
Catholic college
Gwynedd Mercy University
- LocationGwynedd Valley, PA
- Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 2,165 students
- SponsorSisters of Mercy of the Americas
- TraditionMercy
Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1948 by the Sisters of Mercy and is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Its campus ministry, the Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, and Justice, has two directors. General education requires three courses in religious studies and philosophy (at least one of each), and every first-year student takes a one-credit service course.
Catholic churches nearby
- Saint Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church — 2.8 mi · 259 Forest Avenue, Ambler
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.
Sacramental life
Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year1–2 weekdays (The 2026-27 Student Handbook refers to 'prayer opportunities, such as weekday mass' and says the University chapel offers the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy. The only schedule on the Mercy Center page (Wednesday Communion services and First Friday Masses on October 6, November 3, and December 1) is from fall 2023 and is not used.)
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The University chapel offers opportunities for silence, solitude, the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, and other opportunities for prayer. Please see the Mercy Center webpage or call 215-641-5590 for current information on prayer opportunities, such as weekday mass or daily prayer. The Chapel is located off the breezeway entrance to Campbell Hall. All are welcome to visit for private prayer whenever the building is open.”
“Students can connect with us through spectrum of activities, including Catholic mass, spiritual retreats, one-time service events, week-long Alternative Break trips, ongoing service in the local community, and informal visits to our office in Mercy Hall.”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: 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.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: 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.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest (Mass is celebrated (the 2026-27 handbook lists Catholic Mass among Mercy Center activities; an annual Mercy Day Mass was held September 24, 2026).)
Sources (2)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Students can connect with us through spectrum of activities, including Catholic mass, spiritual retreats, one-time service events, week-long Alternative Break trips, ongoing service in the local community, and informal visits to our office in Mercy Hall.”
- Mercy Week | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry/mercy-week · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Thursday, September 24 Annual Mercy Day Mass Join us for our annual Mercy Day Mass as we mark the 199th anniversary of Catherine McAuley opening the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (The 2026-27 handbook says all are welcome to visit the University chapel in Campbell Hall for private prayer whenever the building is open.)
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The University chapel offers opportunities for silence, solitude, the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, and other opportunities for prayer. Please see the Mercy Center webpage or call 215-641-5590 for current information on prayer opportunities, such as weekday mass or daily prayer. The Chapel is located off the breezeway entrance to Campbell Hall. All are welcome to visit for private prayer whenever the building is open.”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.
Theology and core curriculum
29 of 100 points on what we could document.
- Partly: 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 (The 2026-27 bachelor's general education ('Exploring the Spiritual World') requires PHL (3 credits), RS (3 credits), and RS or PHL (3 credits): one religious studies course is fixed and the third may be either.)
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Exploring the Spiritual World PHL 3 credits RS 3 credits RS or PHL 3 credits Exploring the Arts and Imagination”
“Bachelor's Degree Requirements* General Education, Core Curriculum: Growth through Mercy Connections”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: 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 (Any RS course meets the requirement; options include courses with Catholic content (e.g., RS 252 Contemporary Catholicism, RS 112 Sacraments and Spirituality) and courses such as RS 115 World Religions. No specific explicitly Catholic course is required.)
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“RS-252 Contemporary Catholicism After placing into a fuller context the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, this course examines”
“RS-115 World Religions The six major religions of the world, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Chinese religions are examined in a comparative manner.”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (One PHL course is required; the third course may be RS or PHL.)
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Exploring the Spiritual World PHL 3 credits RS 3 credits RS or PHL 3 credits Exploring the Arts and Imagination”
“Bachelor's Degree Requirements* General Education, Core Curriculum: Growth through Mercy Connections”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- No: No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNo (The catalog's general education description ('Growth Through Mercy Connections') says the Signature Seminar lets students discover what is distinctive about the university as a Catholic, Mercy institution committed to the Sisters of Mercy's Critical Concerns.)
