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College · Catholic life on campus

Northern Illinois University

  • LocationDekalb, IL
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 15,504 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

The Newman Catholic Student Center, part of Christ the Teacher University Parish, serves Catholic students at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. It publishes weekday and weekend Mass, weekly confession, adoration, Bible studies, a FOCUS team, OCIA, a fall retreat, and a spring service trip.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 6

  • Monday–Friday12:05 PMChrist the Teacher University Parish (Newman Center)
  • Wednesday8:00 PMChrist the Teacher University Parish (Newman Center)
  • Saturday4:30 PMChrist the Teacher University Parish (Newman Center)
  • Sunday8:00 AMChrist the Teacher University Parish (Newman Center)
  • Sunday10:30 AMChrist the Teacher University Parish (Newman Center)
  • Sunday8:00 PMChrist the Teacher University Parish (Newman Center) · During active NIU fall and spring semesters.

Confession 5

  • Wednesday11:00 AMNewman Center
  • Wednesday7:30 PMNewman Center
  • Friday8:00 AMNewman Center · First Fridays only, until 12:00 PM.
  • Saturday3:00 PMNewman Center
  • Sunday7:00 PMNewman Center · During active NIU fall and spring semesters.

Adoration 3

  • Monday, Tuesday11:00 AMNewman Center
  • Wednesday9:00 AMNewman Center · Wednesday adoration runs until 8:00 PM.
  • Thursday, Friday11:00 AMNewman Center

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 (2)
  1. Mass + Confession Times | Newmannewmanniu.org/times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Mass Monday - Friday 12:05 p.m.”
    Mass is offered at 12:05 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Newman Center's parish.
    “Daily Mass Monday - Friday 12:05 p.m.”
    Mass is offered at 12:05 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Newman Center's parish.
    “Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.* *During Active NIU Fall & Spring Semesters”
    Weekend Masses are listed on Saturday and on Sunday morning and evening; the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass runs during active NIU semesters.
    “Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.* *During Active NIU Fall & Spring Semesters”
    Weekend Masses are listed on Saturday and on Sunday morning and evening; the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass runs during active NIU semesters.
    “Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.* *During Active NIU Fall & Spring Semesters”
    Weekend Masses are listed on Saturday and on Sunday morning and evening; the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass runs during active NIU semesters.
    “Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.* *During Active NIU Fall & Spring Semesters”
    Weekend Masses are listed on Saturday and on Sunday morning and evening; the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass runs during active NIU semesters.
    “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
    Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.
    “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
    Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.
    “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
    Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.
    “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
    Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.
    “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
    Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.
  2. Adoration | Newmannewmanniu.org/adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Monday - Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday - Friday 11:00 a.m.”
    Eucharistic adoration is published for weekdays, including Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Monday - Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday - Friday 11:00 a.m.”
    Eucharistic adoration is published for weekdays, including Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Monday - Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday - Friday 11:00 a.m.”
    Eucharistic adoration is published for weekdays, including Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Northern Illinois University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Mary Catholic Church: 0.9 mi1United Pentacostal Church of DeKalb: 1.5 mi2Newman Catholic Student Center (Christ the Teacher University Parish): 0.3 miNorthern Illinois University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Mary Catholic Church — 0.9 mi
  2. United Pentacostal Church of DeKalb — 1.5 mi · 1120 South 7th Street, Dekalb

