Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Marian University-Ancilla
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic college

Marian University-Ancilla

  • LocationPlymouth, IN
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 218 students
  • SponsorSisters of Saint Francis, Oldenburg
Official website

Marian University Plymouth, formerly Ancilla College, is a campus of Marian University in Plymouth, Indiana, on the campus of the Congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. The university's bachelor's core requires two theology courses and one philosophy course, and its catalog says the curriculum is rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual traditions. The Plymouth pages found show a one-time Back to School Mass in Ancilla Domini Chapel; no Plymouth Mass, confession, or adoration schedule and no Plymouth campus ministry staff.

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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Priests serving studentsNot 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.
    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.
BTheology and core curriculum: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

74 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 studentsTwo courses (Bachelor's students take THL 105 and one 200-level or higher theology course. The associate degree core requires only THL 105.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith, Reason, and Ethics (9 credits) THL 105 Introduction to Theology PHL 130 Human Nature and Person THL XXX A Theology Course 200-Level or higher”
      The bachelor's Transformational Journey Program core requires THL 105, one 200-level or higher theology course, and PHL 130.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)At least one required course is explicitly Catholic theology (The required Introduction to Theology course has a generic title. Its description covers the Church, sacraments and Christian morality, and the core goal names the Catholic intellectual tradition.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “To practice the Catholic and Franciscan Intellectual Traditions, the four Franciscan sponsorship values”
      The catalog's Faith, Reason, and Ethics goal is to practice the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual traditions.
    2. 2026-27 Catalog of Courses and Descriptions | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-catalog-of-courses-and-description1.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Study of the meaning and nature of theology, theological issues of God, human persons, Jesus the Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church”
      The description of THL 105, Introduction to Theology, covers the Church, sacraments and Christian morality.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (PHL 130 Human Nature and Person is the one required philosophy course in the bachelor's core. PHL 150 Logic is one option in a quantitative category and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith, Reason, and Ethics (9 credits) THL 105 Introduction to Theology PHL 130 Human Nature and Person THL XXX A Theology Course 200-Level or higher”
      The bachelor's Transformational Journey Program core requires THL 105, one 200-level or higher theology course, and PHL 130.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Marian roots its curriculum in the Catholic and Franciscan Intellectual Traditions”
      The catalog states that Marian roots its curriculum in the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual traditions.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (The B.A. in Theology is listed in the university catalog; the program page places it at the Indianapolis campus.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Major for Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) in Theology: 36 credits including THL 105, 218, 226, 228, 307, 336, 405, and 490”
      The catalog lists a B.A. major in Theology (36 credits).
  • 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.
N/ACampus culture and residence life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture and residence 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.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)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.
    Retreats offered to students each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsNone (The Bible Study Group/Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an ecumenical group and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs and Organizations | Marian University Plymouthmarian.edu/plymouth/campus-life/clubs-and-organizations.php · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Don’t see a club/organization that you like? Contact PlymouthStuAct@marian.edu to start your own.”
      The Plymouth campus clubs page lists its student organizations; none of the listed groups is a Catholic group.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (The policy document carries no printed year; it is linked from the 2026-27 Plymouth housing page. Opposite-gender guests are allowed in rooms during set hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residential and Commuter Life Policies | Marian Universitymarian.edu/ancilla-college/_assets/_documents/240809rcl-policies.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Residents are allowed to have opposite gender guests in their rooms during these specified hours.”
      Residence policy allows opposite-gender guests in rooms during set hours and limits overnight guests to the same gender.
  • 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 (Mission Integration is a university office; its page describes the founders' legacy and the Franciscan values that guide the community.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith Home | Marian Universitymarian.edu/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Discover the legacy of our founders, the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, and the Franciscan values that guide our community every day.”
      The Mission Integration office page describes the founders' legacy and the Franciscan values that guide the university community.
    2. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Office of Mission and Ministry, University Ministry, and Mission Integration”
      The catalog lists a Mission Integration office among university offices.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

