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Illinois State University: Illinois State University Main Quad
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College · Catholic life on campus

Illinois State University

  • LocationNormal, IL
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 20,989 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

Illinois State University's Catholic campus ministry is the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center at 501 S. Main St., Normal, which has a main chapel and a side chapel. The center publishes weekday and Sunday Mass, scheduled confession, and adoration times, a priest listed as its director, FOCUS and WeDignify student groups, OCIA, and a student retreat held each semester.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Monday–Friday5:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · During the academic year.
  • Sunday10:30 AMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · During the academic year.
  • Sunday5:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · During the academic year.

Confession 5

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday4:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
  • Wednesday4:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
  • Wednesday8:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · Source & Summit; 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
  • Sunday10:00 AMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
  • Sunday4:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Adoration 4

  • Monday, Tuesday, Friday4:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
  • Wednesday4:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
  • Wednesday8:00 PMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · Source & Summit; 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
  • Thursday10:00 AMSt. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center · 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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 (5)
  1. Liturgical Schedule | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/liturgical-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mass Monday – Friday 5:00 pm Sunday 10:30 am 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center publishes Mass at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
  2. Mass | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/mass · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center offers weekday masses and two Sunday masses (during the academic year).”
    The Newman Center offers weekday Mass and two Sunday Masses during the academic year.
    “The St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center offers weekday masses and two Sunday masses (during the academic year).”
    The Newman Center offers weekday Mass and two Sunday Masses during the academic year.
  3. Confession | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Confession Times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 am 4:00 - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's confession page lists weekly confession times.
    “Confession Times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 am 4:00 - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's confession page lists weekly confession times.
    “Confession Times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 am 4:00 - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's confession page lists weekly confession times.
    “Confession Times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 am 4:00 - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's confession page lists weekly confession times.
    “Confession Times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 am 4:00 - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's confession page lists weekly confession times.
  4. Adoration | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Adoration Times Mon, Tue, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Thursday 10:00am - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's adoration page lists weekly adoration times.
    “Adoration Times Mon, Tue, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Thursday 10:00am - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's adoration page lists weekly adoration times.
    “Adoration Times Mon, Tue, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Thursday 10:00am - 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center's adoration page lists weekly adoration times.
  5. Source & Summit | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/sourceandsummit · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Source & Summit is an hour of Adoration Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:00 pm.”
    The Newman Center holds a Wednesday evening adoration hour with worship music.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Illinois State University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miChapel of St. Robert Bellarmine: 0.3 mi1Epiphany Catholic Church: 0.9 mi2Holy Trinity Catholic Church: 1.7 mi3Saint Patrick Catholic Church: 2.0 mi4Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church: 2.4 mi5St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center: 0.3 miIllinois State University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Chapel of St. Robert Bellarmine — 0.3 mi · 501 South Main Street, Normal
  2. Epiphany Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 1000 East College Avenue, Normal
  3. Holy Trinity Catholic Church — 1.7 mi · 106 West Chestnut Street, Bloomington
  4. Saint Patrick Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 1211 West Locust Street, Bloomington
  5. Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church — 2.4 mi · 527 West Jackson Street, Bloomington

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

Catholic life scorecard

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

ACatholic life on campus: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Catholic life on campus

98 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. St. John Paul II Newman Center - ISU Normal | Catholic Diocese of Peoriacdop.org/parishes/st-john-paull-ii-newman-center · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Physical Address: 501 S. Main Street, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61761”
      The Diocese of Peoria lists the St. John Paul II Newman Center as the Catholic center for Illinois State University in Normal.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Adoration | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Newman Center has a second chapel!”
      The Newman Center has a main chapel and a second, smaller chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Kyle Lucas is listed as the center's Director.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Kyle Lucas Director”
      Fr. Kyle Lucas is listed as the Director of the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday at the Newman Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgical Schedule | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/liturgical-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass Monday – Friday 5:00 pm Sunday 10:30 am 5:00 pm”
      The Newman Center publishes Mass at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Sunday Mass at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm at the Newman Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgical Schedule | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/liturgical-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass Monday – Friday 5:00 pm Sunday 10:30 am 5:00 pm”
      The Newman Center publishes Mass at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often
    Sources (1)
    1. Confession | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 am 4:00 - 5:00 pm”
      The Newman Center's confession page lists weekly confession times.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (FOCUS missionary team and WeDignify pro-life small groups.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FOCUS Missionary Team Ashley Miller Team Director”
      A FOCUS missionary team serves students at the Newman Center.
    2. WeDignify | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/wedignify · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “WeDignify is a pro-life organization that teaches, serves”
      WeDignify is a pro-life organization whose student small groups meet weekly at the Newman Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Student retreat and OCIA.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every semester we host a Koinonia Retreat!”
      The Newman Center hosts a student-led Koinonia retreat every semester. The page states the retreat is held off-campus.
    2. Becoming Catholic | OCIA | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/ocia · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every year we offer the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)”
      The Newman Center offers the OCIA program each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration20 to 29 times a week (21 weekly times documented: 7 Mass, 8 confession, 6 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

