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Columbia College: Columbia College gateway in July 2021
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College · Catholic life on campus

Columbia College

  • LocationColumbia, MO
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 6,046 students

Affiliation: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

St. Thomas More Newman Center, the Catholic campus ministry of St. John Henry Newman Parish in Columbia, Missouri, states that its primary apostolate includes Columbia College, the University of Missouri-Columbia and Stephens College. Mass is offered on weekdays at noon and several times on weekends, with scheduled confession and adoration, and the ministry lists Bible studies, a weekly fellowship night, retreats and discernment programs.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 7

  • Monday–Friday12:00 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center · Weekday Mass at noon.
  • Saturday5:00 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center · Saturday evening Mass.
  • Saturday6:30 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center · Korean Mass, third Saturday of the month.
  • Sunday8:30 AMSt. Thomas More Newman Center
  • Sunday11:00 AMSt. Thomas More Newman Center · Also livestreamed.
  • Sunday5:00 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center
Show 1 more mass times
  • Sunday8:00 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center · When the University of Missouri is in session.

Confession 2

  • Tuesday5:00 PM–5:30 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center
  • Saturday4:00 PM–4:30 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center · Also available during most adoration times and by appointment.

Adoration 2

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday8:30 AM–9:30 AMSt. Thomas More Newman Center
  • Wednesday12:30 PM–1:30 PMSt. Thomas More Newman Center

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. Mass Times | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/mass-times-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
    Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
    “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
    Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
    “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
    Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
    “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
    Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
    “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
    Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
    “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
    Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
    “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
    Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
    “Tues: | 5 to 5:30 PM | Sat: | 4 to 4:30 PM”
    Confession is scheduled Tuesdays 5:00 to 5:30 PM and Saturdays 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
    “Tues: | 5 to 5:30 PM | Sat: | 4 to 4:30 PM”
    Confession is scheduled Tuesdays 5:00 to 5:30 PM and Saturdays 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
    “M, T, Th, F: | 8:30 to 9:30 AM | Wed: | 12:30 to 1:30 PM”
    Adoration is scheduled Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 to 9:30 AM and Wednesday 12:30 to 1:30 PM.
    “M, T, Th, F: | 8:30 to 9:30 AM | Wed: | 12:30 to 1:30 PM”
    Adoration is scheduled Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 to 9:30 AM and Wednesday 12:30 to 1:30 PM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Columbia College, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSacred Heart Catholic Church: 0.6 mi1Newman Center: 1.0 mi2Our Lady of Lourdes: 2.3 mi3St. Thomas More Newman Center: 1.0 miColumbia College (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Sacred Heart Catholic Church — 0.6 mi
  2. Newman Center — 1.0 mi
  3. Our Lady of Lourdes — 2.3 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

