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Divine Word College: Divine Word College
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Catholic college

Divine Word College

  • LocationEpworth, IA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 61 students
  • SponsorSociety of the Divine Word
Official website
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Divine Word College is a Roman Catholic college seminary in Epworth, Iowa, established and operated by the Society of the Divine Word. Its published Mass schedule lists Mass Monday through Friday, on Saturday, and on Sunday in the main chapel. The 2026-27 core curriculum requires four theology courses, including Catholic Catechism & Theology and Catholic Social Teaching, and the college offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Mission.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Monday–Friday8:00 AMMain chapel, Divine Word College · Listed as beginning Monday, August 10 (2026-27 academic year).
  • Saturday8:00 AMMain chapel, Divine Word College
  • Sunday10:00 AMMain chapel, Divine Word College

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 | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/about-dwc/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM Saturday at 8:00 AM Sunday at 10:00 AM”
    Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM, Saturday at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM, beginning Monday, August 10.
    “Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM Saturday at 8:00 AM Sunday at 10:00 AM”
    Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM, Saturday at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM, beginning Monday, August 10.
    “Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM Saturday at 8:00 AM Sunday at 10:00 AM”
    Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM, Saturday at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM, beginning Monday, August 10.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Divine Word College, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 miSaint Patrick Catholic Church: 0.2 mi1Divine Word College (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Patrick Catholic Church — 0.2 mi

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

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

BSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

75 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 listed Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM; the Policy Handbook places Eucharistic celebrations in the College main chapel.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass Times | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/about-dwc/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM Saturday at 8:00 AM Sunday at 10:00 AM”
      Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM, Saturday at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM, beginning Monday, August 10.
    2. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025)dwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Rector ordinarily assigns presiders for Eucharistic and other celebrations in the College main chapel.”
      Eucharistic celebrations are held in the College main chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Two or more weekend Masses (Saturday at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/about-dwc/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM Saturday at 8:00 AM Sunday at 10:00 AM”
      Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM, Saturday at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM, beginning Monday, August 10.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusLess than weekly, or by appointment only (Only a seasonal Advent Reconciliation service is listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Almanacdwci.edu/application/files/4517/8845/2696/2026-2027_-_Almanac_PRINTING_COPY.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “7:30 pm Advent Reconciliation”
      The 2026-27 Almanac lists an Advent Reconciliation service at 7:30 PM.
  • 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) (A priest listed as Formator/Chaplain; the Society of the Divine Word community lives on campus.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Directory | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/about-dwc/campus-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Sonny DeClass, SVD Formator/Chaplain 563.876.3353 x156 edeclass@dwci.edu”
      Fr. Sonny DeClass, SVD is listed as Formator/Chaplain.
    2. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Campus, Buildings & Facilitiesdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “dining areas, offices, and living quarters for the SVD members.”
      The main buildings include living quarters for the SVD members.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (Eucharistic celebrations are assigned to the College main chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025)dwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Rector ordinarily assigns presiders for Eucharistic and other celebrations in the College main chapel.”
      Eucharistic celebrations are held in the College main chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (7 weekly times documented: 7 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).
BTheology and core curriculum: 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.