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

Strengths

  • Mass is published every weekday and on two Sundays at the Newman Center.
    Sources (2)
    1. Liturgical Schedule | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/liturgical-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass Monday – Friday 5:00 pm Sunday 10:30 am 5:00 pm”
      The Newman Center publishes Mass at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
    2. Mass | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/mass · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center offers weekday masses and two Sunday masses (during the academic year).”
      The Newman Center offers weekday Mass and two Sunday Masses during the academic year.
  • Scheduled confession and adoration are published for several weekdays.
    Sources (2)
    1. Confession | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Times Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Sunday 10:00 - 10:30 am 4:00 - 5:00 pm”
      The Newman Center's confession page lists weekly confession times.
    2. Adoration | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adoration Times Mon, Tue, Fri 4:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm 8:00 - 9:00 pm (Source & Summit) Thursday 10:00am - 5:00 pm”
      The Newman Center's adoration page lists weekly adoration times.
  • A priest is listed as the center's director, and FOCUS and WeDignify groups are listed.
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Kyle Lucas Director”
      Fr. Kyle Lucas is listed as the Director of the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center.
      “FOCUS Missionary Team Ashley Miller Team Director”
      A FOCUS missionary team serves students at the Newman Center.
    2. WeDignify | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/wedignify · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “WeDignify is a pro-life organization that teaches, serves”
      WeDignify is a pro-life organization whose student small groups meet weekly at the Newman Center.

Concerns

  • The Newman Center's Mass schedule page notes its Sunday Masses apply during the academic year only.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/mass · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center offers weekday masses and two Sunday masses (during the academic year).”
      The Newman Center offers weekday Mass and two Sunday Masses during the academic year.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center

  • Address: 501 S Main St, Normal, IL 61761
  • Distance from campus: 0.3 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: main chapel, side chapel, kitchen, grotto and backyard

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 1

  • Koinonia RetreatOff campus
    Every semester; fall 2026 retreat October 16-18
    A student-led retreat held every semester, off campus, running from Friday afternoon through Sunday.
    redbirdcatholic.org

Faith formation 2

  • FOCUS missionary team
    A FOCUS missionary team is listed on the Newman Center staff page, with Bible studies and small groups led by FOCUS missionaries.
    redbirdcatholic.org
  • OCIA
    Weekly during the academic year
    The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program for people who want to become Catholic or complete a sacrament.
    redbirdcatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Source & Summit
    Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:00 pm
    A weekly hour of adoration with worship music.
    redbirdcatholic.org

Service 1

  • WeDignify pro-life small groups
    Weekly small groups
    Students meet weekly in small groups using a pro-life curriculum and learn to help students in crisis pregnancies on campus.
    redbirdcatholic.org, redbirdcatholic.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. St. John Paul II Newman Center - ISU Normal | Catholic Diocese of Peoriacdop.org/parishes/st-john-paull-ii-newman-center · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Physical Address: 501 S. Main Street, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61761”
    The Diocese of Peoria lists the St. John Paul II Newman Center as the Catholic center for Illinois State University in Normal.
  2. Liturgical Schedule | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/liturgical-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mass Monday – Friday 5:00 pm Sunday 10:30 am 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center publishes Mass at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
    “Mass Monday – Friday 5:00 pm Sunday 10:30 am 5:00 pm”
    The Newman Center publishes Mass at 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
  3. Adoration | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Newman Center has a second chapel!”
    The Newman Center has a main chapel and a second, smaller chapel.
  4. Staff | RedbirdCatholicredbirdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center 501 S. Main St. Normal, Il (309) 452-5046 office@stjpnc.org”
    The Newman Center's published address, phone, and office email.

Reach out

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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.
64 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.65%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.81%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,113 · ACT 24
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.19 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,152

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)
18,450
Total students20,989
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$19,398
Cost of attendance (per year)$34,309
Median federal debt at graduation$20,482
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
65%
First-year retention81%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$62,117
Admission rate88%
Students receiving Pell grants32%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1113
SAT reading & writing500–620
SAT math490–590
ACT composite21–27
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 65 / 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 Peoria

The Most Reverend Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

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

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 145813
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (high research)
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Illinois State University a Catholic college?
No. Illinois State University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center.
What is Illinois State University’s Catholic Life Score?
90 out of 100 (grade A). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at Illinois State University?
Mass is listed at St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Illinois State University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Illinois State University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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