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Signature Seminar component of the general education curriculum offers students the opportunity to discover what is distinctive about Gwynedd Mercy University as a Catholic, Mercy institution committed to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- No: No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.Theology or religious studies major offeredNo (The 2026-27 catalog's list of bachelor's programs has no religious studies or theology major (a Philosophy B.A. is offered). Religious Studies is listed among the minors (18 credits).)
Sources (2)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Programs Leading to the Bachelor Degree Bachelor of Arts: History History w/Secondary Education Music Industry Philosophy Psychology”
“Public Health Religious Studies Special Education Speech- Language-Pathology Sport Management Programs Leading to the Master Degree”
- Religious Studies at GMercyUgmercyu.edu/academics/programs/religious-studies-minor · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Earn a Religious Studies minor by: Completing 18 credits”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: 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.
Campus culture and residence life
72 of 100 points on what we could document.
- Partly: 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 (2: Jeffrey Wallace (Director of Spirituality and Justice) and Betsy Stone Plummer (Director of Service and Catherine's Cupboard); the 2026-27 handbook says the Mercy Center team consists of these two directors.)
Sources (2)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Mercy Center team consists of a Director of Spirituality and Justice and a Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard.”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Mission Integration James Gallo, EdD Vice President for Mission, Planning and Effectiveness Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality and Justice Jeffrey Wallace, MDiv Director of Spirituality and Justice Betsy Stone Plummer, MS Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (The 2026-27 handbook lists spiritual retreats among Mercy Center activities and the Mercy Center page says it offers 'a variety of retreats'; past offerings named are a First Year Retreat and 'Breakthrough'.)
Sources (2)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Students can connect with us through spectrum of activities, including Catholic mass, spiritual retreats, one-time service events, week-long Alternative Break trips, ongoing service in the local community, and informal visits to our office in Mercy Hall.”
- The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Past retreat offerings include First Year Retreat and “Breakthrough”.”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (The official club directory lists the Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, and Justice and the Kappa Gamma Pi Catholic honor society; the Mercy Center describes student liturgical ministries, Mercy Advocates in Service, and weekly conversation groups on meaning, purpose, and spirituality. A weekly Protestant Bible study is not counted.)
Sources (2)
- Clubs & Organizations | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/student-life/activities-leadership-programs/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Team FTK The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, and Justice The Mighty Marketers”
“Kappa Gamma Pi is the National Honor Society of Catholic Colleges. The purpose of this organization is to identify potential Catholic leaders who will maintain high personal standards of Christian excellence and scholarship.”
- The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“We encourage students, faculty, and staff to get involved in our liturgical celebrations as singers, musicians, lectures, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and leaders of prayer.”
“Mercy Advocates have the opportunity to make a difference both locally and globally. They involve their peers in community service while raising awareness of justice issues worldwide.”
“All are welcome to consider participating in weekly, hour long conversation groups of 4-6 people!”
- Clubs & Organizations | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/student-life/activities-leadership-programs/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex floors or wings only (Loyola Hall (mostly first-year students) has single-gender identity floors. St. Brigid and Siena Halls have co-ed floors.)
Sources (1)
- Residence Halls | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/student-life/living-campus/residence-halls · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Single-gender identity floors. The vast majority of Loyola residents are first-year students”
- Residence Halls | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/student-life/living-campus/residence-halls · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Partly: 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 (The 2026-27 Guide to Residence Life allows overnight guests (18 or older) no more than four times a month, with roommate permission and sign-in; it does not restrict guests by sex. It says the university 'does not encourage cohabitation'.)
Sources (1)
- 2026-27 Guide to Residence Life | Gwynedd Mercy Universitysites.gmercyu.edu/pdfs/26-27-guide-to-residence-life-august-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Overnight guests may be hosted by a resident student no more than four times in a month regardless of host.”
“Residents must obtain permission from their roommate(s) for a guest to stay overnight. At no time should a roommate be displaced by a guest.”
- 2026-27 Guide to Residence Life | Gwynedd Mercy Universitysites.gmercyu.edu/pdfs/26-27-guide-to-residence-life-august-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: 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: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Dr. James Gallo is Vice President for Mission, Planning and Effectiveness and heads Mission Integration, which includes the Mercy Center.)
