Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
College of Our Lady of the Elms: Berchmans Hall, Elms College, Chicopee MA
Photo: John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

College of Our Lady of the Elms

  • LocationChicopee, MA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 1,332 students
  • SponsorSisters of St. Joseph
  • TraditionSisters of St. Joseph
Official website

The College of Our Lady of the Elms is a Catholic liberal arts college in Chicopee, Massachusetts, in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Campus Ministry publishes one Saturday evening Mass and one Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year, with confession by appointment. The core requires one religious studies course and one philosophy course, and a religious studies major is offered.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 2

  • Saturday5:45 PMSt. Joseph Chapel, Berchmans Hall · Weekend Mass during the academic year. The Campus Ministry page says the chapel is closed for the fall semester.
  • Wednesday12:15 PMSt. Joseph Chapel, Berchmans Hall · Community Mass during the academic year. The Campus Ministry page says the chapel is closed for the fall semester.

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 (1)
  1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Weekend Mass is offered on Saturday evening at 5:45pm Community Mass is offered each Wednesday at 12:15pm during the academic year.”
    Campus Ministry lists one Saturday evening Mass and one Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year.
    “Weekend Mass is offered on Saturday evening at 5:45pm Community Mass is offered each Wednesday at 12:15pm during the academic year.”
    Campus Ministry lists one Saturday evening Mass and one Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of College of Our Lady of the Elms, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miAssumption Church: 0.4 mi1Saint Stanislaus Church: 0.5 mi2Saint Michael's Cathedral: 2.7 mi3Office of Campus Ministry and St. Joseph Chapel: 0.1 miCollege of Our Lady of the Elms (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Assumption Church — 0.4 mi · 97 Springfield Street, Chicopee
  2. Saint Stanislaus Church — 0.5 mi · 570 Front Street
  3. Saint Michael's Cathedral — 2.7 mi · 254 State Street, Springfield

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.

DSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

48 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year1–2 weekdays (One weekday (Wednesday) Community Mass is published.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass is offered on Saturday evening at 5:45pm Community Mass is offered each Wednesday at 12:15pm during the academic year.”
      Campus Ministry lists one Saturday evening Mass and one Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year.
    2. Spiritual Life | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass is offered each Saturday at 5:45 P.M. Community Mass at 12:15 P.M. on Wednesday during the academic year.”
      The Spiritual Life page lists the same Saturday and Wednesday Masses.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)One weekend Mass (One weekend Mass (Saturday evening) is published.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass is offered on Saturday evening at 5:45pm Community Mass is offered each Wednesday at 12:15pm during the academic year.”
      Campus Ministry lists one Saturday evening Mass and one Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year.
    2. Spiritual Life | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass is offered each Saturday at 5:45 P.M. Community Mass at 12:15 P.M. on Wednesday during the academic year.”
      The Spiritual Life page lists the same Saturday and Wednesday Masses.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusLess than weekly, or by appointment only (Confession is by appointment with the college chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation may be scheduled by appointment by contacting Father Mark Stelzer at stelzerm@elms.edu.”
      Confession is available by appointment, not at scheduled weekly times.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (The college chaplain is named and listed as Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff Campus Directory | Elms Collegeelms.edu/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Reverend Mark Stelzer, S.Th.D. College Chaplain, Professor of Humanities, Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity stelzerm@elms.edu | 413-265-2590”
      Fr. Mark Stelzer is listed as College Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity.
  • 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.
  • 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 (2 weekly times documented: 2 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).
CTheology and core curriculum: 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.

