Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Divine Mercy University
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic college

Divine Mercy University

  • LocationSterling, VA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 442 students
  • SponsorLegionaries of Christ
Official website

Divine Mercy University in Sterling, Virginia is a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling, sponsored by the Legionaries of Christ. It offers no bachelor's degree; no undergraduate theology or philosophy requirement applies. Its campus chapel has Mass on weekdays at 12:35 PM, and two Legionary priests are listed as the university's chaplains.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Monday–Friday12:35 PMDMU Campus, 1st floor chapel

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. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “DMU Campus, 1st floor chapel Monday through Friday – 12:35 pm”
    Mass is listed on the DMU campus, first-floor chapel, Monday through Friday at 12:35 PM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Divine Mercy University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Joseph Catholic Church: 2.4 mi1Campus Ministry and Chaplaincy, St. Dymphna Chapel: 0.1 miDivine Mercy University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph Catholic Church — 2.4 mi · 750 Peachtree Street, Herndon

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.

CSacramental 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.

Sacramental life

61 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass Monday through Friday at 12:35 PM in the campus chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “DMU Campus, 1st floor chapel Monday through Friday – 12:35 pm”
      Mass is listed on the DMU campus, first-floor chapel, Monday through Friday at 12:35 PM.
  • 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.
  • 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 chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students can make an appointment with the chaplain”
      Students may arrange confession by appointment with the chaplain.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adorationOccasional (monthly or seasonal) (Holy Hours are listed among the sacraments offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sacraments: Daily Mass, Confession & Holy Hours”
      Daily Mass, confession and Holy Hours are listed among the campus ministry's sacraments.
  • 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) (Two named Legionaries of Christ priests are presented as the university chaplains.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Chaplain Fr. Daniel Pajerski, LC and Fr. Walter Schu, L.C.”
      Two named Legionaries of Christ priests are listed as the university's chaplains.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (Daily Mass is celebrated in the campus chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “DMU Campus, 1st floor chapel Monday through Friday – 12:35 pm”
      Mass is listed on the DMU campus, first-floor chapel, Monday through Friday at 12:35 PM.
  • 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 (5 weekly times documented: 5 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).
FTheology and core curriculum: Minimal (grade F): 0 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

0 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (The university is a graduate school and offers no bachelor's degree; no theology courses are required of bachelor's students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. History of Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award masters and doctorate degrees.”
      The university's accreditation covers masters and doctorate degrees.
    2. Mission & Vision | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/mission-and-vision · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling, founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences.”
      The university describes itself as a Catholic graduate school.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)The requirement can be met with no Catholic theology content (No undergraduate theology requirement exists because the university offers no bachelor's degree.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Vision | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/mission-and-vision · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling, founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences.”
      The university describes itself as a Catholic graduate school.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (No undergraduate philosophy requirement exists because the university offers no bachelor's degree.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Vision | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/mission-and-vision · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling, founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences.”
      The university describes itself as a Catholic graduate school.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNo
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Vision | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/mission-and-vision · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Divine Mercy University is an institution of higher education offering graduate degrees, continuing education and certificate programs globally.”
      The university offers graduate degrees, continuing education and certificates.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredNo (The listed degrees are in psychology and counseling; no theology or religious studies major is offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Vision | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/mission-and-vision · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The University offers a Doctoral (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Psychology, Doctorate (Ph.D.) In Counselor Education Supervision and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling.”
      The university's listed degrees are in psychology and counseling.
  • 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.

  • 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 (Three professional ministry staff are named: two chaplains and a campus minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Chaplain Fr. Daniel Pajerski, LC and Fr. Walter Schu, L.C.”
      Two named Legionaries of Christ priests are listed as the university's chaplains.
      “Campus Minister: Tony MacDonnell tmacdonnell@divinemercy.edu”
      Tony MacDonnell is the campus minister.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Student retreats and Advent and Lenten days of reflection are described.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Other religious activities and programs for students held during the year include student retreats, Advent and Lenten half days/evenings of reflection and 3-6 week scripture reflection series.”
      Student retreats, Advent and Lenten days of reflection, and scripture reflection series are offered during the 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 student organizations and faith-formation groupsNot 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.
    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.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)No
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Housing | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/student-housing · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are encouraged to utilize resources such as Facebook groups to be able to successfully find housing.”
      The university's housing page offers off-campus housing search resources rather than university housing.
  • 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.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

