Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Mercyhurst University: Mercyhurst University entry gate in September 2024
Photo: Baron Maddock, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Mercyhurst University

  • LocationErie, PA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 2,668 students
  • SponsorSisters of Mercy
  • TraditionMercy
Official website

Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a Catholic university in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. Campus Ministry publishes a 7 p.m. Sunday Mass in Christ the King Chapel with confession and adoration beforehand, a Thursday noon Mass, and a Sunday Mass at the Motherhouse on campus, and points students to St. Luke Parish next door for other weekday Masses. The REACH core requires two Reason and Faith courses with different prefixes chosen from Catholic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies, plus a one-credit Beyond the Gates community-engagement requirement.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 7

  • Sunday7:00 PMChrist the King Chapel · During the academic year (Fall 2026 schedule).
  • Thursday12:00 PMCampus (Community Mass; location not stated) · During the academic year.
  • Sunday10:30 AMSisters of Mercy Motherhouse (on campus) · Open to the campus community.
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday8:00 AMSt. Luke Parish, 421 E. 38th St. (next door to campus) · Parish Mass recommended by Campus Ministry; not a campus Mass.
  • Wednesday8:30 AMSt. Luke Parish, 421 E. 38th St. (next door to campus) · Parish Mass recommended by Campus Ministry; not a campus Mass.
  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Luke Parish, 421 E. 38th St. (next door to campus) · Parish Mass recommended by Campus Ministry; not a campus Mass.
Show 1 more mass times
  • Sunday11:30 AMSt. Luke Parish, 421 E. 38th St. (next door to campus) · Parish Mass recommended by Campus Ministry; not a campus Mass.

Confession 1

  • Sunday6:00 PMChrist the King Chapel (before Sunday Mass) · Before each Sunday Mass (Fall 2026 schedule).

Adoration 1

  • Sunday6:00 PMBefore the 7 PM Sunday Mass (campus) · During the academic year; offered before Sunday 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)
  1. Campus Ministry Mass Schedule Fall 2026mercyhurst.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Fall2026MassSchedule.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Campus Ministry Mass Schedule Fall 2026 Sunday Mass, Christ the King Chapel, 7 p.m.”
    The Fall 2026 schedule lists Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
    “Confessions are available at 6 p.m. before each Sunday Mass.”
    Confessions are heard at 6 p.m. before each Sunday Mass.
  2. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
    Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
    “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
    Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
    “Members of the campus community are also welcome to attend 10:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse (COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests). The Motherhouse building is part of our campus.”
    A 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass is celebrated at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, which is part of the campus.
    “For added flexibility, students are invited to consider attending daily and Sunday Masses at St. Luke Parish, located next door to campus. St. Luke’s offers Mass Monday's-Tuesday's and Thursday's-Friday's at 8 a.m., Wednesday's at 8:30 a.m., and Sunday's at 9 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus Ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door and lists its Mass times.
    “For added flexibility, students are invited to consider attending daily and Sunday Masses at St. Luke Parish, located next door to campus. St. Luke’s offers Mass Monday's-Tuesday's and Thursday's-Friday's at 8 a.m., Wednesday's at 8:30 a.m., and Sunday's at 9 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus Ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door and lists its Mass times.
    “For added flexibility, students are invited to consider attending daily and Sunday Masses at St. Luke Parish, located next door to campus. St. Luke’s offers Mass Monday's-Tuesday's and Thursday's-Friday's at 8 a.m., Wednesday's at 8:30 a.m., and Sunday's at 9 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus Ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door and lists its Mass times.
    “For added flexibility, students are invited to consider attending daily and Sunday Masses at St. Luke Parish, located next door to campus. St. Luke’s offers Mass Monday's-Tuesday's and Thursday's-Friday's at 8 a.m., Wednesday's at 8:30 a.m., and Sunday's at 9 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus Ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door and lists its Mass times.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Mercyhurst University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Luke Catholic Church: 0.2 mi1Saint Peter & Paul Catholic Church: 0.3 mi2Holy Rosary Catholic Church: 0.9 mi3Holy Trinity Catholic Church: 1.1 mi4Saint Joseph Catholic Church: 1.3 mi5Holy Trinity Catholic Church: 1.5 mi6Campus Ministry Lounge, Sister Carolyn Herrmann Student Union: 0.1 miMercyhurst University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Luke Catholic Church — 0.2 mi · 421 East 38th Street, Erie
  2. Saint Peter & Paul Catholic Church — 0.3 mi · 3415 Wallace Street, Erie
  3. Holy Rosary Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 2701 East Avenue, Erie
  4. Holy Trinity Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 2220 Reed Street, Erie
  5. Saint Joseph Catholic Church — 1.3 mi · 147 West 24th Street, Erie
  6. Holy Trinity Catholic Church — 1.5 mi · 1703 Holland Street, Erie

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.

CSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

61 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year1–2 weekdays (Community Mass at noon each Thursday (1 weekday on campus). The ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door for weekday Masses (listed in schedules, not counted here).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
      Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Two or more weekend Masses (Sunday 7 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel (Fall 2026 schedule) and Sunday 10:30 a.m. at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, which the ministry says is part of the campus.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
      Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
      “Members of the campus community are also welcome to attend 10:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse (COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests). The Motherhouse building is part of our campus.”
      A 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass is celebrated at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, which is part of the campus.
    2. Campus Ministry Mass Schedule Fall 2026mercyhurst.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Fall2026MassSchedule.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Campus Ministry Mass Schedule Fall 2026 Sunday Mass, Christ the King Chapel, 7 p.m.”
      The Fall 2026 schedule lists Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusOne or two scheduled times per week (Confessions at 6 p.m. before each Sunday Mass (one scheduled time a week).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
      Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
    2. Campus Ministry Mass Schedule Fall 2026mercyhurst.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Fall2026MassSchedule.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confessions are available at 6 p.m. before each Sunday Mass.”
      Confessions are heard at 6 p.m. before each Sunday Mass.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adorationWeekly scheduled adoration (Adoration Sundays from 6 p.m. before the 7 p.m. Mass; the Catholic Impact group (Thursdays 4:30 p.m.) also includes Eucharistic adoration among its activities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
      Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
      “Catholic Impact provides spiritual growth opportunities coming from the Catholic tradition, including Eucharistic adoration, lectio divina, group discussions, and guest speakers. It is a great place to join in community with others who are connected to or exploring the Catholic faith. This group meets Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Campus Ministry Lounge.”
      Catholic Impact meets Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and includes Eucharistic adoration, lectio divina and discussion.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest (The Campus Ministry page lists four priests under 'Meet our Priests' (Fr. Alex Amico, Fr. Chris Singer, Fr. Jim Gutting, Fr. Mark Nowak) without naming any as chaplain. Masses are scheduled weekly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Fr. Alex Amico Fr. Chris Singer Fr. Jim Gutting Fr. Mark Nowak”
      The Campus Ministry page lists four priests under 'Meet our Priests', none titled chaplain.
      “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
      Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (12 weekly times documented: 10 Mass, 1 confession, 1 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
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