Sources (3)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Vice President for Mission, Planning and Effectiveness Dr. James Gallo Assumption Hall, first floor Phone: 215-542-5787 ext. 21787 on campus Email: gallo.j@gmercyu.edu”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Mission Integration James Gallo, EdD Vice President for Mission, Planning and Effectiveness Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality and Justice Jeffrey Wallace, MDiv Director of Spirituality and Justice Betsy Stone Plummer, MS Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard”
- Leadership | Gwynedd Mercy University | Pennsylvaniagmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Vice President for Mission, Planning, & Effectiveness Jim Gallo, EdD”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Service and Catholic social teaching
91 of 100 points on what we could document.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service or volunteer centerYes (The Mercy Center's community service program, led by a Director of Service, organizes weekly service, Alternative Break trips, and service partnerships.)
Sources (2)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard Betsy Stone Plummer Phone: 215-641-5592, ext. 21592 on campus Email: plummer.b@gmercyu.edu”
- The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Seeking a way to link your faith with your desire to serve? GMercyU’s Mercy Center's community service program reflects and enhances the University’s commitment to the Mercy tradition of service to society”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumRequired of all students (UNV 101 GMercyU Service (1 credit; a service activity with guided written reflection) is part of bachelor's general education and required of all first-year students. Students 21 or older or with 24+ transfer credits, and accelerated/online students, are exempt.)
Sources (2)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“UNV-101 GMercyU Service As part of the UNV program, this course nurtures student development for service to society within the Mercy tradition through participation in a service activity and a guided written reflection.”
“101 is required of all full-time and part-time first-year students during their second semester.”
- Mercy in Action | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“100% of first-year, full-time students participate in community service”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Not enough information: 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.
- Partly: 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 (Support for parenting students: Catherine's Cupboard stocks baby care items and diapers that students may take for themselves or their families. No pro-life student group appears in the club directory.)
Sources (1)
- Catherine's Cupboard | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry/catherines-cupboard · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“household products, personal care products and diapers. Students can choose the items they need for themselves or their families.”
- Catherine's Cupboard | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry/catherines-cupboard · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: 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 (Mercy Center Alternative Break trips (immigration in McAllen, Texas; care of the earth in Benson, Vermont; 2025-26), Mercy Focus on Haiti, and Catherine's Cupboard (food insecurity).)
Sources (3)
- Alternative Break Service Experiences | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/service/alternative-spring-break · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Spring Break: March 9-15, 2026 in McAllen, TX Immigration, Global Poverty, Advocacy”
“Summer Break: May 10-15, 2026 in Benson, VT Care of the Earth, Spirituality, Advocacy”
- Service | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/service · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Mercy Focus on Haiti A group of Sisters of Mercy, friends, and colleagues walking with the Gros Morne, Haiti community.”
- Catherine's Cupboard | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry/catherines-cupboard · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Catherine’s Cupboard provides access to food and other resources when you need them. Providing access to the support students need is central to our Mercy mission.”
- Alternative Break Service Experiences | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/service/alternative-spring-break · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: 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 (Service is run by the Mercy Center (campus ministry), which links faith and service in the Mercy tradition.)
Sources (2)
- The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Seeking a way to link your faith with your desire to serve? GMercyU’s Mercy Center's community service program reflects and enhances the University’s commitment to the Mercy tradition of service to society”
- Alternative Break Service Experiences | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/service/alternative-spring-break · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Spring Break: March 9-15, 2026 in McAllen, TX Immigration, Global Poverty, Advocacy”
- The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.
Strengths
- General education requires three courses in religious studies and philosophy, at least one of each, with Catholic-content courses among the religious studies options.
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Exploring the Spiritual World PHL 3 credits RS 3 credits RS or PHL 3 credits Exploring the Arts and Imagination”
“RS-252 Contemporary Catholicism After placing into a fuller context the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church, this course examines”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Every first-year student takes UNV 101 GMercyU Service, a service activity with guided reflection.
