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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Ricketts Building
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College · Catholic life on campus

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  • LocationTroy, NY
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 7,024 students
Official website

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

The Catholic community at RPI meets at the Chapel + Cultural Center at 2125 Burdett Avenue in Troy, the home of the University Parish of Christ Sun of Justice. The published 2026 schedule lists Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM and weekday Masses on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Fr. Jordan Lenaghan is named as chaplain. The Newman Catholic Fellowship and a Knights of Columbus council are listed as student groups.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 7

  • Sunday10:00 AMChapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Ave
  • Sunday5:00 PMChapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Ave
  • Monday5:00 PMChapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Ave · Weekday Mass; resumption date given as September 8 or September 14 (see gaps).
  • Tuesday5:00 PMChapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Ave · Weekday Mass; resumption date given as September 8 or September 14 (see gaps).
  • Wednesday9:00 AMChapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Ave · Weekday Mass; resumption date given as September 8 or September 14 (see gaps).
  • Saturday4:00 PMOur Lady of Victory, 55 North Lake Ave, Troy
Show 1 more mass times
  • Sunday9:00 AMOur Lady of Victory, 55 North Lake Ave, Troy

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 Schedule | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/2026-mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
    The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
    “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
    The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
    “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
    The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
    “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
    The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
    “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
    The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
  2. Mass Times | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Weekend Masses are also available at Our Lady of Victory: Saturday at 4:00pm Sunday at 9:00am”
    Weekend Masses are also published at Our Lady of Victory: Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 9:00 AM.
    “Weekend Masses are also available at Our Lady of Victory: Saturday at 4:00pm Sunday at 9:00am”
    Weekend Masses are also published at Our Lady of Victory: Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 9:00 AM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miChrist Sun of Justice Catholic Church: 0.3 mi1Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church: 0.5 mi2Saint Anthony's Roman Catholic Church: 0.7 mi3Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church: 0.7 mi4St. Mary's Church: 0.8 mi5United Ordained Church: 1.0 mi6Chapel + Cultural Center (Rensselaer Newman): 0.2 miRensselaer Polytechnic Institute (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Christ Sun of Justice Catholic Church — 0.3 mi · 2125 Burdett Avenue, Troy
  2. Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church — 0.5 mi
  3. Saint Anthony's Roman Catholic Church — 0.7 mi · 28 State Street, Troy
  4. Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church — 0.7 mi
  5. St. Mary's Church — 0.8 mi · 196 3rd Street, Troy
  6. United Ordained Church — 1.0 mi

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

Catholic life scorecard

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

BCatholic life on campus: 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.

