Parish, Ashland · Listed on the ministry's Mass page as a parish Mass site; confirm with the parish.
  • Sunday8:30 AMSt. Edward Parish, Ashland · Listed on the ministry's Mass page as a parish Mass site; confirm with the parish.
  • Sunday11:00 AMSt. Edward Parish, Ashland · Listed on the ministry's Mass page as a parish Mass site; confirm with the parish.
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday8:00 AMSt. Edward Parish, Ashland · Listed on the ministry's Mass page as a parish Mass site; confirm with the parish.
  • Wednesday1:15 PMSt. Edward Parish, Ashland · Listed on the ministry's Mass page as a parish Mass site; confirm with the parish.

Confession 1

  • Sunday4:00 PMLower Chapel, Ashland University (on campus) · Weekly before Mass while school is in session; the page lists it running from 4:00 to 4:20 PM.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 14, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mass & Reconciliationashlandcatholic.org/mass-reconciliation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “Mass is celebrated on campus while school is in session on Sundays at 4:30pm in Lower Chapel.”
    Sunday Mass is celebrated on campus at 4:30 PM in the Lower Chapel while school is in session.
    “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
    The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
    “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
    The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
    “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
    The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
    “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
    The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
    “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
    The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
    “Reconciliation will be offered on campus weekly before Mass, Sundays from 4:00 - 4:20pm.”
    Confession is offered on campus weekly on Sundays from 4:00 to 4:20 PM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Ashland University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSaint Edwards Catholic Church: 0.7 mi1Newman Catholic Campus Ministry (The Newman Community of Ashland University): 0.1 miAshland University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Edwards Catholic Church — 0.7 mi

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

88 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 (The diocese's Newman campus list names Ashland University, and the ministry's own site describes a Catholic campus ministry at the university.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Newman Catholic Campus Ministry | Catholic Diocese of Cleveland | Cleveland, OHdioceseofcleveland.org/offices-departments/catechetical-formation-parish-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Newman Campus Ministry serves these college campuses: The University of Akron The College of Wooster Baldwin-Wallace University Case Western Reserve University Oberlin College Ashland University”
      The Diocese of Cleveland's Newman Catholic Campus Ministry serves Ashland University.
    2. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Homeashlandcatholic.org/home · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Catholic Campus Ministry at AU seeks to provide a Catholic university experience for students, faculty, and staff on campus.”
      The Catholic Campus Ministry at Ashland University serves students, faculty, and staff on campus.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (The ministry's staff page presents Fr. Jim Winings as the Newman Campus Chaplain for Ashland University, appointed June 2025.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Our Staffashlandcatholic.org/connect/our-staff · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “was appointed as the Newman Campus Chaplain for Ashland University in June 2025”
      Fr. Jim Winings is the Newman Campus Chaplain for Ashland University.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (The ministry's Mass page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; the parish is about a mile from campus.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mass & Reconciliationashlandcatholic.org/mass-reconciliation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
      The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
  • 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 (One Sunday Mass is on campus at 4:30 PM in the Lower Chapel while school is in session. The ministry's page also lists two Sunday Masses at St. Edward Parish.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mass & Reconciliationashlandcatholic.org/mass-reconciliation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Mass is celebrated on campus while school is in session on Sundays at 4:30pm in Lower Chapel.”
      Sunday Mass is celebrated on campus at 4:30 PM in the Lower Chapel while school is in session.
      “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
      The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Reconciliation is listed on campus weekly before the Sunday Mass, Sundays 4:00 to 4:20 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mass & Reconciliationashlandcatholic.org/mass-reconciliation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Reconciliation will be offered on campus weekly before Mass, Sundays from 4:00 - 4:20pm.”
      Confession is offered on campus weekly on Sundays from 4:00 to 4:20 PM.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)One (Student-led and staff-led small groups meet weekly for Gospel discussion, Rosary, and Chaplet of Divine Mercy.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Small Groupsashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/small-groups · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Our small groups are composed of five to six people who meet weekly.”
      The ministry runs weekly small groups of five to six people led by students and staff.
  • 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 RCIA for adults, fall retreats, and service and mission trips.)
    Sources (3)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Join the Churchashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/join-the-church · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “receiving the Sacraments of Initiation, or participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), please contact Nate Ediger.”
      The ministry offers help for people joining the Catholic Church, including RCIA.
    2. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Retreatsashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Fall retreat is an awesome way to get to know new classmates at the beginning of a new school year!”
      The ministry holds a fall retreat for students in September (the 2025 retreat is listed on the Newman Nights schedule for September 19 to 21).
    3. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mission Tripsashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/mission-trips · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “In past years, our group has traveled to Rome, Nashville (TN), Immokalee (FL), and Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.”
      The ministry has run mission trips during spring and summer breaks, including trips to several countries and U.S. locations.
  • 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 adoration6 to 11 times a week (10 weekly times documented: 9 Mass, 1 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

