Is Iowa State University a Catholic college?

No. Iowa State University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center (Cyclone Catholic).

Where is Mass celebrated at Iowa State University?

Mass is listed at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way, St. Thomas Aquinas Church and 2210 Lincoln Way. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

College · Catholic life on campus

Iowa State University

LocationAmes, IA
Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 30,177 students

Official website

Iowa 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.

Catholic ministry at Iowa State (Cyclone Catholic) is based at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way, across the street from the Memorial Union parking ramp. The registered Catholic Student Community lists Mass Saturday at 4 PM, three times on Sunday, weekdays at noon, and a student Thursday Night Liturgy at 9:15 PM, plus small groups, retreats, and spring break service trips. A seven-person FOCUS team and a Thomistic Institute chapter also serve students. The parish's website blocks automated access; no priest, confession times, or adoration times are recorded.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 6

Saturday4:00 PMSt. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way
Sunday8:30 AMSt. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way
Sunday11:00 AMSt. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way
Sunday7:00 PMSt. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way · During the academic year.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday12:00 PMSt. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way
Thursday9:15 PMSt. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way · TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy), a student Mass.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)

Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
“Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
“Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
“Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
“Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The most regular activities are TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy) every week at 9:15pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way (across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp). This mass is a student focused celebration at which all liturgical ministries are done by university students.”
Thursday Night Liturgy, a weekly 9:15 PM student Mass with students in all liturgical ministries, is held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

St Thomas Aquinas Church & Catholic Student Center — 0.3 mi · 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames
Saint Cecilia Catholic Church — 1.9 mi

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.