30 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (2026-27 catalog, REACH Curriculum: the Reason and Faith area requires two courses from CST (Catholic Studies), PHIL and RLST, and no two prefixes may be the same; every student takes at least one CST or RLST course. ETH 400 Capstone Ethics is also required but is not presented as a theology or philosophy course.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - REACH Curriculumcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/academic-affairs/reach-curriculum/15 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “R - Reason and Faith (2 courses/6 credits) CST, PHIL, RLST”
      The core's Reason and Faith area requires two courses from Catholic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies.
      “Each student will be required to take two courses at the 100 or 200 level from each of the following areas of the Liberal Arts Experience. Note that no two prefixes in the Liberal Arts Experience can be the same.”
      The two courses in each Liberal Arts Experience area must carry different prefixes.
    2. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Catholic Studiescourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/degree/391?type=dbd · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “This course will comb the rich history and tradition of Roman Catholicism from the life of Jesus to the contemporary church. It will highlight key social and historical developments, major Catholic thinkers, and fundamental teachings related to Catholic belief, life, and discipleship in the 21st century.”
      CST 100 Exploring Catholicism is a Catholic Studies course on Catholic history and teaching.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (Catholic Studies courses such as CST 100 Exploring Catholicism can satisfy the Reason and Faith area; Religious Studies courses can be chosen instead; no explicitly Catholic course is required of all students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - REACH Curriculumcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/academic-affairs/reach-curriculum/15 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “R - Reason and Faith (2 courses/6 credits) CST, PHIL, RLST”
      The core's Reason and Faith area requires two courses from Catholic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies.
    2. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Catholic Studiescourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/degree/391?type=dbd · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “This course will comb the rich history and tradition of Roman Catholicism from the life of Jesus to the contemporary church. It will highlight key social and historical developments, major Catholic thinkers, and fundamental teachings related to Catholic belief, life, and discipleship in the 21st century.”
      CST 100 Exploring Catholicism is a Catholic Studies course on Catholic history and teaching.
  • No: No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (Philosophy is one of three prefixes allowed in the Reason and Faith area; because the two courses must have different prefixes, a student can complete it with CST and RLST and take no philosophy. ETH 400 Capstone Ethics is required of all students but carries an ETH prefix and is not counted as philosophy.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - REACH Curriculumcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/academic-affairs/reach-curriculum/15 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “R - Reason and Faith (2 courses/6 credits) CST, PHIL, RLST”
      The core's Reason and Faith area requires two courses from Catholic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies.
      “Each student will be required to take two courses at the 100 or 200 level from each of the following areas of the Liberal Arts Experience. Note that no two prefixes in the Liberal Arts Experience can be the same.”
      The two courses in each Liberal Arts Experience area must carry different prefixes.
  • No: No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNo (The Catholic Studies minor's mission refers to it.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - REACH Curriculumcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/academic-affairs/reach-curriculum/15 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “In the Liberal Arts Experience, students continue to reach for their goals and have the opportunity to expand their understanding of knowledge, contexts, ideas, and disciplines.”
      The REACH core description frames its aims without naming the Catholic intellectual tradition.
      “R - Reason and Faith (2 courses/6 credits) CST, PHIL, RLST”
      The core's Reason and Faith area requires two courses from Catholic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies; the department also offers a Catholic Studies minor.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Religious Studiescourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/degree/187?type=dbd · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Religious Studies Bachelor of Arts Program Mission Statement The academic study of religion is a central component to the humanities curriculum of Mercyhurst University.”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies is offered.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BCampus culture and residence life: 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.