  • A Sunday Mass is celebrated on campus during the school year, and Masses are also listed at St. Edward Parish, about a mile away.
    Sources (1)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mass & Reconciliationashlandcatholic.org/mass-reconciliation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Mass is celebrated on campus while school is in session on Sundays at 4:30pm in Lower Chapel.”
      Sunday Mass is celebrated on campus at 4:30 PM in the Lower Chapel while school is in session.
      “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
      The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.
  • A priest is listed as the Newman Campus Chaplain, and confession is offered on campus weekly.
    Sources (2)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Our Staffashlandcatholic.org/connect/our-staff · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “was appointed as the Newman Campus Chaplain for Ashland University in June 2025”
      Fr. Jim Winings is the Newman Campus Chaplain for Ashland University.
    2. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mass & Reconciliationashlandcatholic.org/mass-reconciliation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Reconciliation will be offered on campus weekly before Mass, Sundays from 4:00 - 4:20pm.”
      Confession is offered on campus weekly on Sundays from 4:00 to 4:20 PM.
  • The ministry lists small groups, Newman Nights, retreats, service, and mission trips.
    Sources (4)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Newman Nightsashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/newman-nights · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Newman Nights are every Wednesday evening when school is in session, from 7-8:30pm in Lower Chapel.”
      Newman Nights are held weekly on Wednesday evenings in the Lower Chapel while school is in session.
    2. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Small Groupsashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/small-groups · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Our small groups are composed of five to six people who meet weekly.”
      The ministry runs weekly small groups of five to six people led by students and staff.
    3. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Retreatsashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Fall retreat is an awesome way to get to know new classmates at the beginning of a new school year!”
      The ministry holds a fall retreat for students in September (the 2025 retreat is listed on the Newman Nights schedule for September 19 to 21).
    4. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mission Tripsashlandcatholic.org/our-ministry/mission-trips · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “In past years, our group has traveled to Rome, Nashville (TN), Immokalee (FL), and Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.”
      The ministry has run mission trips during spring and summer breaks, including trips to several countries and U.S. locations.

Concerns

  • The weekday Masses on the ministry's page are at St. Edward Parish.
    Sources (1)
    1. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Mass & Reconciliationashlandcatholic.org/mass-reconciliation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 8:30am and 11:00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am Wednesday 1:15pm”
      The ministry's page lists Masses at St. Edward Parish on Saturday, Sunday, and each weekday.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Newman Catholic Campus Ministry (The Newman Community of Ashland University)

  • Address: 401 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: ashlandcatholic.org, verified Oct. 14, 2026, ashland.edu, verified Oct. 14, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 5 location not published

Service 2

  • Mission tripsOff campus
    Spring Break or Summer Break
    Student mission trips; past trips went to Rome, Nashville, Immokalee, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.
    ashlandcatholic.org
  • Service
    Service projects for people on campus, in the local community, and around the world.
    ashlandcatholic.org

Faith formation 2

  • Newman NightsOn campus
    Wednesdays 7:00 to 8:30 PM when school is in session
    Weekly faith gathering in the Lower Chapel with discussion, student-led sessions, and guest speakers, plus occasional social and worship events.
    ashlandcatholic.org
  • RCIA and Catholic initiation support
    Support for people joining the Catholic Church, including the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
    ashlandcatholic.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Small groups
    Weekly
    Groups of five to six people led by students and staff, discussing the weekly Gospel and praying the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
    ashlandcatholic.org

Retreats 1

  • Fall retreat
    September 19 to 21 (2025 dates on the Newman Nights schedule)
    Weekend retreat with prayer, games, and witness talks for new and returning students.
    ashlandcatholic.org

Social life 1

  • Social events
    Throughout the semester
    Dinners out at restaurants, an annual Easter egg scavenger hunt, and movie and card nights.
    ashlandcatholic.org

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 (4)
  1. Newman Catholic Campus Ministry | Catholic Diocese of Cleveland | Cleveland, OHdioceseofcleveland.org/offices-departments/catechetical-formation-parish-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “Newman Campus Ministry serves these college campuses: The University of Akron The College of Wooster Baldwin-Wallace University Case Western Reserve University Oberlin College Ashland University”
    The Diocese of Cleveland's Newman Catholic Campus Ministry serves Ashland University.
  2. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Homeashlandcatholic.org/home · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “Catholic Campus Ministry at AU seeks to provide a Catholic university experience for students, faculty, and staff on campus.”
    The Catholic Campus Ministry at Ashland University serves students, faculty, and staff on campus.
  3. The Newman Community of Ashland University | Contact Usashlandcatholic.org/connect/contact-us · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “Lower Chapel, Offices 105 & 106 401 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805”
    The Newman Catholic Campus Ministry is located at 401 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
  4. Office of Christian Ministry | Ashlandashland.edu/office-christian-ministry · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “Lower Level - Jack & Deb Miller Chapel”
    The Office of Christian Ministry, which lists the Catholic Mass, is located in the Jack & Deb Miller Chapel.

Reach out

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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.
65 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.61%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.77%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,120 · ACT 22.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$11,063

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))

Campus facts

SportsNCAA Division II · Great Midwest Athletic Conference
SettingTown
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member14 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS). None of this changes the faith grades.

Cost and value

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

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,123
Total students4,143
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$21,988
Cost of attendance (per year)$43,434
Median federal debt at graduation$25,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
61%
First-year retention77%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$52,928
Admission rate76%
Students receiving Pell grants29%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1035–1208ACT 20–25
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1120
SAT reading & writing505–610
SAT math530–598
ACT composite20–25
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 49 / 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 Cleveland

The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: dioceseofcleveland.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 Ashland University a Catholic college?
No. Ashland University is not a Catholic college. Its listed religious affiliation is Brethren Church. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Newman Catholic Campus Ministry.
What is Ashland University’s Catholic Life Score?
82 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 Ashland University?
Mass is listed at Lower Chapel, Ashland University (on campus), St. Edward Parish and Ashland. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Ashland University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Ashland University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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