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“UNV-101 GMercyU Service As part of the UNV program, this course nurtures student development for service to society within the Mercy tradition through participation in a service activity and a guided written reflection.”
“101 is required of all full-time and part-time first-year students during their second semester.”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- The Mercy Center runs Alternative Break trips on immigration and care of the earth, the Catherine's Cupboard pantry, and Mercy Focus on Haiti, and a Vice President for Mission leads Mission Integration.
Sources (4)
- Alternative Break Service Experiences | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/service/alternative-spring-break · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Spring Break: March 9-15, 2026 in McAllen, TX Immigration, Global Poverty, Advocacy”
“Summer Break: May 10-15, 2026 in Benson, VT Care of the Earth, Spirituality, Advocacy”
- Catherine's Cupboard | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry/catherines-cupboard · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Catherine’s Cupboard provides access to food and other resources when you need them. Providing access to the support students need is central to our Mercy mission.”
- Service | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/service · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Mercy Focus on Haiti A group of Sisters of Mercy, friends, and colleagues walking with the Gros Morne, Haiti community.”
- Leadership | Gwynedd Mercy University | Pennsylvaniagmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Vice President for Mission, Planning, & Effectiveness Jim Gallo, EdD”
- Alternative Break Service Experiences | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/service/alternative-spring-break · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Concerns
- The handbook mentions weekday Mass without days or times.
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The University chapel offers opportunities for silence, solitude, the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, and other opportunities for prayer. Please see the Mercy Center webpage or call 215-641-5590 for current information on prayer opportunities, such as weekday mass or daily prayer. The Chapel is located off the breezeway entrance to Campbell Hall. All are welcome to visit for private prayer whenever the building is open.”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- The Mercy Center's two staff members are lay directors.
Sources (2)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Mercy Center team consists of a Director of Spirituality and Justice and a Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard.”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Mission Integration James Gallo, EdD Vice President for Mission, Planning and Effectiveness Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality and Justice Jeffrey Wallace, MDiv Director of Spirituality and Justice Betsy Stone Plummer, MS Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard”
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Religious studies is offered only as a minor, and the religious studies requirement can be met with courses such as World Religions.
Sources (1)
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Public Health Religious Studies Special Education Speech- Language-Pathology Sport Management Programs Leading to the Master Degree”
“RS-115 World Religions The six major religions of the world, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Chinese religions are examined in a comparative manner.”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- The residence guide allows overnight guests up to four times a month without restriction by sex, and two of the three halls have co-ed floors.
Sources (2)
- 2026-27 Guide to Residence Life | Gwynedd Mercy Universitysites.gmercyu.edu/pdfs/26-27-guide-to-residence-life-august-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Overnight guests may be hosted by a resident student no more than four times in a month regardless of host.”
- Residence Halls | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/student-life/living-campus/residence-halls · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Single-gender identity floors. The vast majority of Loyola residents are first-year students”
- 2026-27 Guide to Residence Life | Gwynedd Mercy Universitysites.gmercyu.edu/pdfs/26-27-guide-to-residence-life-august-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
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Campus ministry home
The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, and Justice (Mercy Hall)
- Address: 1325 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
- Location: On campus
- Facilities: Mercy Center office (Mercy Hall), University Chapel (Campbell Hall), Catherine's Cupboard food pantry (Tabor House)
Source: gmercyu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, gmercyu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, gmercyu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, gmercyu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026
Catholic clubs and student life
12 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 2 off campus, 7 location not published
Faith formation 2
- Dublin PilgrimageOff campusEvery other summerThree-day Mercy leadership pilgrimage to Dublin, Ireland.
- Conversation groupsWeeklyHour-long small groups of 4-6 people discussing meaning, purpose, and spirituality.
Service 4
- Alternative Break tripsOff campusSpring and summer breaks (2026: McAllen, Texas, and Benson, Vermont)Mercy Center service trips on immigration and poverty at the southern border and on care of the earth at a Mercy eco-spirituality center.
- Catherine's CupboardOn campusMercy Center food pantry in Tabor House, with self-serve shelves outside the chapel in Campbell Hall.