Campus culture and residence life

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Five or more (8 listed on the Campus Ministry page: the director, assistant director, part-time campus minister (Sister Natalie Rossi) and Director of Liturgical Music under 'Meet the Staff', plus four priests under 'Meet our Priests'. Counting only the 'Meet the Staff' list gives 4 (medium).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Jesse Spanogle Director, Campus Ministry jspanogle2@mercyhurst.edu 716-640-9084 Brittany Barko Krugger, M.M., MT-BC, NMT Director, Music Therapy Program; Assistant Professor; Director of Liturgical Music bbarkokrugger@mercyhurst.edu 814-824-2634 Jenell Patton Assistant Director, Campus Ministry jpatton@mercyhurst.edu 814-824-2549 Sister Natalie Rossi Part-Time Campus Minister nrossi@mercyhurst.edu 814-824-2933”
      Campus Ministry staff: a director, an assistant director, a part-time campus minister, and a Director of Liturgical Music.
      “Fr. Alex Amico Fr. Chris Singer Fr. Jim Gutting Fr. Mark Nowak”
      The Campus Ministry page lists four priests under 'Meet our Priests', none titled chaplain.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Carpe Diem Retreat (once a semester), Busy Person Retreat (Nov. 2-13, 2026); the Beyond the Gates page also mentions Campus Ministry-sponsored 4th Vow retreats. Community Engagement also hosts service and leadership trips/retreats.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Carpe Diem Retreat is a weekend-long retreat open to Mercyhurst students of all backgrounds. This retreat happens once a semester”
      The Carpe Diem Retreat is a weekend retreat held once a semester.
      “Busy Person Retreat | 11/2 to 11/13”
      Campus Ministry's Fall 2026 calendar includes a Busy Person Retreat.
    2. Beyond The Gates | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/beyond-gates · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “students may also opt to satisfy BTG requirements through service learning programs, such as mentoring courses and Campus Ministry-sponsored 4th Vow retreats”
      Campus Ministry sponsors 4th Vow service retreats that can satisfy the Beyond the Gates requirement.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Campus Ministry groups: Catholic Impact, Daughters of Mercy (prayer and support group), Sons of Mercy (weekly Bible study), Music Ministry, and OCIA. Wednesday Night Fellowship and Athlete Fellowship are described as Christian fellowship groups and are not counted.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Impact provides spiritual growth opportunities coming from the Catholic tradition, including Eucharistic adoration, lectio divina, group discussions, and guest speakers. It is a great place to join in community with others who are connected to or exploring the Catholic faith. This group meets Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Campus Ministry Lounge.”
      Catholic Impact meets Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and includes Eucharistic adoration, lectio divina and discussion.
      “Daughters of Mercy is a prayer and support group for students at Mercyhurst. Participants reflect on matters of faith and spiritual growth throughout their college years. The group meets on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in the Campus Ministry Lounge.”
      Daughters of Mercy is a weekly prayer and support group.
      “Sons of Mercy is a discussion group that engages in a weekly Bible study. Students explore issues relevant to their stage of life while supporting one another through prayer and fellowship. The group meets on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. in the Campus Ministry Lounge.”
      Sons of Mercy is a weekly Bible study group.
      “Music Ministry provides music for Sunday Mass and special events. We seek to embrace a diversity of styles in our ensemble while forming a community through weekly rehearsals.”
      Music Ministry provides music for Sunday Mass and rehearses weekly.
    2. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Campus Ministrycourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/campus-ministry/9 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “These include Sunday Masses, Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the OCIA process, chapel choir, liturgical ministries, weekly small faith-sharing groups, bible studies”
      Campus Ministry offers Mass, adoration, reconciliation, OCIA, liturgical ministries and faith-sharing groups.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex residence halls available (Freshman housing: McAuley Hall houses 175 men and Baldwin Hall houses 200 women. Warde Hall, Ryan Hall and Duval Apartments are co-educational.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Residence Lifecourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/residence-life/12 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Freshman housing includes: Warde Hall, housing 300 students; McAuley Hall, housing 175 men; and Baldwin Hall, housing 200 women.”
      McAuley Hall houses men and Baldwin Hall houses women.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (2026-27 handbook: in the freshman area, opposite-sex guests are allowed 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Guests staying longer than 48 hours or two consecutive nights are treated as unauthorized residents.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst University Student Handbook 2026-2027mercyhurst.edu/handbook · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Residents may entertain guests of the opposite sex in their rooms from 10 a.m. until midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.”
      Freshman-area visitation hours limit opposite-sex guests to daytime and evening hours.
      “Students or non-students found to be living in a campus housing assignment for longer than 48 hours or two consecutive nights without an authorized assignment from the Residence Life Office will face disciplinary and possible legal action.”
      Guests may not stay more than 48 hours or two consecutive nights.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Office for Mission Integration (established 2008), led by the Vice President for Mission.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Office for Mission Integration, established in 2008, assists the President of Mercyhurst University in promoting and integrating the university’s educational mission, and the beliefs and values of the Catholic identity and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy”
      An Office for Mission Integration promotes the university's Catholic identity and Mercy legacy.
      “Dr. Greg Baker Vice President for Mission”
      The university has a Vice President for Mission.
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