96 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. About Us | St. John Henry Newman Catholic Churchcomonewman.org/about-us-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We are a university parish of more than 800 families and over 1,000 students. Our primary apostolate is serving the collegiate campuses of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephen’s College, and Columbia College.”
      The parish describes itself as a university parish whose primary apostolate is serving the collegiate campuses, including Columbia College.
    2. St. John Henry Newman Catholic Church | Columbia, MOcomonewman.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “serving the students, faculty, and staff at Mizzou, Columbia College, and Stephen’s College.”
      The Newman ministry states that it serves students at Columbia College.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (Recorded from the ministry's statement that its building was built as the Catholic Student Center for the three college campuses. Distance is computed from the address.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | St. John Henry Newman Catholic Churchcomonewman.org/about-us-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Built for 350 members, the building was dedicated on May 9, 1964, as the Catholic Student Center for the three college campuses in Columbia.”
      The building was dedicated as the Catholic Student Center for the three college campuses in Columbia.
      “602 Turner Ave. | Columbia, MO 65201”
      The Newman Center's address is 602 Turner Ave., Columbia, MO 65201.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (The parish describes itself as a university parish, and Fr. Dan Merz, SLD is listed as Pastor with no other assignment shown.)
    Sources (2)
    1. About Us | St. John Henry Newman Catholic Churchcomonewman.org/about-us-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We are a university parish of more than 800 families and over 1,000 students. Our primary apostolate is serving the collegiate campuses of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephen’s College, and Columbia College.”
      The parish describes itself as a university parish whose primary apostolate is serving the collegiate campuses, including Columbia College.
    2. Staff | St. John Henry Newman Catholic Churchcomonewman.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Dan began as Pastor at Newman July 1, 2020.”
      Fr. Dan Merz, SLD is the Pastor of the Newman parish and campus ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass is listed Monday through Friday at noon.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/mass-times-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
      Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
  • 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 (Saturday 5:00 PM plus Sunday Masses at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/mass-times-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
      Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Scheduled confession on Tuesdays and Saturdays; also available during most adoration times and by appointment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/mass-times-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tues: | 5 to 5:30 PM | Sat: | 4 to 4:30 PM”
      Confession is scheduled Tuesdays 5:00 to 5:30 PM and Saturdays 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
  • 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 (Small group Bible studies, FOCUS missionaries who lead Bible studies, and the Ephesians Three weekly gathering are listed. The Mizzou Catholic Student Association is a University of Missouri organization.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/campus-ministry-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Newman hosts dozens of small groups so there will certainly be one that fits your schedule!”
      The ministry hosts small group Bible studies.
      “Newman is fortunate to have FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Student Missionaries) serving as a part of the Campus Ministry Team.”
      FOCUS missionaries serve on the Newman campus ministry team and lead Bible studies.
      “Ephesians Three is a weekly experience for fellowship, conversation, and prayer! Held every Wednesday night at 8:33pm in the MPR”
      The Ephesians Three Ministry is a weekly student gathering for fellowship, conversation and prayer on Wednesday nights.
      “The Mizzou Catholic Student Association (Mizzou CSA) is a University of Missouri organization supported by the Catholic Campus Ministry at St. Thomas More Newman Center.”
      The Mizzou Catholic Student Association is a University of Missouri organization supported by the ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Retreats (Awakenings, Ignite, SEEK, Cor Ad Cor and Busy Person's) and discernment formation are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/campus-ministry-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Meet other students and build relationships at this student-led retreat held at Cross Pointe Retreat Center at the Lake of the Ozarks.”
      The Awakenings retreat is held once each semester at Cross Pointe Retreat Center at the Lake of the Ozarks.
      “Campus Ministry offers a variety of opportunities for students to practice discernment through monthly Discernment Nights and retreats.”
      The ministry offers monthly Discernment Nights and discernment retreats for students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (18 weekly times documented: 11 Mass, 2 confession, 5 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

  • Mass is offered on weekdays at noon and on several weekend times, including Saturday evening and Sunday.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/mass-times-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sat: | 5:00 PM | Sun: | 8:30 AM 11:00 AM (also livestreamed) 5:00 PM 8:00 PM (when MU is in session) | M-F: | Noon | Korean Mass: third Saturday of the month at 6:30 PM”
      Mass is offered Saturday at 5:00 PM, Sunday at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM (when MU is in session), Monday through Friday at noon, and a Korean Mass on the third Saturday at 6:30 PM.
  • Confession is scheduled weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and adoration is listed on several weekdays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/mass-times-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tues: | 5 to 5:30 PM | Sat: | 4 to 4:30 PM”
      Confession is scheduled Tuesdays 5:00 to 5:30 PM and Saturdays 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
      “M, T, Th, F: | 8:30 to 9:30 AM | Wed: | 12:30 to 1:30 PM”
      Adoration is scheduled Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 to 9:30 AM and Wednesday 12:30 to 1:30 PM.
  • The ministry states that it serves students at Columbia College, with a pastor listed for the university parish.
    Sources (2)
    1. St. John Henry Newman Catholic Church | Columbia, MOcomonewman.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “serving the students, faculty, and staff at Mizzou, Columbia College, and Stephen’s College.”
      The Newman ministry states that it serves students at Columbia College.
    2. Staff | St. John Henry Newman Catholic Churchcomonewman.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Dan began as Pastor at Newman July 1, 2020.”
      Fr. Dan Merz, SLD is the Pastor of the Newman parish and campus ministry.