- Mercy Advocates in ServiceStudents who involve peers in community service and raise awareness of justice issues.
- Mercy Focus on HaitiPartnership with a Sisters of Mercy ministry serving the Gros Morne, Haiti, community.
Liturgy and prayer 3
- Mercy Day MassOn campusAnnually in Mercy Week (September 24, 2026, 11:30 a.m.)Annual Mass marking the founding of the Sisters of Mercy, in the Frances M. Maguire '55 Healthcare Innovation Center.
- Special Masses (Welcome Back, Mass of Remembrance, Baccalaureate)University Masses at set points in the academic year.
- Liturgical MinistriesStudents serve as singers, musicians, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and prayer leaders.
Social life 1
- Alternative Break BingoOn campusSpring (April 11, 2026)Annual bingo fundraiser for the Alternative Break trips, held in the Healthcare Innovation Center.
Clubs and groups 1
- Kappa Gamma PiChapter of the national honor society of Catholic colleges.
Retreats 1
- RetreatsDay or weekend retreats offered by the Mercy Center; past offerings include a First Year Retreat and 'Breakthrough'.
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 (5)
- 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/2026-27-student-handbook-final.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Students can connect with us through spectrum of activities, including Catholic mass, spiritual retreats, one-time service events, week-long Alternative Break trips, ongoing service in the local community, and informal visits to our office in Mercy Hall.”
“The Mercy Center team consists of a Director of Spirituality and Justice and a Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard.”
“The University chapel offers opportunities for silence, solitude, the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, and other opportunities for prayer. Please see the Mercy Center webpage or call 215-641-5590 for current information on prayer opportunities, such as weekday mass or daily prayer. The Chapel is located off the breezeway entrance to Campbell Hall. All are welcome to visit for private prayer whenever the building is open.”
- The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Find us in Mercy Hall. Not familiar with that building? See our campus map.”
“Find us in Mercy Hall. Not familiar with that building? See our campus map.”
- 2026-2027 University Catalog | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/pdfs/2026-27-university-course-catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Mission Integration James Gallo, EdD Vice President for Mission, Planning and Effectiveness Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality and Justice Jeffrey Wallace, MDiv Director of Spirituality and Justice Betsy Stone Plummer, MS Director of Service and Catherine’s Cupboard”
“GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY 1325 Sumneytown Pike, P.O. Box 901 Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437-0901”
- Leadership | Gwynedd Mercy University | Pennsylvaniagmercyu.edu/about-gmercyu/leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Vice President for Mission, Planning, & Effectiveness Jim Gallo, EdD”
- Catherine's Cupboard | Gwynedd Mercy Universitygmercyu.edu/mercy-tradition/campus-ministry/catherines-cupboard · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Catherine’s Cupboard provides access to food and other resources when you need them. Providing access to the support students need is central to our Mercy mission.”
Reach out
Contact details for Jeffrey M. Wallace (Director of Spirituality and Justice) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.
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Academic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.57%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.78%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,090
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,202
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))
Campus facts
| Sports | NCAA Division III · Atlantic East Conference |
|---|---|
| Setting | Suburb |
| Study abroad | Offered |
| Students per faculty member | 12 to 1 |
Federal data (IPEDS). None of this changes the faith grades.
Cost and value
Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.
| Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS) | 1,457 |
|---|---|
| Total students | 2,165 |
| Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid | $27,483 |
| Cost of attendance (per year) | $55,786 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time | 57% |
| First-year retention | 78% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $67,145 |
| Admission rate | 90% |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 25% |
| Average SAT | 1090 |
|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 530–598 |
| SAT math | 493–588 |
| ACT composite | — |
| Test policy | Considered but not required |
Value index: 49 / 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
The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia
Formal address: “Your Excellency”
Source: catholicchurchofphila.org, catholicchurchofphila.org, catholicchurchofphila.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 212832
- Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
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Questions families ask
- Is Gwynedd Mercy University a Catholic college?
- Yes. Gwynedd Mercy University is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Its sponsor is Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
- What is Gwynedd Mercy University’s Compass Score?
- 64 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
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