Catholic life on campus

81 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (The Catholic Student Community, a registered Iowa State student organization, welcomes students to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, which supports it.)
Sources (2)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Welcome to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center!”
  Iowa State's Catholic Student Community page welcomes students to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center.
2. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Constitution1-14-26.pdf | Tier | Student Organization - Registered |”
  The Catholic Student Community is a registered Iowa State student organization with a constitution dated January 14, 2026.
  “They plan activities and events for those interested in Catholicism at the University. They are also part of a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, from which the Catholic Student Community receives significant support.”
  The Catholic Student Community's officers plan Catholic activities at Iowa State and serve on a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, which supports the group.
Yes:
Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way, is described as across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp. Ames, IA is the campus's city.)
Sources (2)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Welcome to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center!”
  Iowa State's Catholic Student Community page welcomes students to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center.
2. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The most regular activities are TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy) every week at 9:15pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way (across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp). This mass is a student focused celebration at which all liturgical ministries are done by university students.”
  Thursday Night Liturgy, a weekly 9:15 PM student Mass with students in all liturgical ministries, is held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp.
Partly:
Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (A published Mass schedule at the student center means a priest serves students at least part-time.)
Sources (1)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
  St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
Yes:
Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass Monday-Wednesday and Friday at 12 PM and Thursday at 9:15 PM (Thursday Night Liturgy); every weekday. St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center is the ministry's center; its Masses count.)
Sources (2)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
  St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
2. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The most regular activities are TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy) every week at 9:15pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way (across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp). This mass is a student focused celebration at which all liturgical ministries are done by university students.”
  Thursday Night Liturgy, a weekly 9:15 PM student Mass with students in all liturgical ministries, is held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp.
Yes:
Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Saturday 4 PM. Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (the 7 PM during the academic year).)
Sources (1)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
  St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
Partly:
Scheduled confession at the campus ministryLess than weekly, or by appointment (The Catholic Student Community's registration lists reconciliation among the activities offered through St.)
Sources (1)
1. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “These include, but are not limited to, Sunday masses, Weekday mass, adoration, reconciliation, Thursday Night Student Mass (TNL), Come Awake Praise and Worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials and service projects.”
  Activities offered through St. Thomas Aquinas include Sunday and weekday Masses, adoration, reconciliation, TNL, praise and worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials, and service projects.
Yes:
Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (The Catholic Student Community (registered student organization), the Thomistic Institute chapter (registered), and a FOCUS team of seven missionaries listed on focus.org. Students for Life is also registered but states it is not affiliated with any religious organization; it is not counted here.)
Sources (3)
1. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Constitution1-14-26.pdf | Tier | Student Organization - Registered |”
  The Catholic Student Community is a registered Iowa State student organization with a constitution dated January 14, 2026.
  “They plan activities and events for those interested in Catholicism at the University. They are also part of a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, from which the Catholic Student Community receives significant support.”
  The Catholic Student Community's officers plan Catholic activities at Iowa State and serve on a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, which supports the group.
2. Iowa State University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/iowa-state-university · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Iowa State University Ames HOME | CAMPUSES | Iowa State University”
  FOCUS lists Iowa State University in Ames among its campuses.
  “Lewandowski Grant Lewandowski Eubank Matthew Eubank Sibert Ty Sibert Rosa Cecilia Rosa Cordes Kate Cordes Blessum Sarah Blessum McCormack David McCormack”
  FOCUS lists seven missionaries at Iowa State: Grant Lewandowski, Matthew Eubank, Ty Sibert, Cecilia Rosa, Kate Cordes, Sarah Blessum, and David McCormack.
3. Thomistic Institute | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/thomistic-institute · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Thomistic Institute (TI) is a national organization focused on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. The TI has a chapter at Iowa State University that offers numerous events and activities for ISU students and Ames community members.”
  A Thomistic Institute chapter, focused on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, is a registered Iowa State student organization.
Yes:
Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (25-30 small groups each semester, regular retreats, spring break service and immersion trips, and Thomistic Institute book studies.)
Sources (2)
1. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “These include, but are not limited to, Sunday masses, Weekday mass, adoration, reconciliation, Thursday Night Student Mass (TNL), Come Awake Praise and Worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials and service projects.”
  Activities offered through St. Thomas Aquinas include Sunday and weekday Masses, adoration, reconciliation, TNL, praise and worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials, and service projects.
  “As many as 25-30 small groups meet regularly throughout the semester, some on campus, others in students' homes around town.”
  Up to 25-30 small groups meet regularly each semester, on campus and in students' homes.
  “We also have regular retreats, spring break trips, socials, prayer opportunities and much more.”
  The Catholic Student Community holds regular retreats, spring break trips, socials, and prayer opportunities.
2. Thomistic Institute | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/thomistic-institute · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Aquinas 101 meets weekly to watch and discuss short videos on Thomistic theology. Aquinas 101 provides a safe environment for students to openly discuss their thoughts on God, virtue, Catholicism, philosophy, and science.”
  The Thomistic Institute's Aquinas 101 meets weekly to discuss Thomistic theology.
  “Book studies are FREE and meet once a week (for roughly one hour) to discuss the assigned weekly reading. Books for Fall 2026:”
  The Thomistic Institute runs free weekly book studies in fall 2026.
Yes:
Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (9 weekly times documented: 9 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).

