Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Boston University: COM Lawn and BU East Campus from Warren Towers dining hall, October 2012
Photo: Pi.1415926535, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

College · Catholic life on campus

Boston University

  • LocationBoston, MA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 36,624 students
Official website
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Boston 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 BU Catholic Center (Newman House) at 211 Bay State Road is Boston University's Roman Catholic chaplaincy, with a small chapel, offices, and study and gathering space. Fr. Kevin Staley-Joyce is University Chaplain and Director of the center, and its staff page lists two campus ministers and a FOCUS team. The center celebrates Sunday Mass in BU's Marsh Chapel at 1 PM and 6 PM during the academic year (4 PM in summer). BU says daily Masses are also held.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Sunday1:00 PMMarsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Avenue (Boston University campus) · During the academic year (September-May). BU says 'most Sundays'.
  • Sunday6:00 PMMarsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Avenue (Boston University campus) · During the academic year (September-May). BU says 'most Sundays'.
  • Sunday4:00 PMMarsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Avenue (Boston University campus) · Summer term only (June-August), in place of the 1 PM and 6 PM Masses.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. New to Marsh? | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/new-to-marsh · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
    Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.
    “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
    Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.
    “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
    Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Boston University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miBU Catholic Center: 0.3 mi1Saint Aidas Catholic Church: 0.6 mi2Saint Clement Eucharistic Shrine: 1.0 mi3Saint Cecilia Parish: 1.1 mi4Saint Mary of the Annunciation: 1.2 mi5Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish: 1.2 mi6BU Catholic Center (Newman House): 0.3 miBoston University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. BU Catholic Center — 0.3 mi
  2. Saint Aidas Catholic Church — 0.6 mi · 201 Freeman Street
  3. Saint Clement Eucharistic Shrine — 1.0 mi · 1105 Boylston Street, Boston
  4. Saint Cecilia Parish — 1.1 mi · 14-18;18 Belvidere Street, Boston
  5. Saint Mary of the Annunciation — 1.2 mi · 134 Norfolk Street, Cambridge
  6. Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish — 1.2 mi · 5 Linden Place

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.

BCatholic life on campus: 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.