Theology and core curriculum

82 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsThree or more courses (Four core courses carry the THM (Theology & Mission) prefix: THM 133, 222, 223 and 277. Counted as distinct courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Core Curriculumdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology 3 THM 222 Old Testament 3 THM 223 New Testament 3 THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching: Fundamental Principles 3”
      The core curriculum requires four Theology & Mission courses, including THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology and THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching, and PHI 145 Critical Thinking.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)At least one required course is explicitly Catholic theology (THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology is required in the core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Course Descriptionsdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A programmatic study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.”
      THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology is a required core course that studies the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
      “THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology 3 THM 222 Old Testament 3 THM 223 New Testament 3 THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching: Fundamental Principles 3”
      The core curriculum requires four Theology & Mission courses, including THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology and THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching, and PHI 145 Critical Thinking.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (The only required core course with the PHI (Philosophy) prefix is PHI 145 Critical Thinking.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Core Curriculumdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology 3 THM 222 Old Testament 3 THM 223 New Testament 3 THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching: Fundamental Principles 3”
      The core curriculum requires four Theology & Mission courses, including THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology and THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching, and PHI 145 Critical Thinking.
      “PHI Philosophy”
      The PHI course prefix denotes Philosophy courses.
  • 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. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Core Curriculumdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Coursework is grounded in the liberal arts, centered on Catholic traditions, and guided by Divine Word Missionary values.”
      The core curriculum is described as centered on Catholic traditions.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Missiondwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Grounded in the Roman Catholic theological tradition and the charism of the Society of the Divine Word, the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology & Mission”
      The college offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Mission.
  • 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.
BCampus culture and residence life: 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.

Campus culture and residence life

80 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Five or more (Nine staff listed in the campus directory with chaplain, spiritual director, spiritual life coordinator, or liturgical music roles.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Directory | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/about-dwc/campus-directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Sonny DeClass, SVD Formator/Chaplain 563.876.3353 x156 edeclass@dwci.edu”
      Fr. Sonny DeClass, SVD is listed as Formator/Chaplain.
      “Fr. Simon Thoi Hoang, SVD SVD Community Rector Instructor of Theology Spiritual Life Coordinator 563-876-3353 x206 shoang@dwci.edu”
      Fr. Simon Thoi Hoang, SVD is listed as Spiritual Life Coordinator.
      “Fr. James Bergin, SVD Spiritual Director 563.876.3353 x249 jbergin@dwci.edu”
      Fr. James Bergin, SVD is listed as Spiritual Director.
      “Sr. Evelyn Lobo, SSpS Spiritual Director”
      Sr. Evelyn Lobo, SSpS is listed as Spiritual Director.
      “Sr. Joellen Price, PBVM Spiritual Director”
      Sr. Joellen Price, PBVM is listed as Spiritual Director.
      “Sr. Carol Welp, SSpS Spiritual Director”
      Sr. Carol Welp, SSpS is listed as Spiritual Director.
      “Fr. Thomas Umbras, SVD Spiritual Director”
      Fr. Thomas Umbras, SVD is listed as Spiritual Director.
      “Sr. Cecilia Thoa Nguyen, LHC-PT Vietnamese Development Office Assistant; Spiritual Director”
      Sr. Cecilia Thoa Nguyen, LHC-PT is listed with a Spiritual Director role.
      “Dr. Evelyn Dias Assistant Professor of Music; Liturgical Music Coordinator”
      Dr. Evelyn Dias is listed as Liturgical Music Coordinator.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Two retreat offerings are listed in the 2026-27 Almanac: Student Recollection Day and Retreat Weekend.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Almanacdwci.edu/application/files/4517/8845/2696/2026-2027_-_Almanac_PRINTING_COPY.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Student Recollection Day”
      The 2026-27 Almanac lists a Student Recollection Day.
      “RETREAT WEEKEND”
      The 2026-27 Almanac calendar lists Retreat Weekends on several dates.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (Overnight guests require advance approval from the Dean of Students (2025 Policy Handbook, section 12.01).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025): Guests (Overnight) of DWC Studentsdwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students may not offer visitors overnight accommodations in the student dormitories, the third-floor guest rooms or Megan Hall without the explicit permission of the Dean of Students.”
      Overnight guests require the Dean of Students' permission in advance.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Yes (Arkfeld House is a residence for seminarians in final-year pre-novitiate formation, with community prayer.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Housing | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/student-life/housing · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “live together in our Arkfeld House and participate in”
      Final-year seminarians live together in Arkfeld House for pre-novitiate formation, living and praying as a community.
  • 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.
AService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

