Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College: Foley Hall site at St. Mary's of the Woods
Photo: Nyttend, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

  • LocationSaint Mary of the Woods, IN
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 1,227 students
  • SponsorSisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Official website

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a Catholic liberal arts college in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, founded in 1840 and connected with the Sisters of Providence. Mass is celebrated in the on-campus Church of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open for prayer daily. Every undergraduate takes one required theology course, TH 200, which centers on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 miSt. Mary-of-the-Woods Village Church: 0.4 mi1Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Mary-of-the-Woods Village Church — 0.4 mi · 3827 North Arms Place, St. Mary-of-the-Woods

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.

DSacramental life: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

51 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year3–4 weekdays (Mass is listed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Monday has no Mass and Friday is a communion service.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass schedule | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/mass · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: 11 a.m. Monday: No Mass Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 a.m.”
      Mass is offered in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m. there is no Monday or Saturday Mass.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)One weekend Mass (One Sunday Mass at 11 a.m. is listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass schedule | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/mass · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: 11 a.m. Monday: No Mass Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 a.m.”
      Mass is offered in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m. there is no Monday or Saturday Mass.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Eucharistic adorationNot offered (The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is described as a chapel of reservation, not exposition.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Blessed Sacrament Chapel | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/must-sees/blessed-sacrament-chapel · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Today, the Chapel has transitioned from a chapel of exposition to a chapel of reservation.”
      The Blessed Sacrament Chapel no longer holds exposition of the Eucharist; the Blessed Sacrament is kept in the tabernacle.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest (Mass is published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass schedule | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/mass · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: 11 a.m. Monday: No Mass Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 a.m.”
      Mass is offered in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m. there is no Monday or Saturday Mass.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Blessed Sacrament Chapel | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/must-sees/blessed-sacrament-chapel · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The chapel is unlocked from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Anyone wishing to pray there is welcome.”
      The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open for private prayer every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.
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

15 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (Woods Core baccalaureate requirements list one theology course, TH 200.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Baccalaureate Degree Requirements | Woods Core Curriculum, 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsmwc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/woods-core-curriculum/baccalaureate-degree-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “TH 200 | Love and Justice: The Faith and Spirituality of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin”
      TH 200 is the only theology course required of all baccalaureate students in the Woods Core; the ethics requirement may be met by PH 320 or BI 330.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (The Woods Core ethics requirement is a choice between PH 320 Ethics and BI 330 Bioethics; no philosophy course is required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Baccalaureate Degree Requirements | Woods Core Curriculum, 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsmwc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/woods-core-curriculum/baccalaureate-degree-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “TH 200 | Love and Justice: The Faith and Spirituality of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin”
      TH 200 is the only theology course required of all baccalaureate students in the Woods Core; the ethics requirement may be met by PH 320 or BI 330.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredNo (Theology is offered as TH courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Programs of Study | Undergraduate Catalog, 2026-2027smwc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/programs-of-study · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mathematics - B.S. Media Art – B.A.”
      The 2026-27 program list includes no theology or religious studies major.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/ACampus culture and residence life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture and residence life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)One (One professional campus minister is listed on the campus ministry page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Timothy Tesmer Campus Minister, Adjunct Instructor”
      Timothy Tesmer is listed as the campus minister; the page publishes his email and phone number.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Two distinct retreats are listed: the Awakening Retreat and the Busy Person's Retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Growth | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/spiritual-growth · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Awakening Retreat is a weekend experience held once each semester off campus”
      The Awakening Retreat is held each semester; the Busy Person's Retreat is typically held in the spring semester.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Student-led small groups are the one faith-formation group listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Growth | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/spiritual-growth · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Small groups are communities of 4-8 students that get together once a week for an hour”
      Campus ministry offers student small groups that meet weekly.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

79 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning Center | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/offices-resources/offices/service-learning-center · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministries leads a group of students, staff, and faculty in a charge to make a difference in a community away from home.”
      The Service Learning Center lists service projects, including an alternative spring break run with Campus Ministries.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (Service learning is a teaching strategy offered through the Service Learning Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning Center | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/offices-resources/offices/service-learning-center · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministries leads a group of students, staff, and faculty in a charge to make a difference in a community away from home.”
      The Service Learning Center lists service projects, including an alternative spring break run with Campus Ministries.
  • 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) (TH 345 Christian Social Teaching is an elective course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. TH 345 Christian Social Teaching | Undergraduate Catalog, 2026-2027smwc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/courses/th-theology/300/th-345 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course introduces students to the religious and theological principles that inform the growing body of Christian social teaching.”
      TH 345 Christian Social Teaching is a theology course in the catalog.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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 (Alternative Break Service Trips and the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice are both listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service and Social Justice | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/service-and-social-justice · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “SMWC Campus Ministry organizes an Alternative Break Service Trips each semester.”
      Campus Ministry organizes alternative break service trips each semester to other locations.
      “White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, exists to foster a way of living that recognizes the interdependence of all creation.”
      The White Violet Center, a Sisters of Providence ministry, works on care for creation and is listed in the campus ministry's service pages.
  • 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
    Sources (1)
    1. Service and Social Justice | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/service-and-social-justice · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “SMWC Campus Ministry organizes an Alternative Break Service Trips each semester.”
      Campus Ministry organizes alternative break service trips each semester to other locations.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is published for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as well as Sunday, in the on-campus Church of the Immaculate Conception.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass schedule | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/mass · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: 11 a.m. Monday: No Mass Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 a.m.”
      Mass is offered in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m. there is no Monday or Saturday Mass.
  • The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is unlocked from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and open to anyone who wishes to pray there.
    Sources (1)
    1. Blessed Sacrament Chapel | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/must-sees/blessed-sacrament-chapel · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The chapel is unlocked from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Anyone wishing to pray there is welcome.”
      The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open for private prayer every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Alternative Break Service Trips are organized by campus ministry each semester, and the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice is listed among service opportunities.
    Sources (1)
    1. Service and Social Justice | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/service-and-social-justice · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “SMWC Campus Ministry organizes an Alternative Break Service Trips each semester.”
      Campus Ministry organizes alternative break service trips each semester to other locations.
      “White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, exists to foster a way of living that recognizes the interdependence of all creation.”
      The White Violet Center, a Sisters of Providence ministry, works on care for creation and is listed in the campus ministry's service pages.