Theology and core curriculum

57 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (Humanities core requires one religious studies course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Humanities (15 credits; one course in each of five disciplines: literature, history, fine or performing arts, religious studies, and philosophy)”
      The core requires one religious studies course and one philosophy course.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (Catholic theology (REL 1001 Contemporary Catholicism) is one option among several religious studies courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “REL 1001 Contemporary Catholicism (3)”
      A course titled Contemporary Catholicism is listed among the religious studies courses.
      “REL 2105 World Religions: Western Traditions (3)”
      Other religious studies courses cover world religions.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (Humanities core requires one philosophy course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Humanities (15 credits; one course in each of five disciplines: literature, history, fine or performing arts, religious studies, and philosophy)”
      The core requires one religious studies course and one philosophy course.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Apply the traditions, values, and social teachings that inform the Catholic identity of Elms College.”
      A liberal arts core outcome asks students to apply the traditions that inform the Catholic identity of the college.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “On the undergraduate level, both a major and minor are offered in religious studies.”
      A religious studies major is offered.
  • 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.
CCampus culture and residence life: 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.

Campus culture and residence life

62 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Two to four (Two professional staff listed: Director of Campus Ministry and College Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff Campus Directory | Elms Collegeelms.edu/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Eileen Kirk, M.Ed. Director of Campus Ministry kirke@elms.edu | 413-265-2468”
      Eileen Kirk is listed as Director of Campus Ministry.
      “Reverend Mark Stelzer, S.Th.D. College Chaplain, Professor of Humanities, Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity stelzerm@elms.edu | 413-265-2590”
      Fr. Mark Stelzer is listed as College Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Retreats are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Office of Campus Ministry promotes spiritual well-being and growth by offering student retreat opportunities”
      Campus Ministry offers student retreat opportunities; no specific retreat is named on the page.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Campus Ministry Club and a Bible study/meditation group are listed; the choir and Agape Latte are not counted here.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry has many programs offered throughout the year: Agape Latte, Soup and Substance, Interfaith luncheons, Campus Ministry Club, Bible study/meditation group”
      Campus Ministry lists these programs and groups.
    2. Student Organizations | Elms Collegeelms.edu/student-life/student-engagement-and-leadership/student-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Campus Ministry Club meets throughout the year to plan events, engage in community service”
      The Campus Ministry Club is a listed student organization.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Single-sex residence optionsCoed housing only (Residence halls are coeducational.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Student-Handbook_2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The residence halls are coeducational living environments staffed with an undergraduate resident advisor (RA) on each floor.”
      Residence halls are coeducational.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsOvernight guests of the opposite sex not permitted
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Student-Handbook_2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All overnight guests are expected to be of the same gender as the resident host.”
      Overnight guests must be the same gender as the resident host.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity and Special Assistant for Mission and Charism.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faculty and Staff Campus Directory | Elms Collegeelms.edu/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Reverend Mark Stelzer, S.Th.D. College Chaplain, Professor of Humanities, Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity stelzerm@elms.edu | 413-265-2590”
      Fr. Mark Stelzer is listed as College Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity.
    2. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Special Assistant to the President for Mission & Charism; Cabinet Liaison to the DEIJ Committee of the Board”
      A Special Assistant to the President for Mission and Charism is listed in the administration.
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

83 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Campus Ministry runs organized local volunteer opportunities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Outreach | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/community-outreach · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Office of Campus Ministry is committed in its cultivation of opportunities for students to actively serve in the surrounding greater Springfield area.”
      Campus Ministry offers local volunteer service opportunities.
  • 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) (Experiential learning courses are available.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Student-Handbook_2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Courses with an experiential learning project or requirement”
      Experiential learning courses are offered; they are not described as required of all students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Part of the required core (The First Year Seminar, a required core course for full-time first-year students, has themes drawn from Catholic Social Teaching.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FYS courses focus on a theme taken from Catholic Social Teaching, and delve into it”
      First Year Seminar courses focus on a theme taken from Catholic Social Teaching.
    2. Student Handbook 2026-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Student-Handbook_2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “is a 3-credit course that is required for all full time, first year students.”
      The First Year Seminar is required of full-time first-year students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)One (Pregnant and parenting students can request accommodations.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2026-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Student-Handbook_2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “If you are experiencing medical concerns based on your pregnancy or parenting that are affecting your academic schedule or standing, please contact the Director of Student Accommodations and Support Services (SASS)”
      Pregnant and parenting students can request accommodations through the SASS office.
  • 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 (Week-long mission trips and the First-Year Encounter service week.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission Trips | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/mission-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Elms offers a number of week-long mission service opportunities in destinations in the U.S. and abroad.”
      Week-long mission trips are offered in the U.S. and abroad.
      “introduces Elms College students, faculty, and staff to those around the world who are voiceless and marginalized”
      Mission trips introduce students to people who are marginalized.
    2. First-Year Encounter Program | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/first-year-encounter-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FYE offers students opportunities to encounter our local community through service work”
      First-Year Encounter is a week of local service for incoming first-year students.
  • 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 (Mission trips are framed by Catholic social teachings and run by Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission Trips | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/mission-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “implement the Catholic social teachings that form the base of the Elms experience”
      Mission trips are framed by Catholic social teachings.