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Department of Community Engagement in the Student Union, the primary location on campus for service opportunities.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Academic Community Engagementcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/academic-community-engagement/60 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Community Engagement in the Student Union is the primary physical location on campus for students to seek out service opportunities. In collaboration with Campus Ministry, students are afforded opportunities to participate in and even co-coordinate local and national service trips”
      The Community Engagement department is the campus service center and runs service trips with Campus Ministry.
    2. Community Engagement | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/community-engagement · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “All sophomore or junior level students participate in a one-credit community-engaged learning experience graduation requirement called Beyond The Gates.”
      All students complete the one-credit Beyond the Gates community-engaged learning requirement.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumRequired of all students (Beyond the Gates is a one-credit community-engaged learning graduation requirement, usually completed in the sophomore or junior year; some study abroad courses and service-learning programs can also satisfy it.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Community Engagement | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/community-engagement · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “All sophomore or junior level students participate in a one-credit community-engaged learning experience graduation requirement called Beyond The Gates.”
      All students complete the one-credit Beyond the Gates community-engaged learning requirement.
    2. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - REACH Curriculumcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/academic-affairs/reach-curriculum/15 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The outREACH requirement for baccalaureate students extends Mercyhurst University’s Mission-driven commitment to community engagement”
      The outREACH requirement for all baccalaureate students is a community-engagement requirement.
  • Partly: 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) (ECON 250 Economics of Poverty compares economics with Catholic social teaching. POLI 201 Catholic Political & Social Thought; both appear in the Catholic Studies minor. Not part of the required core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Catholic Studiescourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/degree/391?type=dbd · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “a critical comparison of the economics approach and Catholic social teaching”
      ECON 250 Economics of Poverty compares economics with Catholic social teaching.
      “A study and analysis of significant political, social, and economic ideas that can be classified as Roman Catholic.”
      POLI 201 Catholic Political & Social Thought studies Catholic social and political ideas.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)One (The 2026-27 catalog says Campus Ministry encourages involvement in organizations dedicated to pro-life advocacy; no specific pro-life group, March for Life trip, or pregnant and parenting student office is named on pages found.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Campus Ministrycourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/campus-ministry/9 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Campus Ministry encourages students to live out their faith through service opportunities, mission trips, and involvement in organizations dedicated to peace, justice, human dignity, and pro-life advocacy.”
      Campus Ministry encourages involvement in pro-life advocacy organizations.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Domestic and international alternative spring break trips, the MU Pantry for students facing food insecurity, the Human Trafficking Awareness Club, and the Campus Ethical Purchasing Club (sustainability and Laudato Si').)
    Sources (2)
    1. Community Engagement | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/community-engagement · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Highlighted by domestic and international spring break alternative break trips, the Department of Community Engagement also hosts half-day, overnight, or weekend trips/retreats for service, fellowship, and leadership development throughout the year.”
      Community Engagement runs domestic and international alternative break trips and service retreats.
      “The Department of Community Engagement supports this confidential program that provides a weekly backpack of food and supplies for any Mercyhurst student who expresses a need.”
      The MU Pantry provides food and supplies to students in need.
    2. Clubs & Organizations | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The purpose of Human Trafficking Awareness Club shall be to educate the campus community about human trafficking”
      A Human Trafficking Awareness Club is a recognized student organization.
      “This club has been formed to help address Mercyhurst's commitment to sustainability and to Laudato Si', in which ecological economics is a key priority.”
      The Campus Ethical Purchasing Club works on sustainability in light of Laudato Si'.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (Community Engagement staff report to the Vice President for Mission, service trips are run in collaboration with Campus Ministry, and Beyond the Gates presents service as part of the Mercy mission.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Academic Community Engagementcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/academic-community-engagement/60 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The staff report to the VP for Mission and work with many other individuals, offices, and community partners”
      Community Engagement staff report to the Vice President for Mission.
      “Community Engagement in the Student Union is the primary physical location on campus for students to seek out service opportunities. In collaboration with Campus Ministry, students are afforded opportunities to participate in and even co-coordinate local and national service trips”
      The Community Engagement department is the campus service center and runs service trips with Campus Ministry.
    2. Beyond The Gates | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/beyond-gates · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “students may also opt to satisfy BTG requirements through service learning programs, such as mentoring courses and Campus Ministry-sponsored 4th Vow retreats”
      Campus Ministry sponsors 4th Vow service retreats that can satisfy the Beyond the Gates requirement.

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

Strengths

  • Campus Ministry publishes a weekly Sunday Mass in Christ the King Chapel with confession and Eucharistic adoration beforehand, and a second Sunday Mass is offered at the Motherhouse on campus.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
      Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
      “Members of the campus community are also welcome to attend 10:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse (COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests). The Motherhouse building is part of our campus.”
      A 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass is celebrated at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, which is part of the campus.
    2. Campus Ministry Mass Schedule Fall 2026mercyhurst.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Fall2026MassSchedule.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Campus Ministry Mass Schedule Fall 2026 Sunday Mass, Christ the King Chapel, 7 p.m.”
      The Fall 2026 schedule lists Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
      “Confessions are available at 6 p.m. before each Sunday Mass.”
      Confessions are heard at 6 p.m. before each Sunday Mass.
  • An Office for Mission Integration led by a Vice President for Mission oversees the university's Catholic and Mercy identity, and the Community Engagement staff report to that office.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Office for Mission Integration, established in 2008, assists the President of Mercyhurst University in promoting and integrating the university’s educational mission, and the beliefs and values of the Catholic identity and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy”
      An Office for Mission Integration promotes the university's Catholic identity and Mercy legacy.
      “Dr. Greg Baker Vice President for Mission”
      The university has a Vice President for Mission.
    2. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Academic Community Engagementcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/academic-community-engagement/60 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The staff report to the VP for Mission and work with many other individuals, offices, and community partners”
      Community Engagement staff report to the Vice President for Mission.
  • Every bachelor's student completes the one-credit Beyond the Gates community-engaged learning requirement.
    Sources (2)
    1. Community Engagement | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/community-engagement · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “All sophomore or junior level students participate in a one-credit community-engaged learning experience graduation requirement called Beyond The Gates.”
      All students complete the one-credit Beyond the Gates community-engaged learning requirement.
    2. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - REACH Curriculumcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/academic-affairs/reach-curriculum/15 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The outREACH requirement for baccalaureate students extends Mercyhurst University’s Mission-driven commitment to community engagement”
      The outREACH requirement for all baccalaureate students is a community-engagement requirement.
  • Freshman housing includes a men's hall and a women's hall, and freshman-area visitation by opposite-sex guests ends at midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Residence Lifecourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/residence-life/12 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Freshman housing includes: Warde Hall, housing 300 students; McAuley Hall, housing 175 men; and Baldwin Hall, housing 200 women.”
      McAuley Hall houses men and Baldwin Hall houses women.
    2. Mercyhurst University Student Handbook 2026-2027mercyhurst.edu/handbook · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Residents may entertain guests of the opposite sex in their rooms from 10 a.m. until midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.”
      Freshman-area visitation hours limit opposite-sex guests to daytime and evening hours.

