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Avila University: Thompson hall avila univ missouri
Photo: Unknown author, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Avila University

  • LocationKansas City, MO
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 1,733 students
  • SponsorSisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
  • TraditionSisters of St. Joseph
Official website

Avila University is a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Its Office of Ministry, Spirituality, and Action is open to students of all faiths and lists a director and four priests on its ministry staff page.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Avila University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Thomas More Church: 0.4 mi1Saint Catherine Catholic Church: 3.0 mi2Office of Ministry, Spirituality, and Action (Campus Ministry): 0.1 miAvila University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Thomas More Church — 0.4 mi
  2. Saint Catherine Catholic Church — 3.0 mi

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

Faith 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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministry Staff - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Angel Lemus Email frangel Fr. Emmanuel Lopez Email frlopez Fr. Joseph Talari Email frjoseravin Fr. Olvin Giron”
      Four priests are listed on the ministry team page alongside the Director of Campus Ministry.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.
N/ATheology and core curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and core curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/ACampus culture and residence life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture and residence life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Five or more (Five ministry staff listed: the Director of Campus Ministry and four priests.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministry Staff - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Angel Lemus Email frangel Fr. Emmanuel Lopez Email frlopez Fr. Joseph Talari Email frjoseravin Fr. Olvin Giron”
      Four priests are listed on the ministry team page alongside the Director of Campus Ministry.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Two named retreats (Busy Persons Retreat and Student Led Retreat) plus faith communities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grow your whole person through our retreat offerings: Busy Persons Retreat Student Led Retreat (January each year) Small Faith Communities Lenten Faith Communities”
      The ministry office lists two named retreats and two faith-community programs.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Small Faith Communities and Lenten Faith Communities are run by the ministry office rather than listed as student organizations.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grow your whole person through our retreat offerings: Busy Persons Retreat Student Led Retreat (January each year) Small Faith Communities Lenten Faith Communities”
      The ministry office lists two named retreats and two faith-community programs.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Dear Neighbors in Action (DNA) - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At Avila, service is who we are.”
      Dear Neighbors in Action is the university's staffed community service program.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (Service trips and Dear Neighbor Day are programs; no page states that service-learning is required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Trips - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/service/service-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Winter Break Trip to Okolona, Mississippi.”
      Service trips to Jerusalem Farm, Okolona (Mississippi), and farms in Kentucky and West Virginia are offered each year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more
    Sources (2)
    1. Service Trips - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/service/service-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Winter Break Trip to Okolona, Mississippi.”
      Service trips to Jerusalem Farm, Okolona (Mississippi), and farms in Kentucky and West Virginia are offered each year.
    2. Dear Neighbor Program - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/dear-neighbor · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year the Avila community of faculty, staff, alumni, students, and friends come together to serve Kansas City in a coordinated day event.”
      Dear Neighbor Day is an annual service day at more than 20 Kansas City sites.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “affirm the values and vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet”
      The Office of Ministry, Spirituality, and Action affirms the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
    2. Dear Neighbors in Action (DNA) - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At Avila, service is who we are.”
      Dear Neighbors in Action is the university's staffed community service program.

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

Strengths

  • A staffed service program, Dear Neighbors in Action, runs service trips and an annual Dear Neighbor Day.
    Sources (3)
    1. Dear Neighbors in Action (DNA) - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “At Avila, service is who we are.”
      Dear Neighbors in Action is the university's staffed community service program.
    2. Service Trips - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/service/service-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Winter Break Trip to Okolona, Mississippi.”
      Service trips to Jerusalem Farm, Okolona (Mississippi), and farms in Kentucky and West Virginia are offered each year.
    3. Dear Neighbor Program - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/dear-neighbor · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year the Avila community of faculty, staff, alumni, students, and friends come together to serve Kansas City in a coordinated day event.”
      Dear Neighbor Day is an annual service day at more than 20 Kansas City sites.
  • The ministry office is explicitly rooted in the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “affirm the values and vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet”
      The Office of Ministry, Spirituality, and Action affirms the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
    2. Mission & Values - Avila Universityavila.edu/about/mission-values · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Avila University, a Catholic University founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet”
      Avila University is a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
  • The ministry staff page lists a director and four priests.
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministry Staff - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Angel Lemus Email frangel Fr. Emmanuel Lopez Email frlopez Fr. Joseph Talari Email frjoseravin Fr. Olvin Giron”
      Four priests are listed on the ministry team page alongside the Director of Campus Ministry.

Concerns

  • The official pages say Mass is voluntary without listing times.
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Experience - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/student-experience · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “MASS – is voluntary, and all are welcome”
      The university states that Mass is offered on its campus, is voluntary, and is open to all.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office of Ministry, Spirituality, and Action (Campus Ministry)

  • Address: 11901 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: avila.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus, 5 location not published

Service 2

  • Dear Neighbor DayOff campus
    Each year
    Coordinated day of volunteering at more than 20 Kansas City non-profit sites.
    avila.edu
  • Service trips (Jerusalem Farm, Okolona, Mississippi, Kentucky and West Virginia farms)Off campus
    Fall, winter, and spring breaks
    Student service trips with home repair, tutoring, and service with community agencies.
    avila.edu

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Mass of the Holy SpiritOn campus
    Beginning of each academic year
    Annual Mass held at the start of the academic year.
    avila.edu
  • Masses and prayer services planned by student leaders
    Student leaders of the ministry office plan Masses and prayer services.
    avila.edu

Faith formation 2

  • Small Faith Communities
    Faith-community program offered through the ministry office.
    avila.edu
  • Lenten Faith Communities
    Lent
    Faith-community program offered during Lent through the ministry office.
    avila.edu

Retreats 2

  • Busy Persons Retreat
    Retreat offered by the ministry office.
    avila.edu
  • Student Led Retreat
    January each year
    Retreat planned and led by students through the ministry office.
    avila.edu

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

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Campus Ministry - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “affirm the values and vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet”
    The Office of Ministry, Spirituality, and Action affirms the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
    “11901 Wornall Road / Kansas City, MO 64145”
    The campus ministry office is located at 11901 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.
  2. Ministry Staff - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Edith Montes-Jankowski Director of Campus Ministry Phone 816.501.2983”
    Edith Montes-Jankowski is the Director of Campus Ministry, with a published office phone.
  3. Dear Neighbors in Action (DNA) - Avila Universityavila.edu/avila-life/campus-ministry/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “At Avila, service is who we are.”
    Dear Neighbors in Action is the university's staffed community service program.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
49 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.52%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.71%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 972 · ACT 18.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.19 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$6,863

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)
1,196
Total students1,733
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$16,053
Cost of attendance (per year)$50,096
Median federal debt at graduation$25,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
52%
First-year retention71%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$52,773
Admission rate88%
Students receiving Pell grants56%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT972
SAT reading & writing430–500
SAT math370–460
ACT composite16–21
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 52 / 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

Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

The Most Reverend James V. Johnston Jr., Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: kcsjcatholic.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 Avila University a Catholic college?
Yes. Avila University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Its sponsor is Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

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