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.
    Service or volunteer centerNot 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.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumNot 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.
    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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)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.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is listed on the campus, in the first-floor chapel, Monday through Friday at 12:35 PM.
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “DMU Campus, 1st floor chapel Monday through Friday – 12:35 pm”
      Mass is listed on the DMU campus, first-floor chapel, Monday through Friday at 12:35 PM.
  • Two named Legionaries of Christ priests are listed as the university's chaplains, and the campus minister's contact details are published.
    Sources (1)
    1. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Chaplain Fr. Daniel Pajerski, LC and Fr. Walter Schu, L.C.”
      Two named Legionaries of Christ priests are listed as the university's chaplains.
      “Campus Minister: Tony MacDonnell tmacdonnell@divinemercy.edu”
      Tony MacDonnell is the campus minister.
      “(703) 544-7802”
      The campus minister's published telephone number is 544-7802.
  • The campus chapel, St. Dymphna Chapel, was blessed by the Bishop of Arlington and opened in September 2024.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Dymphna Chapel | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/new-chapel-donate · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The St. Dymphna Chapel was officially blessed by The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, and opened on September 21, 2024.”
      The St. Dymphna Chapel was blessed by the Bishop of Arlington and opened in September 2024.

Concerns

  • The university offers graduate degrees only; the core and theology and philosophy requirements the rubric measures do not apply to undergraduates.
    Sources (2)
    1. History of Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award masters and doctorate degrees.”
      The university's accreditation covers masters and doctorate degrees.
    2. Mission & Vision | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/mission-and-vision · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Divine Mercy University is an institution of higher education offering graduate degrees, continuing education and certificate programs globally.”
      The university offers graduate degrees, continuing education and certificates.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry and Chaplaincy, St. Dymphna Chapel

  • Address: 45154 Underwood Lane, Sterling, VA 20166
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 6 location not published

Faith formation 3

  • Scripture reflection series
    3 to 6 weeks, during the year
    Scripture reflection series of three to six weeks.
    divinemercy.edu
  • Small group sessions
    Small groups for scripture reflection, Lectio Divina, catechesis and popular devotions.
    divinemercy.edu
  • Spiritual direction and confession with the chaplain
    Individual appointments with the university chaplain for spiritual direction and confession.
    divinemercy.edu

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Holy Hours
    Holy Hours are listed among the sacraments offered by campus ministry.
    divinemercy.edu

Retreats 2

  • Student retreats
    During the academic year
    Student retreats are offered during the year; dates are available from the campus minister.
    divinemercy.edu, divinemercy.edu
  • Advent and Lenten days of reflection
    Advent and Lent
    Half days or evenings of reflection in Advent and Lent.
    divinemercy.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. Health and Wellness | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/student-services/health-and-wellness · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Chaplain Fr. Daniel Pajerski, LC and Fr. Walter Schu, L.C.”
    Two named Legionaries of Christ priests are listed as the university's chaplains.
    “Campus Minister: Tony MacDonnell tmacdonnell@divinemercy.edu”
    Tony MacDonnell is the campus minister.
    “DMU Campus, 1st floor chapel Monday through Friday – 12:35 pm”
    Mass is listed on the DMU campus, first-floor chapel, Monday through Friday at 12:35 PM.
  2. St. Dymphna Chapel | Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/new-chapel-donate · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The St. Dymphna Chapel was officially blessed by The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, and opened on September 21, 2024.”
    The St. Dymphna Chapel was blessed by the Bishop of Arlington and opened in September 2024.
  3. History of Divine Mercy Universitydivinemercy.edu/about/history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “45154 Underwood Lane Sterling, VA 20166”
    The university's published address is 45154 Underwood Lane, Sterling, VA 20166.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence is computed for four-year colleges with at least 100 undergraduates. Seminaries, graduate-only schools, and two-year colleges are not rated.

Cost and value

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

The federal government has not published value and outcome data for this school.

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 Arlington

The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of St. Thomas More

Source: arlingtondiocese.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 445869
  • Carnegie classification: Special focus: health professions
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Divine Mercy University a Catholic college?
Yes. Divine Mercy University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Arlington. Its sponsor is Legionaries of Christ.
Where is Mass celebrated at Divine Mercy University?
Mass is listed at DMU Campus and 1st floor chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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