Catholic life on campus

82 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 (2)
    1. About | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The mission of the Rensselaer Catholic community is to serve the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.”
      The Rensselaer Catholic community serves RPI students, faculty and staff.
    2. Campus Ministry | Roman Catholic Diocese of Albanyrcda.org/offices/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE”
      The Diocese of Albany campus ministry directory lists Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The ministry's dedicated Chapel + Cultural Center is about 0.21 mile from the campus (computed from its published address).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Facilities | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/facilities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “2125 Burdett Ave., Troy NY 12180 (518) 274-7793”
      The Chapel + Cultural Center is at 2125 Burdett Ave., Troy NY 12180.
      “A flexible multi-purpose auditorium/chapel seating up to 200”
      The building includes a multi-purpose auditorium and chapel.
      “A lounge / meeting space for up to 30”
      The building has a lounge and meeting space for up to 30 people, served by a kitchen.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (A named priest is presented as the chaplain for RPI students, with no other assignment listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Rensselaer Newman Foundation is pleased to welcome Fr. Jordan Lenaghan as the new Chaplain for the RPI students and community.”
      Fr. Jordan Lenaghan is presented as the new chaplain for RPI students and community.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Three weekdays (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) at the Chapel + Cultural Center. The 2026 notices give different resumption dates (September 14 and September 8).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass Schedule | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/2026-mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
      The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
    2. Worship | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday 10am, 5pm Monday-Tuesday 5pm Wednesday 9am”
      Mass is published Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM, and Wednesday at 9:00 AM.
  • 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 (Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM at the Chapel + Cultural Center.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Worship | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday 10am, 5pm Monday-Tuesday 5pm Wednesday 9am”
      Mass is published Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM, and Wednesday at 9:00 AM.
    2. Mass Schedule | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/2026-mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
      The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryLess than weekly, or by appointment (Confession is available by appointment only.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacraments | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by appointment.”
      The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by appointment.
  • 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 (Newman Catholic Fellowship and a Knights of Columbus college council.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Newman Catholic Fellowship | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/newman-catholic-fellowship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Newman Catholic Fellowship was founded in 1907 and is the oldest religious organization on the RPI campus.”
      The Newman Catholic Fellowship is a Catholic student group founded in 1907.
      “Membership in Newman Catholic Fellowship is open to all RPI students, as well as students at Russell Sage College, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.”
      Membership is open to RPI students and Russell Sage College students.
    2. Knights of Columbus Council | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/knights-of-columbus-council · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal organization dedicated to faith, service, and brotherhood.”
      The Rensselaer Newman site lists a Knights of Columbus council for college students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Two kinds: RCIA referral through the chaplain, and service volunteering (food pantry, St. Joseph House meal program, and chapel decoration).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Sacraments | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adults who are interested in being baptized or joining the Catholic church from another Christian tradition should speak to the chaplain regarding the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.”
      Adults seeking baptism or entry into the Catholic Church are directed to the chaplain for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
    2. Service + Volunteering | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/service-volunteering · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Food Pantry: Christ Sun of Justice parish supports the community food pantry at Our Lady of the Snows in Grafton NY.”
      The parish supports a food pantry in Grafton and asks for volunteers to collect food.
  • 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 adoration6 to 11 times a week (7 weekly times documented: 7 Mass, 0 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

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

Strengths

  • Sunday Masses at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM and weekday Masses on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are published at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
    Sources (2)
    1. Worship | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday 10am, 5pm Monday-Tuesday 5pm Wednesday 9am”
      Mass is published Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM, and Wednesday at 9:00 AM.
    2. Mass Schedule | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/2026-mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
      The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.
  • A named chaplain is presented for RPI students, and the Newman Catholic Fellowship and a Knights of Columbus council are listed.
    Sources (3)
    1. About | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Rensselaer Newman Foundation is pleased to welcome Fr. Jordan Lenaghan as the new Chaplain for the RPI students and community.”
      Fr. Jordan Lenaghan is presented as the new chaplain for RPI students and community.
    2. Newman Catholic Fellowship | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/newman-catholic-fellowship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Newman Catholic Fellowship was founded in 1907 and is the oldest religious organization on the RPI campus.”
      The Newman Catholic Fellowship is a Catholic student group founded in 1907.
    3. Knights of Columbus Council | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/knights-of-columbus-council · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal organization dedicated to faith, service, and brotherhood.”
      The Rensselaer Newman site lists a Knights of Columbus council for college students.
  • Service volunteering (food pantry, St. Joseph House, chapel decoration) and RCIA are listed.
    Sources (2)
    1. Service + Volunteering | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/service-volunteering · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Food Pantry: Christ Sun of Justice parish supports the community food pantry at Our Lady of the Snows in Grafton NY.”
      The parish supports a food pantry in Grafton and asks for volunteers to collect food.
    2. Sacraments | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adults who are interested in being baptized or joining the Catholic church from another Christian tradition should speak to the chaplain regarding the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.”
      Adults seeking baptism or entry into the Catholic Church are directed to the chaplain for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Concerns

  • Confession is listed by appointment only, with no regular weekly times.
    Sources (1)
    1. Sacraments | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by appointment.”
      The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by appointment.
  • Weekday Masses are published on three days (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), with none on Thursday or Friday.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Schedule | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/2026-mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Mases will resume on September 14 for the Fall Semester: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM Wednesday at 9:00 AM”
      The 2026 Mass schedule lists Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Masses at the Chapel + Cultural Center.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Chapel + Cultural Center (Rensselaer Newman)