Concerns

  • No eucharistic adoration is offered: the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a chapel of reservation, not exposition.
    Sources (1)
    1. Blessed Sacrament Chapel | Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsspsmw.org/visit/must-sees/blessed-sacrament-chapel · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Today, the Chapel has transitioned from a chapel of exposition to a chapel of reservation.”
      The Blessed Sacrament Chapel no longer holds exposition of the Eucharist; the Blessed Sacrament is kept in the tabernacle.
  • The Woods Core requires one theology course; many Catholic colleges require two or more.
    Sources (1)
    1. Baccalaureate Degree Requirements | Woods Core Curriculum, 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsmwc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/woods-core-curriculum/baccalaureate-degree-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “TH 200 | Love and Justice: The Faith and Spirituality of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin”
      TH 200 is the only theology course required of all baccalaureate students in the Woods Core; the ethics requirement may be met by PH 320 or BI 330.
  • No philosophy course is required of all students, because the ethics requirement can be met with a bioethics course.
    Sources (1)
    1. Baccalaureate Degree Requirements | Woods Core Curriculum, 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsmwc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/woods-core-curriculum/baccalaureate-degree-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “TH 200 | Love and Justice: The Faith and Spirituality of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin”
      TH 200 is the only theology course required of all baccalaureate students in the Woods Core; the ethics requirement may be met by PH 320 or BI 330.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

  • Address: 1 St Mary of Woods Coll Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Blessed Sacrament Chapel, chapel in Le Fer Hall

Source: smwc.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, smwc.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, smwc.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 3 location not published

Retreats 2

  • Awakening RetreatOff campus
    Once each semester
    Weekend retreat held off campus with Indiana State and Rose-Hulman.
    smwc.edu
  • Busy Person's Retreat
    Typically the spring semester
    One-week retreat with daily 45-minute spiritual direction with a Sister of Providence, for students, faculty and staff.
    smwc.edu

Service 1

  • Alternative Break Service TripsOff campus
    Each semester
    Service trips to other locations; recent trips went to West Virginia, Houston, Ontario and Nashville.
    smwc.edu

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Mass and Communion Services at the Church of the Immaculate ConceptionOn campus
    Sunday 11 a.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m.; Friday communion service 11:30 a.m.
    Published Mass and communion services; the Mass schedule is published by the Sisters of Providence.
    spsmw.org
  • Taize Ecumenical Prayer serviceOn campus
    Second Tuesday of each month, 7-8 p.m.
    Prayer, music, readings and silence in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, hosted by the Sisters of Providence; also offered by livestream.
    spsmw.org

Faith formation 2

  • Small groups
    Once a week for an hour; times vary by year
    Groups of 4 to 8 students for conversation and Bible study, led by students.
    smwc.edu
  • Spiritual direction
    Spiritual direction and mentoring through campus ministry or with a Sister of Providence.
    smwc.edu

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 (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Timothy Tesmer Campus Minister, Adjunct Instructor”
    Timothy Tesmer is listed as the campus minister; the page publishes his email and phone number.
    “Timothy Tesmer Campus Minister, Adjunct Instructor”
    Timothy Tesmer is listed as the campus minister; the page publishes his email and phone number.
    “1 St Mary of Woods Coll Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876”
    The campus is published at this address.
  2. Catholic Identity | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegesmwc.edu/faith/catholic-identity · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Locations all over campus, such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Sacrament Church, the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin”
    The college names the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Blessed Sacrament Church as locations on campus for prayer and Eucharist.

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Academic Excellence

DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
55 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.47%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.62%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.9 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$5,714

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)
898
Total students1,227
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$31,872
Cost of attendance (per year)$49,512
Median federal debt at graduation$19,512
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
47%
First-year retention62%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$43,845
Admission rate72%
Students receiving Pell grants50%

Value index: 32 / 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

Archdiocese of Indianapolis

The Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, Archbishop of Indianapolis

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.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 152381
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (small programs)
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College a Catholic college?
Yes. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Its sponsor is Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
What is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Compass Score?
50 out of 100 (grade D). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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