Catholic life on campus

84 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 (Boston University's Marsh Chapel & Religious Life office lists the BU Catholic Center as the university's Roman Catholic chaplaincy, led by a University Chaplain.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Spiritual Support & Resources | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/students/spiritual-support-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Chaplaincy – BU Catholic Center The BU Catholic Center stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and love on campus, and has long served as an incubator for vocations of all kinds.”
      BU lists the BU Catholic Center as its Roman Catholic chaplaincy on campus.
    2. Kevin Staley-Joyce | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/profile/kevin-staley-joyce · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Title University Chaplain, Director of the BU Catholic Center Office BU Catholic Center, 211 Bay State Road Email kstaleyj@bu.edu”
      Kevin Staley-Joyce is University Chaplain and Director of the BU Catholic Center, with an office at 211 Bay State Road and email kstaleyj@bu.edu.
    3. Worship & Meditation Opportunities | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/students/worship-meditation-opportunities · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass is held on Sundays at Marsh Chapel by the BU Catholic Center at 1 pm and 6 pm during the academic year, and at 4 pm during the summer term.”
      The BU Catholic Center holds Sunday Mass at Marsh Chapel at 1 PM and 6 PM during the academic year and 4 PM in the summer term.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Catholic Center at 211 Bay State Road houses a small chapel, ministry offices, and study and gathering spaces. BU describes it as on campus. Sunday Masses are held in BU's Marsh Chapel.)
    Sources (3)
    1. BU Glossary | Parents Programbu.edu/parentsprogram/resources/glossary · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Catholic Center at Boston University, located at 211 Bay State Road, houses offices for the Catholic Campus Ministers, a small Chapel, and some study and gathering places.”
      The Catholic Center at 211 Bay State Road has a small chapel, ministry offices, and study and gathering spaces.
    2. BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTER - Homebucatholic.com · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “OCIA Signup & Information Form Click Here! 211 Bay State Road Boston, MA 02215”
      The BU Catholic Center is at 211 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, and offers an OCIA sign-up and information form.
    3. Spiritual Support & Resources | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/students/spiritual-support-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Chaplaincy – BU Catholic Center The BU Catholic Center stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and love on campus, and has long served as an incubator for vocations of all kinds.”
      BU lists the BU Catholic Center as its Roman Catholic chaplaincy on campus.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Kevin Staley-Joyce is University Chaplain and Director of the BU Catholic Center. BU calls him the University's Catholic Chaplain.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Spiritual Support & Resources | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/students/spiritual-support-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Chaplaincy – BU Catholic Center The BU Catholic Center stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and love on campus, and has long served as an incubator for vocations of all kinds.”
      BU lists the BU Catholic Center as its Roman Catholic chaplaincy on campus.
    2. Kevin Staley-Joyce | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/profile/kevin-staley-joyce · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Title University Chaplain, Director of the BU Catholic Center Office BU Catholic Center, 211 Bay State Road Email kstaleyj@bu.edu”
      Kevin Staley-Joyce is University Chaplain and Director of the BU Catholic Center, with an office at 211 Bay State Road and email kstaleyj@bu.edu.
    3. New to Marsh? | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/new-to-marsh · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Masses are also held on Sundays in the chapel sanctuary under the leadership of the University's Catholic Chaplain, Fr. Kevin Staley-Joyce.”
      Fr. Kevin Staley-Joyce is the University's Catholic Chaplain and leads the Sunday Masses in Marsh Chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (BU's Marsh Chapel page says the schedule of daily Masses is on the BU Catholic Center website.)
    Sources (1)
    1. New to Marsh? | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/new-to-marsh · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
      Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.
  • 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 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM in Marsh Chapel during the academic year (September-May); one Sunday Mass at 4:00 PM in summer (June-August).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Sundays at Marsh Chapel | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/worship/sunday · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Mass is held at Marsh Chapel by the BU Catholic Center at 1 pm and 6 pm during the academic year, and at 4 pm during the summer term. For more information about Roman Catholic Mass at Marsh Chapel, contact the Boston University Catholic Center, 617-353-3632.”
      Sunday Mass is held at Marsh Chapel at 1 PM and 6 PM during the academic year and 4 PM in summer; the Catholic Center's phone is 617-353-3632.
    2. New to Marsh? | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/new-to-marsh · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
      Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.
  • 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 at the campus ministryNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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 Catholic Student Association is a registered BU religious life student organization, and FOCUS has a team at BU (five missionaries on focus.org; the Catholic Center's staff page lists a FOCUS team director and three missionaries).)
    Sources (3)
    1. Religious & Spiritual Student Organizations | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/students/spiritual-religious-groups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Student Association (CSA) The Catholic Student Association at Boston University is for Catholic students or those interested in the faith.The CSA is a strong community of people looking to grow closer to God while forming genuine friendships and building community. Students can strengthen their faith through the sacraments, service, social events and other various programs offered by the CSA.”
      The Catholic Student Association is a registered BU religious life student organization offering sacraments, service, social events, and other programs.
    2. Boston University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/boston-university · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “That’s why we’re here. Let’s meet up sometime. Ludden Matthew Ludden Mohler Maria Mohler Alanis Austin Alanis Ibarra Natalia Ibarra Carvajal Kailey Carvajal”
      FOCUS lists five missionaries serving at Boston University.
    3. Staff - BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTERbucatholic.com/staff.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Annel Camacho Campus Minister”
      Annel Camacho is a campus minister at the BU Catholic Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (The Catholic Center offers an OCIA sign-up and information form and has a Retreats page. BU's description of the Catholic Student Association names service and other programs. Details of retreats are published only as images.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Religious & Spiritual Student Organizations | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/students/spiritual-religious-groups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Student Association (CSA) The Catholic Student Association at Boston University is for Catholic students or those interested in the faith.The CSA is a strong community of people looking to grow closer to God while forming genuine friendships and building community. Students can strengthen their faith through the sacraments, service, social events and other various programs offered by the CSA.”
      The Catholic Student Association is a registered BU religious life student organization offering sacraments, service, social events, and other programs.
    2. Retreats - BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTERbucatholic.com/retreats.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Retreats - BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTER”
      The BU Catholic Center website has a Retreats page (its content is published as images).
    3. BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTER - Homebucatholic.com · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “New Student Signup Click Here! OCIA Signup & Information Form”
      The Catholic Center invites new students to sign up and offers OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) sign-up and information.
  • 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 adoration1 to 5 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 3 Mass, 0 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 priest serves as University Chaplain and Director of the BU Catholic Center, which has its own small chapel on Bay State Road; two lay campus ministers are also listed.
    Sources (3)
    1. BU Glossary | Parents Programbu.edu/parentsprogram/resources/glossary · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Catholic Center at Boston University, located at 211 Bay State Road, houses offices for the Catholic Campus Ministers, a small Chapel, and some study and gathering places.”
      The Catholic Center at 211 Bay State Road has a small chapel, ministry offices, and study and gathering spaces.
    2. Kevin Staley-Joyce | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/profile/kevin-staley-joyce · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Title University Chaplain, Director of the BU Catholic Center Office BU Catholic Center, 211 Bay State Road Email kstaleyj@bu.edu”
      Kevin Staley-Joyce is University Chaplain and Director of the BU Catholic Center, with an office at 211 Bay State Road and email kstaleyj@bu.edu.
    3. Staff - BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTERbucatholic.com/staff.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Annel Camacho Campus Minister”
      Annel Camacho is a campus minister at the BU Catholic Center.
      “Daniela Ricco Campus Minister”
      Daniela Ricco is a campus minister at the BU Catholic Center.
  • The Catholic Center celebrates two Sunday Masses in BU's Marsh Chapel during the academic year and one in summer.
    Sources (2)
    1. Sundays at Marsh Chapel | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/worship/sunday · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Mass is held at Marsh Chapel by the BU Catholic Center at 1 pm and 6 pm during the academic year, and at 4 pm during the summer term. For more information about Roman Catholic Mass at Marsh Chapel, contact the Boston University Catholic Center, 617-353-3632.”
      Sunday Mass is held at Marsh Chapel at 1 PM and 6 PM during the academic year and 4 PM in summer; the Catholic Center's phone is 617-353-3632.
    2. New to Marsh? | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/new-to-marsh · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
      Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.
  • A registered Catholic Student Association and a FOCUS team of five missionaries serve students.
    Sources (2)
    1. Religious & Spiritual Student Organizations | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/students/spiritual-religious-groups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Student Association (CSA) The Catholic Student Association at Boston University is for Catholic students or those interested in the faith.The CSA is a strong community of people looking to grow closer to God while forming genuine friendships and building community. Students can strengthen their faith through the sacraments, service, social events and other various programs offered by the CSA.”
      The Catholic Student Association is a registered BU religious life student organization offering sacraments, service, social events, and other programs.
    2. Boston University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/boston-university · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “That’s why we’re here. Let’s meet up sometime. Ludden Matthew Ludden Mohler Maria Mohler Alanis Austin Alanis Ibarra Natalia Ibarra Carvajal Kailey Carvajal”
      FOCUS lists five missionaries serving at Boston University.