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.
    Service or volunteer centerNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (Critical Service Learning courses are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Catalog of Courses and Descriptions | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-catalog-of-courses-and-description1.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Future educators will explore themes of Catholic Social Teaching as they relate to elementary and secondary education through in-class activities, interactive lectures, and related clinical service-learning”
      The Critical Service Learning course series (EDU-190 and later levels) explores Catholic Social Teaching through service-learning.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (A Catholic Social Teaching service-learning course series is offered; it is not part of the required core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Catalog of Courses and Descriptions | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-catalog-of-courses-and-description1.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Future educators will explore themes of Catholic Social Teaching as they relate to elementary and secondary education through in-class activities, interactive lectures, and related clinical service-learning”
      The Critical Service Learning course series (EDU-190 and later levels) explores Catholic Social Teaching through service-learning.
  • 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 Critical Service Learning courses are framed by Catholic Social Teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Catalog of Courses and Descriptions | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-catalog-of-courses-and-description1.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Future educators will explore themes of Catholic Social Teaching as they relate to elementary and secondary education through in-class activities, interactive lectures, and related clinical service-learning”
      The Critical Service Learning course series (EDU-190 and later levels) explores Catholic Social Teaching through service-learning.

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

Strengths

  • The university's catalog says its curriculum is rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual traditions.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Marian roots its curriculum in the Catholic and Franciscan Intellectual Traditions”
      The catalog states that Marian roots its curriculum in the Catholic and Franciscan intellectual traditions.
  • The bachelor's core requires two theology courses and one philosophy course.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith, Reason, and Ethics (9 credits) THL 105 Introduction to Theology PHL 130 Human Nature and Person THL XXX A Theology Course 200-Level or higher”
      The bachelor's Transformational Journey Program core requires THL 105, one 200-level or higher theology course, and PHL 130.

Concerns

  • The only Plymouth Mass listed is a one-time Back to School Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Welcome Week | Marian University Plymouthmarian.edu/plymouth/campus-life/welcome-week · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Back to School Mass | 2 p.m. | Ancilla Domini Chapel”
      The Welcome Week 2026 schedule lists a one-time Back to School Mass in the Ancilla Domini Chapel on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
  • No required service-learning course for all students and no Catholic social teaching requirement appear in the bachelor's core.
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-Undergraduate-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith, Reason, and Ethics (9 credits) THL 105 Introduction to Theology PHL 130 Human Nature and Person THL XXX A Theology Course 200-Level or higher”
      The bachelor's Transformational Journey Program core requires THL 105, one 200-level or higher theology course, and PHL 130.
    2. 2026-27 Catalog of Courses and Descriptions | Marian Universitymarian.edu/academics/_assets/_documents/2026-27-catalog-of-courses-and-description1.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Future educators will explore themes of Catholic Social Teaching as they relate to elementary and secondary education through in-class activities, interactive lectures, and related clinical service-learning”
      The Critical Service Learning course series (EDU-190 and later levels) explores Catholic Social Teaching through service-learning.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Catholic clubs and student life

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

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Back to School MassOn campus
    Thursday, August 27, 2026, 2 p.m. (one-time, Welcome Week 2026)
    A one-time Back to School Mass in the Ancilla Domini Chapel on the Plymouth campus, listed in the Welcome Week 2026 schedule.
    marian.edu

Service 1

  • Critical Service Learning courses (EDU-190 and later levels)
    Course series for education students
    Service-learning courses that explore Catholic Social Teaching through clinical service with educational and local youth-serving organizations.
    marian.edu

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

My rating and notes

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Academic Excellence

N/AAcademic Excellence: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.
Not enough information
Federal data covers too few of the measures to score this school.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.38%
  • 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.9 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$7,655

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

SettingRural
Students per faculty member9 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)
218
Total students218
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$19,463
Cost of attendance (per year)$38,305
Median federal debt at graduation$27,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
—
First-year retention38%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$58,759
Admission rate92%
Students receiving Pell grants61%

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 Fort Wayne-South Bend

The Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Marian University-Ancilla a Catholic college?
Yes. Marian University-Ancilla is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Its sponsor is Sisters of Saint Francis, Oldenburg.

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