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

Strengths

  • Campus Ministry publishes a Saturday evening Mass and a Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass is offered on Saturday evening at 5:45pm Community Mass is offered each Wednesday at 12:15pm during the academic year.”
      Campus Ministry lists one Saturday evening Mass and one Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year.
  • The core curriculum outcomes include applying the traditions that inform the Catholic identity of Elms College, and a religious studies major is offered.
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Apply the traditions, values, and social teachings that inform the Catholic identity of Elms College.”
      A liberal arts core outcome asks students to apply the traditions that inform the Catholic identity of the college.
      “On the undergraduate level, both a major and minor are offered in religious studies.”
      A religious studies major is offered.
  • The First Year Seminar draws its themes from Catholic Social Teaching, and mission trips are framed by Catholic social teachings.
    Sources (2)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FYS courses focus on a theme taken from Catholic Social Teaching, and delve into it”
      First Year Seminar courses focus on a theme taken from Catholic Social Teaching.
    2. Mission Trips | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/mission-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “implement the Catholic social teachings that form the base of the Elms experience”
      Mission trips are framed by Catholic social teachings.
  • Local volunteer service, week-long mission trips, and a First-Year Encounter service week are published.
    Sources (3)
    1. Community Outreach | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/community-outreach · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Office of Campus Ministry is committed in its cultivation of opportunities for students to actively serve in the surrounding greater Springfield area.”
      Campus Ministry offers local volunteer service opportunities.
    2. Mission Trips | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/mission-trips · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Elms offers a number of week-long mission service opportunities in destinations in the U.S. and abroad.”
      Week-long mission trips are offered in the U.S. and abroad.
    3. First-Year Encounter Program | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/first-year-encounter-program · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FYE offers students opportunities to encounter our local community through service work”
      First-Year Encounter is a week of local service for incoming first-year students.

Concerns

  • The published Mass schedule lists one weekday Mass and one weekend Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass is offered on Saturday evening at 5:45pm Community Mass is offered each Wednesday at 12:15pm during the academic year.”
      Campus Ministry lists one Saturday evening Mass and one Wednesday Community Mass during the academic year.
  • The core requires one religious studies course, and Catholic theology is one option among several religious studies courses.
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Course Catalog 2025-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Undergraduate-Course-Catalog_2025-2027_update.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Humanities (15 credits; one course in each of five disciplines: literature, history, fine or performing arts, religious studies, and philosophy)”
      The core requires one religious studies course and one philosophy course.
      “REL 1001 Contemporary Catholicism (3)”
      A course titled Contemporary Catholicism is listed among the religious studies courses.
      “REL 2105 World Religions: Western Traditions (3)”
      Other religious studies courses cover world religions.
  • Campus ministry says it offers retreats.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Office of Campus Ministry promotes spiritual well-being and growth by offering student retreat opportunities”
      Campus Ministry offers student retreat opportunities; no specific retreat is named on the page.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office of Campus Ministry and St. Joseph Chapel