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

Strengths

St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, across the street from the Memorial Union parking ramp, lists Mass every weekday, including a student Thursday Night Liturgy at 9:15 PM, and four weekend Masses.
Sources (2)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
  St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
2. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The most regular activities are TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy) every week at 9:15pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way (across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp). This mass is a student focused celebration at which all liturgical ministries are done by university students.”
  Thursday Night Liturgy, a weekly 9:15 PM student Mass with students in all liturgical ministries, is held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp.
Catholic students have a registered Catholic Student Community, a Thomistic Institute chapter, and a seven-person FOCUS team.
Sources (3)
1. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Constitution1-14-26.pdf | Tier | Student Organization - Registered |”
  The Catholic Student Community is a registered Iowa State student organization with a constitution dated January 14, 2026.
2. Iowa State University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/iowa-state-university · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Lewandowski Grant Lewandowski Eubank Matthew Eubank Sibert Ty Sibert Rosa Cecilia Rosa Cordes Kate Cordes Blessum Sarah Blessum McCormack David McCormack”
  FOCUS lists seven missionaries at Iowa State: Grant Lewandowski, Matthew Eubank, Ty Sibert, Cecilia Rosa, Kate Cordes, Sarah Blessum, and David McCormack.
3. Thomistic Institute | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/thomistic-institute · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Thomistic Institute (TI) is a national organization focused on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. The TI has a chapter at Iowa State University that offers numerous events and activities for ISU students and Ames community members.”
  A Thomistic Institute chapter, focused on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, is a registered Iowa State student organization.
Formation includes as many as 25-30 small groups a semester, regular retreats, spring break service and immersion trips, and weekly Aquinas 101 meetings and book studies.
Sources (2)
1. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “These include, but are not limited to, Sunday masses, Weekday mass, adoration, reconciliation, Thursday Night Student Mass (TNL), Come Awake Praise and Worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials and service projects.”
  Activities offered through St. Thomas Aquinas include Sunday and weekday Masses, adoration, reconciliation, TNL, praise and worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials, and service projects.
  “As many as 25-30 small groups meet regularly throughout the semester, some on campus, others in students' homes around town.”
  Up to 25-30 small groups meet regularly each semester, on campus and in students' homes.
  “We also have regular retreats, spring break trips, socials, prayer opportunities and much more.”
  The Catholic Student Community holds regular retreats, spring break trips, socials, and prayer opportunities.
2. Thomistic Institute | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/thomistic-institute · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Aquinas 101 meets weekly to watch and discuss short videos on Thomistic theology. Aquinas 101 provides a safe environment for students to openly discuss their thoughts on God, virtue, Catholicism, philosophy, and science.”
  The Thomistic Institute's Aquinas 101 meets weekly to discuss Thomistic theology.
  “Book studies are FREE and meet once a week (for roughly one hour) to discuss the assigned weekly reading. Books for Fall 2026:”
  The Thomistic Institute runs free weekly book studies in fall 2026.

Concerns

The student organization's page says only that reconciliation and adoration are offered.
Sources (2)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
  St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).
2. Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “These include, but are not limited to, Sunday masses, Weekday mass, adoration, reconciliation, Thursday Night Student Mass (TNL), Come Awake Praise and Worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials and service projects.”
  Activities offered through St. Thomas Aquinas include Sunday and weekday Masses, adoration, reconciliation, TNL, praise and worship events, spring break service and immersion trips, socials, and service projects.
The Mass schedule comes from the Catholic Student Community's page in Iowa State's student organization directory, which says its contents are written by the organization and not reviewed by the university.
Sources (1)
1. Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Building Hours: M-Sun, 7 am-11pm Mass Times: Saturday: 4 pm Sunday: 8:30 am 11 am 7 pm (during academic year) M-W, F: 12 pm Thursday: 9:15 pm (TNL)”
  St. Thomas Aquinas is open daily 7 AM-11 PM; Masses are Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, 11 AM, and 7 PM (academic year), Monday-Wednesday and Friday at noon, and Thursday at 9:15 PM (TNL).

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center

Address: 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA
Location: Next to campus
Distance from campus: 0.3 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: stuorg.iastate.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, stuorg.iastate.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 5 on campus, 5 off campus

Clubs and groups 3

Catholic Student CommunityOff campus
Leadership core meets monthly, usually at St. Thomas Aquinas
Registered Iowa State student organization for Catholic students, supported by St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center; its officers plan Catholic activities and events at the university.
stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu
FOCUS missionariesOn campus
A team of seven FOCUS missionaries serves Iowa State.
focus.org, focus.org
Students for LifeOn campus
Every other Tuesday, 8:15-9:15 PM, Gerdin 0119 (fall 2026)
Registered pro-life student club that volunteers to support local mothers and babies and travels to the March for Life; it states it is not affiliated with any religious organization.
stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu

Liturgy and prayer 1

TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy)Off campus
Thursdays 9:15 PM
Weekly student-focused Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at which university students serve in all liturgical ministries.
stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu

Retreats 1

RetreatsOff campus
Regular student retreats through the Catholic Student Community and St. Thomas Aquinas.
stuorg.iastate.edu

Service 1

Spring break service and immersion tripsOff campus
Spring break
Service and immersion trips offered through the ministry of St. Thomas Aquinas, along with local service projects.
stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu

Social life 1

Socials and praise and worship eventsOff campus
Socials and Come Awake praise and worship events offered through St. Thomas Aquinas.
stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu

