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

Catholic college

Hilbert College

  • LocationHamburg, NY
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 973 students
  • SponsorFranciscan Sisters of St. Joseph
  • TraditionFranciscan
Official website

Hilbert College is a Catholic independent, co-educational college in Hamburg, New York, anchored in its Catholic Franciscan heritage. The Catalog says Mass is celebrated once a week in St. Clare Chapel on campus. The core requires one religion elective, and the college's published list of baccalaureate programs does not include a theology or religious studies major.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Hilbert College, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Bernadette Catholic Church: 2.3 mi1Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church: 2.7 mi2Hilbert Campus Ministry: 0.2 miHilbert College (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Bernadette Catholic Church — 2.3 mi · 5930 South Abbott Road, Orchard Park
  2. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church — 2.7 mi · 66 East Main Street, Hamburg

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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

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.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearNot 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.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)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.
    Scheduled confession on campusNot 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.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest (Mass is published as celebrated weekly on campus.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Mass is celebrated once a week in the St. Clare chapel on campus, and on special occasions.”
      The 2026-2027 Catalog says Catholic Mass is celebrated once a week in St. Clare Chapel on campus.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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.
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

36 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (All students are required to complete a religion elective; only one is required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All Hilbert College students are required to complete EN 101 (College Writing) and EN 102 (Unveiling Literary Treasures), a religion elective in keeping with our Franciscan tradition”
      All students must complete one religion elective in keeping with the Franciscan tradition.
  • 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 (The required religion elective may be chosen from several religious studies courses, such as RS 102 Exploring World Religions. Catholic content (RS 202, RS 206) is one option among several.)
    Sources (1)
    1. RS Courses | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/pages/ep6gwvpMwEtfpvYWXmeL · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Special attention will be given to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which provide a framework for assessing current advocacy work”
      RS 202 Religion and Social Justice gives special attention to Catholic Social Teaching and is one of the religion electives.
      “RS 102 Exploring World Religions”
      RS 102 Exploring World Religions is one of several religious studies electives, not specifically Catholic.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (The core lists general-education modules; philosophy is not a required module. The generic Humanities module is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students must take at least one (1) course from each of the following modules:”
      The general education modules are listed; philosophy is not one of the required modules.
  • 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 (The Blueprint, the required first-year-to-graduation sequence, is shaped by the college's Catholic, Franciscan tradition.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Blueprint | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/blueprint · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The structure of the Blueprint is shaped by and supports the three foundational pillars outlined in our mission and vision statements: our Catholic, Franciscan tradition”
      The Blueprint, part of the required course sequence, names the Catholic, Franciscan tradition as one of its three foundational pillars.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredNo (The catalog's list of authorized baccalaureate programs has no theology or religious studies major; the minors list has no religion or theology minor.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About Hilbert | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/abouthilbert/about-hilbert · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the College is authorized to offer baccalaureate degrees in Accounting, Biology, Business Management, Digital Media and Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, English, Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation, Human Services, Liberal Studies Psychology, and Sports Industry Management”
      The list of authorized baccalaureate degrees includes no theology or religious studies major.
  • 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.
DCampus culture and residence life: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture and residence life

45 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)One (One professional ministry staff member is listed (the Chief Mission and Belonging Officer, who is the Campus Ministry contact).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/life-at-hilbert/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Lauren Gill Chief Mission and Belonging Officer phone (716) 926-8886 email lgill@hilbert.edu”
      Lauren Gill, Chief Mission and Belonging Officer, is the published Campus Ministry contact, with phone 926-8886 and email lgill@hilbert.edu.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (The Catalog says retreats are scheduled.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Retreats, nature walks, and pilgrimages are also scheduled to encourage students to discover and celebrate God’s presence within themselves, others, and all of creation.”
      Retreats, nature walks and pilgrimages are scheduled for students; the number is not stated.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsNone (The official clubs page presents its list as the full list; it includes no Catholic student organization. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is not a Catholic group.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Get Involved at Hilbert: Clubs & Organizations | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/life-at-hilbert/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Check out our full list of clubs below and find your perfect fit!”
      The official clubs page presents the list below as the full list of student clubs; it includes no Catholic student organization.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex floors or wings only (Same-gender suites and single-gender apartments within co-residential buildings.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residence Halls | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/life-at-hilbert/living-on-campus/residence-halls · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All adjoining rooms are of the same identified gender”
      In St. Joseph's Hall, rooms connected by a bathroom are of the same gender.
      “Each building contains four single-gender apartments that can house four or five students in single bedrooms.”
      Each apartment building contains four single-gender apartments.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (The Office of Mission Integration's stated scope covers the college's Franciscan mission and values.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission, Vision, & Values | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/about/mission-vision-values · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Office of Mission Integration fosters a profound understanding and appreciation of these values among our students, faculty, staff, and trustees.”
      The Office of Mission Integration promotes the college's Franciscan values among students, faculty, staff and trustees.
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