  • Address: 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: St. Joseph Chapel (third floor of Berchmans Hall), interfaith prayer room (lower level of the library), outdoor reflection areas

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

12 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 3 off campus, 8 location not published

Service 3

  • Mission tripsOff campus
    Week-long trips (U.S. and abroad)
    Service-immersion trips led by student leaders with faculty and staff; framed by Catholic social teachings.
    elms.edu, elms.edu, elms.edu
  • First-Year EncounterOff campus
    Week before the academic year
    A week of volunteer service at local sites for incoming first-year students, with evening reflection.
    elms.edu
  • Sunday sandwich ministry with Saint Stanislaus parishionersOff campus
    Sundays at 10:45am
    Volunteers make and distribute sandwiches for the homeless of Chicopee.
    elms.edu

Faith formation 4

  • Agape LatteOn campus
    Held twice a semester
    Student-led program on faith and life, held in the campus café area; organized with Boston College.
    elms.edu, elms.edu
  • Soup and Substance
    Twice per semester at lunchtime
    Lunchtime series where staff, students, and faculty share their spiritual journeys.
    elms.edu
  • Bible study/meditation group
    Campus ministry Bible study and meditation group.
    elms.edu
  • Lent and Advent daily prayers
    Daily prayers during Lent and Advent, listed among campus ministry programs.
    elms.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Campus Ministry Club
    Meets throughout the year
    Plans events, community service, and food and supply drives. Contact: Eileen Kirk.
    elms.edu

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Choir
    Weekly rehearsal
    Sings at special liturgies, Agape Latte events, and the Christmas tree lighting.
    elms.edu
  • Founders' Day and St. Joseph's Day celebrations
    Celebrations with the Sisters of St. Joseph.
    elms.edu

Other 1

  • Interfaith luncheons
    Interfaith luncheons listed among campus ministry programs.
    elms.edu

Social life 1

  • Mass and lunch with local Sisters of St. Joseph
    Fall and spring
    Students and employees gather for Mass and lunch with local Sisters of St. Joseph.
    elms.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. Student Handbook 2026-2027 | Elms Collegeelms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Student-Handbook_2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Office of Campus Ministry is grounded in Catholic tradition with an ecumenical perspective.”
    Campus Ministry is grounded in Catholic tradition with an ecumenical perspective.
    “Campus Ministry is located on the first floor of the Mary Dooley College Center”
    Campus Ministry's office is in the Mary Dooley College Center.
  2. Campus Ministry | Elms Collegeelms.edu/spiritual-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Office of Campus Ministry exists to deepen the spiritual life of the community”
    The Office of Campus Ministry exists to deepen the spiritual life of the community.
    “St. Joseph Chapel, dedicated to our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, is the heartbeat of the college campus and is located on the third floor of Berchmans Hall.”
    St. Joseph Chapel is located on the third floor of Berchmans Hall.
    “The interfaith prayer room, located in the lower level of the library, offers a quiet space for prayer and reflection.”
    An interfaith prayer room is available in the library.
  3. Contact Us | Elms Collegeelms.edu/contact-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “College of Our Lady of the Elms 291 Springfield Street Chicopee, MA 01013-2839”
    The college's published street address is 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: 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.
73 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.68%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.76%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.11 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,941

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)
1,038
Total students1,332
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$17,545
Cost of attendance (per year)$54,027
Median federal debt at graduation$25,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
68%
First-year retention76%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$51,540
Admission rate85%
Students receiving Pell grants45%

Value index: 57 / 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 Springfield in Massachusetts

The Most Reverend William D. Byrne, Bishop of Springfield in Massachusetts

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

  • IPEDS unit ID 167394
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (medium programs)
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
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Questions families ask

Is College of Our Lady of the Elms a Catholic college?
Yes. College of Our Lady of the Elms is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts. Its sponsor is Sisters of St. Joseph.
What is College of Our Lady of the Elms’s Compass Score?
65 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Mass is listed at St. Joseph Chapel and Berchmans Hall. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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