Concerns

  • Several listed student groups are specific to the University of Missouri, such as the Mizzou Catholic Student Association.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | St. Thomas More Newman Centercomonewman.org/campus-ministry-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Mizzou Catholic Student Association (Mizzou CSA) is a University of Missouri organization supported by the Catholic Campus Ministry at St. Thomas More Newman Center.”
      The Mizzou Catholic Student Association is a University of Missouri organization supported by the ministry.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. Thomas More Newman Center

  • Address: 602 Turner Ave., Columbia, MO 65201
  • Distance from campus: 1.0 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: chapel, multipurpose room

View on map ↗

Source: comonewman.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, comonewman.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

12 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 11 location not published

Retreats 4

  • Awakenings RetreatOff campus
    Once each semester
    Student-led retreat at Cross Pointe Retreat Center at the Lake of the Ozarks.
    comonewman.org
  • Freshman Ignite Retreat
    Each fall
    Two-day retreat for incoming freshmen that introduces the Newman Center and its faith community.
    comonewman.org
  • Busy Person's Retreat
    Retreat in which students meet a spiritual director for 45 minutes each day and commit to 30 minutes of personal prayer.
    comonewman.org
  • Cor Ad Cor silent retreat
    Silent retreat focused on receiving and responding to God's call; open to college-age students.
    comonewman.org

Faith formation 3

  • Ephesians Three Ministry
    Wednesdays 8:33 PM
    Weekly student gathering for fellowship, conversation and prayer; topics vary and sometimes include adoration.
    comonewman.org
  • Discernment Nights
    Monthly
    Monthly evenings where students meet parishioners, alumni, campus ministry staff and members of religious orders to discuss vocational discernment.
    comonewman.org
  • Newman campus ministry internship
    Internship program for students interested in ministry roles, with applications at the beginning of the spring semester.
    comonewman.org

Clubs and groups 3

  • Small group Bible studies
    Dozens of small group Bible studies hosted by the Newman ministry.
    comonewman.org
  • FOCUS missionaries (Bible studies)
    FOCUS missionaries serve on the campus ministry team and lead Bible studies.
    comonewman.org
  • Mizzou Catholic Student Association
    A University of Missouri organization supported by the Newman ministry; the page describes membership for MU students.
    comonewman.org

Other 1

  • SEEK Conference
    January
    Annual FOCUS-hosted conference. Newman takes a group of students and subsidizes part of the registration fees.
    comonewman.org

Service 1

  • Service and Justice ministry
    Parish service and justice ministry led by a Director of Service and Justice, who is listed on the Newman staff page.
    comonewman.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 (2)
  1. About Us | St. John Henry Newman Catholic Churchcomonewman.org/about-us-2 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “We are a university parish of more than 800 families and over 1,000 students. Our primary apostolate is serving the collegiate campuses of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephen’s College, and Columbia College.”
    The parish describes itself as a university parish whose primary apostolate is serving the collegiate campuses, including Columbia College.
    “Built for 350 members, the building was dedicated on May 9, 1964, as the Catholic Student Center for the three college campuses in Columbia.”
    The building was dedicated as the Catholic Student Center for the three college campuses in Columbia.
    “602 Turner Ave. | Columbia, MO 65201”
    The Newman Center's address is 602 Turner Ave., Columbia, MO 65201.
  2. St. John Henry Newman Catholic Church | Columbia, MOcomonewman.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “serving the students, faculty, and staff at Mizzou, Columbia College, and Stephen’s College.”
    The Newman ministry states that it serves students at Columbia College.

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.
50 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.42%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.75%
  • 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.20 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$8,042

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)
5,633
Total students6,046
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,715
Cost of attendance (per year)$37,207
Median federal debt at graduation$23,879
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
42%
First-year retention75%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$45,378
Admission rate—
Students receiving Pell grants45%

Value index: 33 / 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 Jefferson City

The Most Reverend Ralph B. O'Donnell, Bishop of Jefferson City

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

Diocese determined from the county using NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 177065
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Columbia College a Catholic college?
No. Columbia College is not a Catholic college. Its listed religious affiliation is Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. Thomas More Newman Center (Catholic Campus Ministry).
What is Columbia College’s Catholic Life Score?
85 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 Columbia College?
Mass is listed at St. Thomas More Newman Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Columbia College Compass Recommended?
Yes. Columbia College meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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