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning and Community Engagement | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/student-life/service-learning-community-engagement · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The office supports the college’s academic service-learning program and offers a diverse range of co-curricular service opportunities”
      The Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement supports the service-learning program and co-curricular service.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumRequired of all students (Every student must complete one service-learning experience in an academic course to graduate; most complete it in BLU 201.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Service Learning and Community Engagement | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/student-life/service-learning-community-engagement · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “students will complete at least one service-learning experience as part of an academic course during their Hilbert College career in order to be eligible to graduate.”
      Service learning is required of all students to graduate.
    2. Blueprint | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/blueprint · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “In their sophomore year, students will take BLU 201: Service Learning and Civic Engagement.”
      Students take BLU 201 Service Learning and Civic Engagement in their sophomore year.
  • 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 (BLU 201 is part of the required Blueprint sequence, and its description says Catholic social teaching principles provide the framework.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Blueprint | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/blueprint · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic social teaching principles and Hilbert’s Catholic, Franciscan heritage provide a framework for students to understand their own personal experiences”
      BLU 201 uses Catholic social teaching principles as the framework for a semester-long service-learning experience.
  • 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.
  • 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 (The St. Francis Week service events are part of the campus ministry's St. Francis observance.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Francis Week | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/life-at-hilbert/campus-ministry/st-francis-week · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “During St. Francis Week, the entire Hilbert College community celebrates the life of St. Francis of Assisi by giving back to the community”
      St. Francis Week is a campus-wide observance that includes giving back to the community.
      “Franciscan Day of Caring: Campus Community Event”
      The Franciscan Day of Caring is a campus community service event in St. Francis Week.

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

Strengths

  • The college's Blueprint, the required sequence for all students, is shaped by its Catholic, Franciscan tradition.
    Sources (1)
    1. Blueprint | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/blueprint · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The structure of the Blueprint is shaped by and supports the three foundational pillars outlined in our mission and vision statements: our Catholic, Franciscan tradition”
      The Blueprint, part of the required course sequence, names the Catholic, Franciscan tradition as one of its three foundational pillars.
  • Service learning is required of all students to graduate, and BLU 201 frames it with Catholic social teaching.
    Sources (2)
    1. Service Learning and Community Engagement | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/student-life/service-learning-community-engagement · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “students will complete at least one service-learning experience as part of an academic course during their Hilbert College career in order to be eligible to graduate.”
      Service learning is required of all students to graduate.
    2. Blueprint | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/blueprint · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic social teaching principles and Hilbert’s Catholic, Franciscan heritage provide a framework for students to understand their own personal experiences”
      BLU 201 uses Catholic social teaching principles as the framework for a semester-long service-learning experience.
  • A campus-wide St. Francis Week observance and an Office of Mission Integration support the Franciscan mission.
    Sources (2)
    1. St. Francis Week | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/life-at-hilbert/campus-ministry/st-francis-week · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “During St. Francis Week, the entire Hilbert College community celebrates the life of St. Francis of Assisi by giving back to the community”
      St. Francis Week is a campus-wide observance that includes giving back to the community.
    2. Mission, Vision, & Values | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/about/mission-vision-values · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Office of Mission Integration fosters a profound understanding and appreciation of these values among our students, faculty, staff, and trustees.”
      The Office of Mission Integration promotes the college's Franciscan values among students, faculty, staff and trustees.