88 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (The Ministry Formation Program is staffed by a Ministries Coordinator and assistants.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Ministry Programdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Once per semester, the student participates in group reflections on their experiences with the Ministries Coordinator or his/her assistants.”
      The Ministry Formation Program has a Ministries Coordinator and assistants who lead group reflections once per semester.
  • 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) (Community service is expected of all students; college credit for ministry service is optional.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Ministry Programdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students participating in ministry may also apply for college credit in the ministry program.”
      Students may earn college credit for ministry service.
  • 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 (THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching: Fundamental Principles is part of the required core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Core Curriculumdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology 3 THM 222 Old Testament 3 THM 223 New Testament 3 THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching: Fundamental Principles 3”
      The core curriculum requires four Theology & Mission courses, including THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology and THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching, and PHI 145 Critical Thinking.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Two programs: outreach to the poor and to immigrants, and the Campus Sustainability Committee (care for creation). The committee is now part of the Justice, Peace and Integrity Council, which the Policy Handbook lists as forthcoming.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025): Mission Statementdwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Outreach to the elderly at area nursing homes, to the poor in homeless shelters and at soup kitchens, to youth in religious education programs, to disabled children in local care facilities, and to immigrants”
      Students and faculty conduct outreach to area nursing homes, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and immigrants.
      “The committee helps Divine Word College to live our responsibility as an institution of Catholic higher education by modeling sustainable environmental practices”
      The Campus Sustainability Committee models sustainable environmental practices for the surrounding community.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Ministry Programdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “to prepare the student for various missionary apostolates (especially those of the Society of the Divine Word)”
      The Ministry Formation Program prepares students for missionary apostolates.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is published Monday through Friday, on Saturday, and on Sunday in the main chapel.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass Times | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/about-dwc/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM Saturday at 8:00 AM Sunday at 10:00 AM”
      Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM, Saturday at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 10:00 AM, beginning Monday, August 10.
    2. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025)dwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Rector ordinarily assigns presiders for Eucharistic and other celebrations in the College main chapel.”
      Eucharistic celebrations are held in the College main chapel.
  • The core curriculum requires four theology courses, including Catholic Catechism & Theology and Catholic Social Teaching.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Core Curriculumdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology 3 THM 222 Old Testament 3 THM 223 New Testament 3 THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching: Fundamental Principles 3”
      The core curriculum requires four Theology & Mission courses, including THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology and THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching, and PHI 145 Critical Thinking.
      “A programmatic study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.”
      THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology is a required core course that studies the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
  • The Ministry Formation Program sends students into area service and reflects on it with a Ministries Coordinator.
    Sources (2)
    1. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025): Mission Statementdwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Outreach to the elderly at area nursing homes, to the poor in homeless shelters and at soup kitchens, to youth in religious education programs, to disabled children in local care facilities, and to immigrants”
      Students and faculty conduct outreach to area nursing homes, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and immigrants.
    2. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Ministry Programdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Once per semester, the student participates in group reflections on their experiences with the Ministries Coordinator or his/her assistants.”
      The Ministry Formation Program has a Ministries Coordinator and assistants who lead group reflections once per semester.

Concerns

  • The core requires one philosophy course, PHI 145 Critical Thinking; many Catholic colleges require two or more.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Core Curriculumdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology 3 THM 222 Old Testament 3 THM 223 New Testament 3 THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching: Fundamental Principles 3”
      The core curriculum requires four Theology & Mission courses, including THM 133 Catholic Catechism & Theology and THM 277 Catholic Social Teaching, and PHI 145 Critical Thinking.
      “PHI Philosophy”
      The PHI course prefix denotes Philosophy courses.
  • The 2026-27 Almanac lists only an Advent Reconciliation service.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Almanacdwci.edu/application/files/4517/8845/2696/2026-2027_-_Almanac_PRINTING_COPY.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “7:30 pm Advent Reconciliation”
      The 2026-27 Almanac lists an Advent Reconciliation service at 7:30 PM.
  • The Vice President for Formation and Student Life coordinates the Religious Formation Program.
    Sources (1)
    1. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025): Vice President for Formation and Student Lifedwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Vice President for Formation and Student Life is accountable to the College President and coordinates the efforts of the formation personnel to achieve the aims and purposes of the Religious Formation Program.”
      The Vice President for Formation and Student Life coordinates the Religious Formation Program.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Divine Word College Main Chapel