  • Address: 2125 Burdett Ave, Troy, NY 12180
  • Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: chapel, auditorium, lounge / meeting space, kitchen

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 8 location not published

Faith formation 1

  • RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
    Adults seeking baptism or entry into the Catholic Church are directed to the chaplain for RCIA.
    rensselaernewman.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Newman Catholic Fellowship
    Meetings, dinners and activities (no schedule published)
    The official Catholic student organization at RPI, open to RPI and Russell Sage College students.
    rensselaernewman.org, rensselaernewman.org
  • Knights of Columbus college council
    College council of the Knights of Columbus, with events including the College Councils Conference, World Youth Day, mission trips and the March for Life.
    rensselaernewman.org, rensselaernewman.org

Service 3

  • Food pantry collection and delivery
    2-3 hours per month
    Collect food and personal care items at the Chapel + Cultural Center and transport them to a parish in Grafton.
    rensselaernewman.org
  • St. Joseph House meal program support
    2-3 hours per month
    Helps with a program that feeds people in need in Troy; usually provides desserts.
    rensselaernewman.org
  • Chapel decoration volunteers
    3-4 hours, 4-5 times per year
    Helps change the chapel decoration for each liturgical season.
    rensselaernewman.org

Social life 2

  • Ice cream social after Sunday Masses
    Sunday, August 30, 2026
    Ice cream and fellowship after both Sunday Masses.
    rensselaernewman.org
  • Catholic Community Welcome Picnic
    Sunday, September 6, 2026 (Mass at 5 PM, picnic from 6 PM)
    Food, games and music after Mass for the RPI Catholic community.
    rensselaernewman.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 (5)
  1. Staff | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Chaplains’ Office Rensselaer Union, 3514 110 Eighth Street, Troy 12180”
    The Chaplains’ Office is listed at the Rensselaer Union, 110 Eighth Street, Troy.
  2. About | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The mission of the Rensselaer Catholic community is to serve the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.”
    The Rensselaer Catholic community serves RPI students, faculty and staff.
  3. History | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “In 1971 the Diocese of Albany established the university parish of Christ Sun of Justice as a “personal” parish, serving that people of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and its environs.”
    The university parish of Christ Sun of Justice was established as a personal parish serving RPI.
  4. Sacraments | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/sacraments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Christ Sun of Justice, as a “personal parish,” exists to serve a particular group of persons: the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of RPI (Canon 518).”
    The parish exists to serve RPI students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
  5. Facilities | Rensselaer Newmanrensselaernewman.org/facilities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “2125 Burdett Ave., Troy NY 12180 (518) 274-7793”
    The Chapel + Cultural Center is at 2125 Burdett Ave., Troy NY 12180.
    “A flexible multi-purpose auditorium/chapel seating up to 200”
    The building includes a multi-purpose auditorium and chapel.
    “A lounge / meeting space for up to 30”
    The building has a lounge and meeting space for up to 30 people, served by a kitchen.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Jordan Lenaghan (Chaplain for RPI students and community) and 4 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: 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.
91 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.84%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.91%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,456 · ACT 32
  • 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.$20,696

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)
5,954
Total students7,024
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$36,228
Cost of attendance (per year)$82,404
Median federal debt at graduation$23,750
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
84%
First-year retention91%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$102,051
Admission rate63%
Students receiving Pell grants20%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1456
SAT reading & writing670–740
SAT math705–770
ACT composite30–34
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 61 / 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 Albany

The Most Reverend Mark O'Connell, Bishop of Albany

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: rcda.org, rcda.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 194824
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute a Catholic college?
No. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Rensselaer Newman Foundation (Chaplains' Office).
What is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Catholic Life Score?
84 out of 100 (grade B). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Mass is listed at Chapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Ave, Our Lady of Victory, 55 North Lake Ave and Troy. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Compass Recommended?
Yes. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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