Concerns

  • BU refers students to the Catholic Center website, where the schedule is published as images.
    Sources (1)
    1. New to Marsh? | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/new-to-marsh · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
      Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.
  • During the summer term (June-August), BU lists only one Sunday Mass at Marsh Chapel, at 4 PM.
    Sources (1)
    1. New to Marsh? | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/new-to-marsh · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Roman Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1PM and 6PM (Sept-May) or 4PM (Jun-Aug). The schedule of daily and special Masses can be found on the BU Catholic Center website.”
      Catholic Mass is held most Sundays at 1 PM and 6 PM (September-May) or 4 PM (June-August), and the Catholic Center also offers daily Masses.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

BU Catholic Center (Newman House)

  • Address: 211 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: small chapel, offices for the Catholic campus ministers, study and gathering spaces, library (online catalogue)

View on map ↗

Source: bu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, bucatholic.com, verified Oct. 8, 2026, bu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, bucatholic.com, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 6 on campus, 1 off campus

Retreats 1

  • RetreatsOff campus
    The Catholic Center's website has a Retreats page.
    bucatholic.com

Faith formation 1

  • OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)On campus
    The Catholic Center offers an OCIA sign-up and information form for those preparing to become Catholic or complete their sacraments.
    bucatholic.com

Clubs and groups 2

  • Catholic Student Association (CSA)On campus
    Registered BU religious life student organization for Catholic students and those interested in the faith, offering sacraments, service, social events, and other programs.
    bu.edu
  • FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)On campus
    FOCUS lists five missionaries at Boston University; the Catholic Center's staff page lists a FOCUS team director and three missionaries.
    focus.org, bucatholic.com