  • Address: 102 Jacoby Drive SW, Epworth, Iowa 52045-0380
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, student lounge, dining room, library

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

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 6 location not published

Service 2

  • Ministry Formation Program outreachOff campus
    Service to area nursing homes, homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and to immigrants. Students reflect on their experiences once per semester with the Ministries Coordinator. College credit is available to sophomores and above.
    dwci.edu, dwci.edu, dwci.edu
  • Campus Sustainability Committee
    A committee that models sustainable environmental practices for the surrounding community.
    dwci.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Religious formation groups
    Weekly
    Students are organized into formation groups, each guided by a formation director, and meet weekly.
    dwci.edu, dwci.edu

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Holy Hour
    A 7:30 PM Holy Hour is listed on the 2026-27 Almanac calendar.
    dwci.edu
  • Advent Reconciliation
    Advent
    A 7:30 PM Advent Reconciliation service is listed on the 2026-27 Almanac calendar.
    dwci.edu

Retreats 2

  • Student Recollection Day
    A Student Recollection Day is listed on the 2026-27 Almanac calendar.
    dwci.edu
  • Retreat Weekend
    Retreat Weekends are listed on several dates of the 2026-27 Almanac calendar.
    dwci.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. 2026-2027 Divine Word College Catalog: Religious Formation Programdwci.edu/application/files/8317/8647/9125/2026-2027_Catalog_-_Online.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Students are organized into formation groups and guided by a formation director.”
    Students are organized into formation groups guided by a formation director.
    “to prepare the student for various missionary apostolates (especially those of the Society of the Divine Word)”
    The Ministry Formation Program prepares students for missionary apostolates.
    “Once per semester, the student participates in group reflections on their experiences with the Ministries Coordinator or his/her assistants.”
    The Ministry Formation Program has a Ministries Coordinator and assistants who lead group reflections once per semester.
    “102 Jacoby Drive SW Epworth, Iowa 52045-0380”
    The college's published address is 102 Jacoby Drive SW, Epworth, Iowa 52045-0380.
  2. Divine Word College Policy Handbook (revised 4/30/2025): Vice President for Formation and Student Lifedwci.edu/application/files/5817/4914/5840/2025.04.30.Divine_Word_College_Policy_Handbook.complete.master.v2.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Vice President for Formation and Student Life is accountable to the College President and coordinates the efforts of the formation personnel to achieve the aims and purposes of the Religious Formation Program.”
    The Vice President for Formation and Student Life coordinates the Religious Formation Program.
    “The Rector ordinarily assigns presiders for Eucharistic and other celebrations in the College main chapel.”
    Eucharistic celebrations are held in the College main chapel.
  3. Housing | Divine Word Collegedwci.edu/student-life/housing · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “There is also the Main chapel, classrooms, Matthew Jacoby Library, study areas, dining room, student lounge”
    The main building contains the main chapel, classrooms, library, dining room and student lounge.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Sonny DeClass, SVD (Formator/Chaplain) and 4 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
61
Total students61
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
—
Cost of attendance (per year)—
Median federal debt at graduation—
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
100%
First-year retention33%
Median earnings 10 years after entry—
Admission rate—
Students receiving Pell grants10%

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 Dubuque

The Most Reverend Thomas Zinkula, Archbishop of Dubuque

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 Divine Word College a Catholic college?
Yes. Divine Word College is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Its sponsor is Society of the Divine Word.
Where is Mass celebrated at Divine Word College?
Mass is listed at Main chapel and Divine Word College. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Divine Word College Compass Recommended?
Yes. Divine Word College meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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