Concerns

  • The core's Reason and Faith area requires two courses with different prefixes from Catholic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies; the minimum is one theology or religious studies course and no philosophy course.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - REACH Curriculumcourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/academic-affairs/reach-curriculum/15 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “R - Reason and Faith (2 courses/6 credits) CST, PHIL, RLST”
      The core's Reason and Faith area requires two courses from Catholic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies.
      “Each student will be required to take two courses at the 100 or 200 level from each of the following areas of the Liberal Arts Experience. Note that no two prefixes in the Liberal Arts Experience can be the same.”
      The two courses in each Liberal Arts Experience area must carry different prefixes.
  • One weekday Mass (Thursday noon) is published on campus. Campus Ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door for other weekday Masses.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
      Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
      “For added flexibility, students are invited to consider attending daily and Sunday Masses at St. Luke Parish, located next door to campus. St. Luke’s offers Mass Monday's-Tuesday's and Thursday's-Friday's at 8 a.m., Wednesday's at 8:30 a.m., and Sunday's at 9 and 11:30 a.m.”
      Campus Ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door and lists its Mass times.
  • No priest is presented as university chaplain; the Campus Ministry page lists four priests without titles.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Fr. Alex Amico Fr. Chris Singer Fr. Jim Gutting Fr. Mark Nowak”
      The Campus Ministry page lists four priests under 'Meet our Priests', none titled chaplain.
  • The catalog refers generally to pro-life advocacy organizations.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Campus Ministrycourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/campus-ministry/9 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Campus Ministry encourages students to live out their faith through service opportunities, mission trips, and involvement in organizations dedicated to peace, justice, human dignity, and pro-life advocacy.”
      Campus Ministry encourages involvement in pro-life advocacy organizations.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry Lounge, Sister Carolyn Herrmann Student Union

  • Address: 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: lounge

View on map ↗

Source: mercyhurst.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, mercyhurst.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, course-catalog.com, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

17 groups and regular activities · 13 on campus, 4 off campus

Retreats 2

  • Carpe Diem RetreatOff campus
    Once a semester (Oct. 23-25, 2026 at Villa Maria)
    Weekend-long retreat open to students of all backgrounds.
  • Busy Person RetreatOn campus
    Nov. 2-13, 2026
    Retreat on Campus Ministry's fall calendar.

Service 2

  • Alternative break tripsOff campus
    Domestic and international spring break service trips and service retreats run by Community Engagement, in collaboration with Campus Ministry.
  • Day of ServiceOff campus
    Annual service morning at regional nonprofits for all first-year students during New Student Welcome.

Social life 4

  • Campus Ministry HikeOff campus
    Oct. 3, 2026
    Campus Ministry hike in Titusville.
  • Commuter FellowshipOn campus
    Lunch, conversation and prayer for commuter students in the Campus Ministry Lounge.
  • Sip & StitchOn campus
    Mondays 1:30 PM
    Needlework, tea and discussion with Sister Natalie Rossi.
  • Campus Ministry social eventsOn campus
    Fall 2026 calendar includes a Homecoming Game Night, a bonfire, and a Halloween party in the Campus Ministry Lounge.

