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Mississippi State University: Go, Dawgs! (3590029921)
Photo: NatalieMaynor from Jackson, Mississippi, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

College · Catholic life on campus

Mississippi State University

  • LocationMississippi State, MS
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 22,657 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

Mississippi 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.

Cowbell Catholic is the Catholic campus ministry for Mississippi State University in Starkville. It is run with St. Joseph Catholic Church and is listed on the Diocese of Jackson's campus ministry page. The published schedule includes weekday and Sunday Masses, weekly confession, and adoration during the academic year. Fr. Jason Johnston is named as chaplain. FOCUS missionaries lead Bible studies, and the ministry lists men's and women's groups, retreats, and service opportunities.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 8

  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page)
  • Sunday11:30 AMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page)
  • Sunday5:30 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · During the academic year.
  • Monday5:30 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · During the academic year.
  • Tuesday5:30 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page)
  • Wednesday12:05 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page)
Show 2 more mass times
  • Thursday5:30 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page)
  • Friday12:05 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page)

Confession 4

  • Sunday4:30 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · During the academic year Listed as ending at 5:20 PM.
  • Tuesday4:30 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · Listed as ending at 5:20 PM.
  • Wednesday8:00 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · During the academic year. The faith formation page gives Wednesday Holy Hours as 8:30-9:30 PM; see gaps. Listed as ending at 9:00 PM.
  • Thursday4:30 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · Listed as ending at 5:20 PM.

Adoration 2

  • Monday–Thursday7:00 AMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · During the academic year Listed as ending at 5:00 PM.
  • Wednesday8:00 PMSt. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville (as listed on Cowbell Catholic's page) · With praise music; during the academic year Listed as ending at 9:00 PM.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sun: 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year”
    Three Sunday Masses are listed; the 5:30 PM Mass is during the academic year only.
    “Sun: 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year”
    Three Sunday Masses are listed; the 5:30 PM Mass is during the academic year only.
    “Sun: 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year”
    Three Sunday Masses are listed; the 5:30 PM Mass is during the academic year only.
    “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
    Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
    “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
    Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
    “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
    Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
    “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
    Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
    “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
    Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
    “Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM Only During the Academic Year Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM”
    Scheduled confession is listed on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
    “Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM Only During the Academic Year Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM”
    Scheduled confession is listed on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
    “Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM Only During the Academic Year Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM”
    Scheduled confession is listed on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
    “Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM Only During the Academic Year Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM”
    Scheduled confession is listed on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
    “MonThu 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Begins at 7 AM on Mondays and ends at 5PM on Thursdays | Only During the Academic Year”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Monday through Thursday, with a Wednesday evening adoration with praise music.
    “MonThu 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Begins at 7 AM on Mondays and ends at 5PM on Thursdays | Only During the Academic Year”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Monday through Thursday, with a Wednesday evening adoration with praise music.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Mississippi State University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSaint Joseph Catholic Church: 0.9 mi1Cowbell Catholic (campus ministry of St. Joseph Catholic Church): 0.9 miMississippi State University (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 607 University Drive, Starkville

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

Catholic life scorecard

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

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

Catholic life on campus

88 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Diocese of Jacksonjacksondiocese.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “CCM AT MS STATE Address: 607 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759”
      The Diocese of Jackson lists the Catholic campus ministry at Mississippi State with this address.
      “Mississippi State ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH - STARKVILLE Cowbell catholic at Mississippi State”
      The diocese lists Cowbell Catholic at Mississippi State as the campus ministry for the university.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (Fr. Jason Johnston is named chaplain and is also pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church; the chaplaincy is shared with parish duties.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff | Cowbell Catholic MSSTATEcowbellcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Jason Johnston Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church & Chaplain 662-323-2257”
      Fr. Jason Johnston is listed as pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church and chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Weekday Masses are listed for Monday through Friday. The Monday Mass is listed only during the academic year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
      Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Three Sunday Masses are listed; the 5:30 PM Mass is listed only during the academic year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sun: 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year”
      Three Sunday Masses are listed; the 5:30 PM Mass is during the academic year only.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession is listed for Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM Only During the Academic Year Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM”
      Scheduled confession is listed on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (Catholic groups listed include FOCUS-led Bible studies, a men's community group, and women's and men's ministries.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Bible Studies | Cowbell Catholic MSSTATEcowbellcatholic.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Don't see a time that works for you? Let's find a fit! Contact our Director of Campus Ministry at ccm@stjosephstarkville.org.”
      The ministry lists a campus ministry email address for Bible study questions.
      “Each semester, we have Bible studies groups led by our FOCUS missionaries and students.”
      Bible study groups led by FOCUS missionaries and students are held each semester.
    2. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Men's Community Group Thursday, October 15, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Enjoy Community and grow in your faith with other men.”
      A men's community group is listed on the ministry's calendar.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Formation kinds listed include retreats, Bible studies, OCIA, and service.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith Formation | Cowbell Catholic MSSTATEcowbellcatholic.org/faith-formation · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each semester, we have a weekend retreat, and these are both AWESOME opportunities to step away from your everyday”
      The ministry lists a weekend retreat each semester.
      “Interested in Becoming Catholic? Awesome! Our parish has a great opportunity for you to ask questions, learn about the Catholic faith”
      The ministry directs students interested in becoming Catholic to the parish's RCIA/OCIA program.
      “Men and Women's Ministry Both are held several times each semester.”
      Men's and women's ministry gatherings are held several times each semester.
    2. Service | Cowbell Catholic MSSTATEcowbellcatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our service opportunities are about becoming the hands and feet of Christ as we reach out to help others.”
      The ministry lists service opportunities, including a parish food pantry and parent's night out.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (17 weekly times documented: 8 Mass, 4 confession, 5 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

  • Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, and three Sunday Masses are listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
      Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
      “Sun: 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year”
      Three Sunday Masses are listed; the 5:30 PM Mass is during the academic year only.
  • Confession is listed on four days each week, and adoration is listed on four weekdays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM Only During the Academic Year Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM”
      Scheduled confession is listed on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
      “MonThu 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Begins at 7 AM on Mondays and ends at 5PM on Thursdays | Only During the Academic Year”
      Eucharistic adoration is listed Monday through Thursday, with a Wednesday evening adoration with praise music.
  • FOCUS missionaries lead Bible studies each semester, and FOCUS lists a campus page for the university.
    Sources (2)
    1. Bible Studies | Cowbell Catholic MSSTATEcowbellcatholic.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each semester, we have Bible studies groups led by our FOCUS missionaries and students.”
      Bible study groups led by FOCUS missionaries and students are held each semester.
    2. Mississippi State University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/mississippi-state-university · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mississippi State University Starkville HOME | CAMPUSES | Mississippi State University”
      FOCUS lists a campus page for Mississippi State University in Starkville.

Concerns

  • Several Mass and confession times are listed only during the academic year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year Tue: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Wed: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN Thu: 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Fri: 12:05 PM EnglishEnglishEN”
      Weekday Masses are listed Monday through Friday, with the Monday Mass listed only during the academic year.
      “Sun: 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 5:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Only During the Academic Year”
      Three Sunday Masses are listed; the 5:30 PM Mass is during the academic year only.
      “Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM Only During the Academic Year Tuesday: 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM”
      Scheduled confession is listed on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Cowbell Catholic (campus ministry of St. Joseph Catholic Church)

  • Address: 607 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759
  • Distance from campus: 0.9 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: jacksondiocese.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, cowbellcatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 7 location not published

Faith formation 4

  • Bible studies led by FOCUS missionaries and students
    Each semester
    Bible study groups held each semester; sign-up is through FOCUS.
    cowbellcatholic.org
  • Men's Community Group
    Thursdays 8:00 PM
    Gathering for men to grow in faith together.
    cowbellcatholic.org
  • Men's and women's ministry
    Gatherings held several times each semester.
    cowbellcatholic.org
  • RCIA/OCIA through St. Joseph parish
    Parish program for adults interested in becoming Catholic.
    cowbellcatholic.org

Retreats 1

Service 1

  • Service opportunities
    Service opportunities include the St. Joseph food pantry, parent's night out, and Habitat for Humanity volunteering.
    cowbellcatholic.org

Social life 1

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 (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Diocese of Jacksonjacksondiocese.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “CCM AT MS STATE Address: 607 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759”
    The Diocese of Jackson lists the Catholic campus ministry at Mississippi State with this address.
    “Mississippi State ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH - STARKVILLE Cowbell catholic at Mississippi State”
    The diocese lists Cowbell Catholic at Mississippi State as the campus ministry for the university.
    “CCM AT MS STATE Address: 607 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759”
    The Diocese of Jackson lists the Catholic campus ministry at Mississippi State with this address.
  2. Cowbell Catholic MSSTATE - Starkville, MScowbellcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Cowbell Catholic rings loudly to awaken, transform, and launch college students into lifelong missionary discipleship on campus and into the world.”
    Cowbell Catholic describes its mission as serving college students on campus.
    “Cowbell Catholic rings loudly to awaken, transform, and launch college students into lifelong missionary discipleship on campus and into the world.”
    Cowbell Catholic describes its mission as serving college students on campus.

Reach out

Contact details for J.R. Tomlinson (Director of Campus Ministry & OCIA) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
69 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.67%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.83%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,219 · ACT 25
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.16 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$8,632

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
18,230
Total students22,657
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$17,595
Cost of attendance (per year)$29,267
Median federal debt at graduation$22,142
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
67%
First-year retention83%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$51,513
Admission rate78%
Students receiving Pell grants29%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1219
SAT reading & writing560–670
SAT math540–680
ACT composite21–29
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 60 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Jackson

The Most Reverend Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

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

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 176080
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

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

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