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Sunday Mass at Marsh ChapelOn campus
    Sundays 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM (academic year); 4:00 PM (summer)
    The BU Catholic Center celebrates Sunday Mass in the sanctuary of Marsh Chapel, led by the University's Catholic Chaplain.
    bu.edu, bu.edu, bu.edu

Other 2

  • 211 TuesdaysOn campus
    Tuesdays
    A Tuesday program named for the Catholic Center's address (211 Bay State Road), listed in the center's website menu.
    bucatholic.com
  • Catholic Center libraryOn campus
    The Catholic Center keeps a library with an online catalogue.
    bucatholic.com

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 (8)
  1. Spiritual Support & Resources | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/community/students/spiritual-support-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Roman Catholic Chaplaincy – BU Catholic Center The BU Catholic Center stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and love on campus, and has long served as an incubator for vocations of all kinds.”
    BU lists the BU Catholic Center as its Roman Catholic chaplaincy on campus.
    “Roman Catholic Chaplaincy – BU Catholic Center The BU Catholic Center stand as a beacon of faith, hope, and love on campus, and has long served as an incubator for vocations of all kinds.”
    BU lists the BU Catholic Center as its Roman Catholic chaplaincy on campus.
  2. Kevin Staley-Joyce | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/profile/kevin-staley-joyce · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Title University Chaplain, Director of the BU Catholic Center Office BU Catholic Center, 211 Bay State Road Email kstaleyj@bu.edu”
    Kevin Staley-Joyce is University Chaplain and Director of the BU Catholic Center, with an office at 211 Bay State Road and email kstaleyj@bu.edu.
  3. Staff - BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTERbucatholic.com/staff.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The BU Catholic Center Team Fr. Kevin Staley-Joyce Chaplain, Director”
    The Catholic Center's staff page lists Fr. Kevin Staley-Joyce as chaplain and director.
    “Austin Alanis FOCUS Team Director”
    The Catholic Center's staff page lists Austin Alanis as FOCUS team director at BU.
  4. Religious & Spiritual Student Organizations | Marsh Chapel & Religious Lifebu.edu/chapel/students/spiritual-religious-groups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Catholic Student Association (CSA) The Catholic Student Association at Boston University is for Catholic students or those interested in the faith.The CSA is a strong community of people looking to grow closer to God while forming genuine friendships and building community. Students can strengthen their faith through the sacraments, service, social events and other various programs offered by the CSA.”
    The Catholic Student Association is a registered BU religious life student organization offering sacraments, service, social events, and other programs.
  5. Boston University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/boston-university · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “That’s why we’re here. Let’s meet up sometime. Ludden Matthew Ludden Mohler Maria Mohler Alanis Austin Alanis Ibarra Natalia Ibarra Carvajal Kailey Carvajal”
    FOCUS lists five missionaries serving at Boston University.
  6. BU Glossary | Parents Programbu.edu/parentsprogram/resources/glossary · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The Catholic Center at Boston University, located at 211 Bay State Road, houses offices for the Catholic Campus Ministers, a small Chapel, and some study and gathering places.”
    The Catholic Center at 211 Bay State Road has a small chapel, ministry offices, and study and gathering spaces.
  7. BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTER - Homebucatholic.com · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “OCIA Signup & Information Form Click Here! 211 Bay State Road Boston, MA 02215”
    The BU Catholic Center is at 211 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, and offers an OCIA sign-up and information form.
  8. Library - BOSTON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTERbucatholic.com/library.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Access our library catalogue here! CLICK HERE”
    The Catholic Center has a library with an online catalogue.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: 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.
98 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.89%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.95%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,480 · ACT 33
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$35,988

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)
18,656
Total students36,624
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$24,402
Cost of attendance (per year)$86,285
Median federal debt at graduation$23,250
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
89%
First-year retention95%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$83,238
Admission rate11%
Students receiving Pell grants19%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1480
SAT reading & writing690–750
SAT math730–780
ACT composite32–34
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 68 / 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

Archdiocese of Boston

The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.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 Boston University a Catholic college?
No. Boston University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by BU Catholic Center (Roman Catholic Chaplaincy).
What is Boston University’s Catholic Life Score?
88 out of 100 (grade B). 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 Boston University?
Mass is listed at Marsh Chapel and 735 Commonwealth Avenue (Boston University campus). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Boston University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Boston University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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