Faith formation 2

  • Catholic ImpactOn campus
    Thursdays 4:30 PM
    Catholic faith group with Eucharistic adoration, lectio divina, discussions and guest speakers in the Campus Ministry Lounge.
  • OCIAOn campus
    Order of Christian Initiation of Adults process, with an OCIA Fellowship gathering on Nov. 22, 2026.

Clubs and groups 4

  • Daughters of MercyOn campus
    Mondays 7:30 PM
    Prayer and support group reflecting on faith and spiritual growth.
  • Sons of MercyOn campus
    Fridays 5:30 PM
    Weekly Bible study and discussion group.
  • Athlete FellowshipOn campus
    Tuesdays 8:30 PM
    Weekly faith-sharing gathering for student-athletes with speakers.
  • Wednesday Night FellowshipOn campus
    Wednesdays 5:30 PM
    Weekly Christian fellowship with speakers and small groups.

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Music MinistryOn campus
    Ensemble providing music for Sunday Mass and special events, with weekly rehearsals; no experience required.
  • Mass of the Holy SpiritOn campus
    Sept. 24, 2026, 11 AM
    University Mass at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Sports and recreation 1

  • Iron Sharpens IronOn campus
    Workout ministry focused on discipline, accountability and spiritual growth, meeting weekly in the gym.

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 | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Mass is offered throughout the academic year at 7 p.m. each Sunday, with Confessions and Adoration offered beforehand starting at 6 p.m. Community Mass is also offered at noon each Thursday.”
    Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. with confession and adoration from 6 p.m., and a Thursday noon Mass, during the academic year.
    “Jesse Spanogle Director, Campus Ministry jspanogle2@mercyhurst.edu 716-640-9084 Brittany Barko Krugger, M.M., MT-BC, NMT Director, Music Therapy Program; Assistant Professor; Director of Liturgical Music bbarkokrugger@mercyhurst.edu 814-824-2634 Jenell Patton Assistant Director, Campus Ministry jpatton@mercyhurst.edu 814-824-2549 Sister Natalie Rossi Part-Time Campus Minister nrossi@mercyhurst.edu 814-824-2933”
    Campus Ministry staff: a director, an assistant director, a part-time campus minister, and a Director of Liturgical Music.
    “For added flexibility, students are invited to consider attending daily and Sunday Masses at St. Luke Parish, located next door to campus. St. Luke’s offers Mass Monday's-Tuesday's and Thursday's-Friday's at 8 a.m., Wednesday's at 8:30 a.m., and Sunday's at 9 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus Ministry points students to St. Luke Parish next door and lists its Mass times.
  2. Mercyhurst University Student Handbook 2026-2027mercyhurst.edu/handbook · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Located on the first floor of the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, the Campus Ministry Lounge has long served as a place of hospitality, reflection, and connection for students across campus.”
    Campus Ministry is based in the Campus Ministry Lounge on the first floor of the Student Union.
  3. Contact Us | Mercyhurstmercyhurst.edu/about/contact · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Mailing Address: 501 East 38th Street Erie, Pennsylvania 16546”
    The university's address is 501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546.
  4. Mercyhurst Electronic Course Catalog 2026-2027 - Campus Ministrycourse-catalog.com/mercyhurst/C/2026-2027/content/student-life/campus-ministry/9 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Located on the main level of the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, the Campus Ministry Lounge has long been a place of welcome, conversation, and community”
    The Campus Ministry Lounge is on the main level of the Student Union.

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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.
67 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.60%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.80%
  • 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.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,031

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)
2,292
Total students2,668
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$19,444
Cost of attendance (per year)$59,557
Median federal debt at graduation$25,305
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
60%
First-year retention80%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$47,452
Admission rate81%
Students receiving Pell grants31%

Value index: 47 / 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

Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie

The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: eriercd.org, eriercd.org, eriercd.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 213987
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (medium programs)
  • 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
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Mercyhurst University a Catholic college?
Yes. Mercyhurst University is a Catholic college in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. Its sponsor is Sisters of Mercy.
What is Mercyhurst University’s Compass Score?
66 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Mercyhurst University?
Mass is listed at Christ the King Chapel, Campus (Community Mass; location not stated), and Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse (on campus). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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