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

Catholic life scorecard

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

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

Catholic life on campus

98 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. Start Here | Newmannewmanniu.org/start · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We are a part of Christ the Teacher University Parish, located just a block north of the Holmes Student Center.”
      The Newman Catholic Student Center is part of Christ the Teacher University Parish and is located a block north of the Holmes Student Center on the NIU campus.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Newman Catholic Student Center is a dedicated Catholic center, stated to be a block north of the Holmes Student Center.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Newman Center | Northern Illinois Universitynewmanniu.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “512 Normal Road DeKalb, Illinois 60115”
      The Newman Center's street address is 512 Normal Road, DeKalb, Illinois 60115.
    2. Start Here | Newmannewmanniu.org/start · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We are a part of Christ the Teacher University Parish, located just a block north of the Holmes Student Center.”
      The Newman Catholic Student Center is part of Christ the Teacher University Parish and is located a block north of the Holmes Student Center on the NIU campus.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Robert Gonnella is pastor of Christ the Teacher University Parish, home of the Newman Catholic Student Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Mission | Newmannewmanniu.org/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Robert Gonnella Pastor”
      Fr. Robert Gonnella is listed as pastor of the parish that includes the Newman Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass listed Monday through Friday at 12:05 p.m., plus Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass + Confession Times | Newmannewmanniu.org/times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass Monday - Friday 12:05 p.m.”
      Mass is offered at 12:05 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Newman Center's parish.
  • 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 (Saturday 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Sunday 8:00 p.m. during active NIU fall and spring semesters).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass + Confession Times | Newmannewmanniu.org/times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.* *During Active NIU Fall & Spring Semesters”
      Weekend Masses are listed on Saturday and on Sunday morning and evening; the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass runs during active NIU semesters.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Scheduled confession Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, plus First Friday mornings.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass + Confession Times | Newmannewmanniu.org/times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
      Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.
  • 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 (Men's and women's Bible study groups and the FOCUS missionary team.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Join a Bible Study | Newmannewmanniu.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Enter into community and discussion, exploring sacred scripture and the big questions we face in life”
      The Newman Center offers Bible study groups for men and for women.
    2. Meet the Staff | Newmannewmanniu.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FOCUS + Student Ministry Team Erin Mahaffa FOCUS Team Director erin.mahaffa@focus.org”
      A FOCUS missionary team works with students at the Newman Center.
    3. Northern Illinois University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/northern-illinois-university · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Northern Illinois University - FOCUS”
      FOCUS lists a campus page for Northern Illinois University where its missionaries serve.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Fall retreat, spring service trip, OCIA, and small-group Bible studies.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Retreats and Mission Trips | Newmannewmanniu.org/retreats-missions · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Northern Illinois Koinonia college retreat is held each fall semester.”
      The Newman Center holds a college retreat each fall (NIK, November 6-8, 2026).
      “Each spring break, Newman students travel to Murfreesboro, TN for a week of fun, adventure, and building homes with Habitat for Humanity.”
      Each spring break Newman students take a service trip to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with Habitat for Humanity.
    2. Becoming Catholic | Newmannewmanniu.org/ocia · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We meet Wednesday evenings during the NIU school year and receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass.”
      The OCIA program for adults meets on Wednesday evenings during the NIU school year.
    3. Join a Bible Study | Newmannewmanniu.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Enter into community and discussion, exploring sacred scripture and the big questions we face in life”
      The Newman Center offers Bible study groups for men and for women.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration20 to 29 times a week (20 weekly times documented: 10 Mass, 5 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

  • Mass is published on campus every weekday and on weekends, at the Newman Center's parish.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass + Confession Times | Newmannewmanniu.org/times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass Monday - Friday 12:05 p.m.”
      Mass is offered at 12:05 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Newman Center's parish.
      “Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.* *During Active NIU Fall & Spring Semesters”
      Weekend Masses are listed on Saturday and on Sunday morning and evening; the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass runs during active NIU semesters.
  • Confession and adoration are published on a weekly schedule.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass + Confession Times | Newmannewmanniu.org/times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
      Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.
    2. Adoration | Newmannewmanniu.org/adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Monday - Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday - Friday 11:00 a.m.”
      Eucharistic adoration is published for weekdays, including Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Men's and women's Bible studies and a FOCUS missionary team are listed for students.
    Sources (2)
    1. Join a Bible Study | Newmannewmanniu.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Enter into community and discussion, exploring sacred scripture and the big questions we face in life”
      The Newman Center offers Bible study groups for men and for women.
    2. Meet the Staff | Newmannewmanniu.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FOCUS + Student Ministry Team Erin Mahaffa FOCUS Team Director erin.mahaffa@focus.org”
      A FOCUS missionary team works with students at the Newman Center.