Faith formation 3

Small groupsOn campus
Throughout the semester
As many as 25-30 small groups meet regularly, some on campus and others in students' homes around Ames.
stuorg.iastate.edu
Thomistic Institute: Aquinas 101On campus
Wednesdays 7 PM, Pearson 2157
Weekly discussion of short videos on Thomistic theology, open to students with little or no theology background.
stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu
Thomistic Institute book studies and lecturesOn campus
Weekly book studies; lectures each semester
Free weekly book studies on theological books and free on-campus lectures by guest speakers on philosophical and theological topics.
stuorg.iastate.edu, stuorg.iastate.edu

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)

Catholic Student Community | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Welcome to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center!”
Iowa State's Catholic Student Community page welcomes students to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center.
“Welcome to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center!”
Iowa State's Catholic Student Community page welcomes students to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center.
“Welcome to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center!”
Iowa State's Catholic Student Community page welcomes students to Cyclone Catholic at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center.
Catholic Student Community Information | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/csc/information · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The most regular activities are TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy) every week at 9:15pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way (across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp). This mass is a student focused celebration at which all liturgical ministries are done by university students.”
Thursday Night Liturgy, a weekly 9:15 PM student Mass with students in all liturgical ministries, is held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp.
“They plan activities and events for those interested in Catholicism at the University. They are also part of a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, from which the Catholic Student Community receives significant support.”
The Catholic Student Community's officers plan Catholic activities at Iowa State and serve on a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, which supports the group.
“Constitution1-14-26.pdf | Tier | Student Organization - Registered |”
The Catholic Student Community is a registered Iowa State student organization with a constitution dated January 14, 2026.
“They plan activities and events for those interested in Catholicism at the University. They are also part of a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, from which the Catholic Student Community receives significant support.”
The Catholic Student Community's officers plan Catholic activities at Iowa State and serve on a leadership committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, which supports the group.
“The most regular activities are TNL (Thursday Night Liturgy) every week at 9:15pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way (across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp). This mass is a student focused celebration at which all liturgical ministries are done by university students.”
Thursday Night Liturgy, a weekly 9:15 PM student Mass with students in all liturgical ministries, is held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, across the street from the Memorial Union Parking Ramp.
Iowa State University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/iowa-state-university · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Iowa State University Ames HOME | CAMPUSES | Iowa State University”
FOCUS lists Iowa State University in Ames among its campuses.
“Lewandowski Grant Lewandowski Eubank Matthew Eubank Sibert Ty Sibert Rosa Cecilia Rosa Cordes Kate Cordes Blessum Sarah Blessum McCormack David McCormack”
FOCUS lists seven missionaries at Iowa State: Grant Lewandowski, Matthew Eubank, Ty Sibert, Cecilia Rosa, Kate Cordes, Sarah Blessum, and David McCormack.
Thomistic Institute | Iowa State University Student Organizationsstuorg.iastate.edu/thomistic-institute · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Thomistic Institute (TI) is a national organization focused on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. The TI has a chapter at Iowa State University that offers numerous events and activities for ISU students and Ames community members.”
A Thomistic Institute chapter, focused on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, is a registered Iowa State student organization.
“Aquinas 101 meets weekly to watch and discuss short videos on Thomistic theology. Aquinas 101 provides a safe environment for students to openly discuss their thoughts on God, virtue, Catholicism, philosophy, and science.”
The Thomistic Institute's Aquinas 101 meets weekly to discuss Thomistic theology.

Reach out

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My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

75 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score75%
First-year retention 20% of score88%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,204 · ACT 24.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score18 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$12,347

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.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	25,332
Total students	30,177
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$18,589
Cost of attendance (per year)	$24,018
Median federal debt at graduation	$22,869
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	75%
First-year retention	88%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$63,386
Admission rate	89%
Students receiving Pell grants	19%

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1204
SAT reading & writing	560–670
SAT math	560–690
ACT composite	21–28
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 69 / 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

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 NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 153603
Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
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Questions families ask

Is Iowa State University a Catholic college?: No. Iowa State University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center (Cyclone Catholic).
What is Iowa State University’s Catholic Life Score?: 80 out of 100 (grade B). 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 Iowa State University?: Mass is listed at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center, 2210 Lincoln Way, St. Thomas Aquinas Church and 2210 Lincoln Way. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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