Concerns

  • The core requires one religion elective, which may be any of several religious studies courses; no philosophy course is required.
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All Hilbert College students are required to complete EN 101 (College Writing) and EN 102 (Unveiling Literary Treasures), a religion elective in keeping with our Franciscan tradition”
      All students must complete one religion elective in keeping with the Franciscan tradition.
      “Students must take at least one (1) course from each of the following modules:”
      The general education modules are listed; philosophy is not one of the required modules.
  • The official clubs list includes no Catholic student organization.
    Sources (1)
    1. Get Involved at Hilbert: Clubs & Organizations | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/life-at-hilbert/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Check out our full list of clubs below and find your perfect fit!”
      The official clubs page presents the list below as the full list of student clubs; it includes no Catholic student organization.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Hilbert Campus Ministry

  • Address: 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: St. Clare Chapel

View on map ↗

Source: hilbert.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, catalog.hilbert.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, hilbert.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 1 off campus, 5 location not published

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Daily and Sunday Mass at St. Francis ParkOff campus
    Daily and Sunday (times not published)
    Mass open to the public at St. Francis Park, across the street from campus.
    catalog.hilbert.edu
  • Weekly Mass in St. Clare ChapelOn campus
    Once a week (day not stated)
    Catholic Mass celebrated once a week in St. Clare Chapel on campus, and on special occasions.
    catalog.hilbert.edu
  • Mass for St. FrancisOn campus
    October 4, 2026 (St. Francis Week)
    Mass in St. Clare's Chapel during St. Francis Week.
    hilbert.edu

Other 1

  • Blessing of the AnimalsOn campus
    October 1, 2026, 4:00 PM
    Campus community event at the Bogel Firepit during St. Francis Week.
    hilbert.edu

Social life 1

  • Coffee with the SaintsOn campus
    October 1, 2026, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    Passport event in the West Herr Atrium during St. Francis Week.
    hilbert.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Preparation for Catholic initiation and Confirmation
    Students who wish to become Catholic or prepare for a sacrament such as Confirmation schedule an appointment with the Chief Mission and Belonging Officer and Campus Ministry.
    catalog.hilbert.edu

Retreats 1

Service 3

  • St. Francis Week Franciscan Day of Caring
    Late September to early October (2026 schedule)
    Campus community service event during St. Francis Week.
    hilbert.edu, hilbert.edu
  • St. Francis Peace Walk
    October 2, 2026
    Passport event starting at 11:00 AM in Swan Auditorium during St. Francis Week.
    hilbert.edu
  • Hilbert Helpers
    Student club focused on helping the Hilbert campus and the Hamburg and Buffalo communities through service.
    hilbert.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 (4)
  1. Campus Ministry | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/life-at-hilbert/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Hilbert Campus Ministry serves the religious and spiritual needs of the students, faculty and staff by offering worship, fellowship, outreach, and educational opportunities.”
    Hilbert Campus Ministry offers worship, fellowship, outreach and educational opportunities to students, faculty and staff.
    “Hilbert Campus Ministry serves the religious and spiritual needs of the students, faculty and staff by offering worship, fellowship, outreach, and educational opportunities.”
    Hilbert Campus Ministry offers worship, fellowship, outreach and educational opportunities to students, faculty and staff.
  2. Campus Ministry | Hilbert College Catalog 2026-2027catalog.hilbert.edu/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “While embracing Hilbert College’s Catholic Franciscan heritage and values, Campus Ministry brings together students of various faith backgrounds”
    Campus Ministry is framed by the college's Catholic Franciscan heritage and includes students of various faiths.
    “Catholic Mass is celebrated once a week in the St. Clare chapel on campus, and on special occasions.”
    The 2026-2027 Catalog says Catholic Mass is celebrated once a week in St. Clare Chapel on campus.
  3. Mission, Vision, & Values | Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu/about/mission-vision-values · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Office of Mission Integration fosters a profound understanding and appreciation of these values among our students, faculty, staff, and trustees.”
    The Office of Mission Integration promotes the college's Franciscan values among students, faculty, staff and trustees.
  4. Hilbert Collegehilbert.edu · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075”
    The college's published address is 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075.

Reach out

Contact details for Lauren Gill (Chief Mission and Belonging Officer (leads Campus Ministry contact)) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: 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.
56 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.56%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.64%
  • 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.15 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$6,509

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)
939
Total students973
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,723
Cost of attendance (per year)$42,114
Median federal debt at graduation$24,750
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
56%
First-year retention64%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$48,309
Admission rate97%
Students receiving Pell grants48%

Value index: 43 / 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 Buffalo

The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: buffalodiocese.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 191621
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Hilbert College a Catholic college?
Yes. Hilbert College is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Buffalo. Its sponsor is Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.
What is Hilbert College’s Compass Score?
59 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in New York · New York rankings