Concerns

  • The staff page lists a pastor and a parochial vicar for the parish.
    Sources (1)
    1. Meet the Staff | Newmannewmanniu.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Robert Gonnella Pastor FrGonnella@newmanniu.org”
      Fr. Robert Gonnella is pastor, with a published email address.
      “Fr. Jack Reichardt Parochial Vicar”
      Fr. Jack Reichardt is listed as parochial vicar.
  • Some Mass and confession times are listed only during active NIU fall and spring semesters.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass + Confession Times | Newmannewmanniu.org/times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.* *During Active NIU Fall & Spring Semesters”
      Weekend Masses are listed on Saturday and on Sunday morning and evening; the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass runs during active NIU semesters.
      “Confession Schedule Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. First Friday Saturday 3:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 p.m.*”
      Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on First Friday mornings.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Newman Catholic Student Center (Christ the Teacher University Parish)

  • Address: 512 Normal Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
  • Location: Next to campus
  • Distance from campus: 0.3 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 1

  • Northern Illinois Koinonia (NIK) fall retreatOff campus
    November 6-8, 2026
    A weekend college retreat each fall semester at Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford.
    newmanniu.org, newmanniu.org

Service 2

  • Spring break Habitat for Humanity service tripOff campus
    Spring break
    A week of building homes with Habitat for Humanity in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
    newmanniu.org
  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul
    The parish's St. Vincent de Paul Society provides support to people in the community.
    newmanniu.org

Social life 1

  • Halloween BowlingOn campus
    Friday, October 30, 2026
    A social with dinner at the Newman library, then bowling at the Holmes Student Center.
    newmanniu.org

Faith formation 2

  • Men's and women's Bible studies
    Sign-up groups; no meeting times listed on the page
    Men's and women's Bible study groups for college students, with sign-up links.
    newmanniu.org
  • OCIA (Becoming Catholic)
    Wednesday evenings during the NIU school year
    Catechetical preparation for adults who want to become Catholic or complete their initiation.
    newmanniu.org, newmanniu.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • FOCUS missionary team and Student Ministry Team
    FOCUS missionaries and a student ministry team work with students at the Newman Center.
    newmanniu.org, focus.org

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

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. The Mission | Newmannewmanniu.org/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Fr. Robert Gonnella Pastor”
    Fr. Robert Gonnella is listed as pastor of the parish that includes the Newman Center.
  2. Start Here | Newmannewmanniu.org/start · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “We are a part of Christ the Teacher University Parish, located just a block north of the Holmes Student Center.”
    The Newman Catholic Student Center is part of Christ the Teacher University Parish and is located a block north of the Holmes Student Center on the NIU campus.
    “We are a part of Christ the Teacher University Parish, located just a block north of the Holmes Student Center.”
    The Newman Catholic Student Center is part of Christ the Teacher University Parish and is located a block north of the Holmes Student Center on the NIU campus.
  3. Northern Illinois University - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/northern-illinois-university · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Northern Illinois University - FOCUS”
    FOCUS lists a campus page for Northern Illinois University where its missionaries serve.
  4. Newman Center | Northern Illinois Universitynewmanniu.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “512 Normal Road DeKalb, Illinois 60115”
    The Newman Center's street address is 512 Normal Road, DeKalb, Illinois 60115.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Robert Gonnella (Pastor, Christ the Teacher University Parish) 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.
60 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.49%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.70%
  • 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.15 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$14,474

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)
11,358
Total students15,504
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$13,391
Cost of attendance (per year)$28,851
Median federal debt at graduation$22,162
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
49%
First-year retention70%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$57,808
Admission rate70%
Students receiving Pell grants47%

Value index: 59 / 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 Rockford

The Most Reverend David J. Malloy, Bishop of Rockford

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

Questions families ask

Is Northern Illinois University a Catholic college?
No. Northern Illinois University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Christ the Teacher University Parish and Newman Catholic Student Center.
What is Northern Illinois University’s Catholic Life Score?
89 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 Northern Illinois University?
Mass is listed at Christ the Teacher University Parish (Newman Center). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Northern Illinois University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Northern Illinois University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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