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Southern Methodist University: Dallas Hall
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College · Catholic life on campus

Southern Methodist University

  • LocationDallas, TX
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 11,842 students

Affiliation: United Methodist

Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU, a ministry of the Diocese of Dallas, is based at the Catholic Center at 3057 University Boulevard, near campus. Its published fall 2026 schedule lists a chaplain and director, Mass on weekdays at the Catholic Center, Sunday Masses at Perkins Chapel and the Catholic Center, and weekly adoration. Student groups include the Knights of Columbus college council and CHACHA, and programs include OCIA and monthly service Saturdays.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 6

  • Monday, Friday12:10 PMCatholic Center (3057 University Blvd)
  • Tuesday–Thursday5:10 PMCatholic Center (3057 University Blvd)
  • Sunday9:00 AMPerkins Chapel · Celebrant listed as Msgr. Milam Joseph.
  • Sunday10:30 AMNot stated on the page · Celebrant listed as Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain).
  • Sunday5:00 PMPerkins Chapel · Student Mass; celebrant listed as Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain).
  • Sunday8:00 PMCatholic Center (3057 University Blvd) · Student Mass; celebrant listed as Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain).

Adoration 2

  • Monday–Friday9:00 AM–10:00 AMCatholic Center (3057 University Blvd)
  • Monday–Thursday9:00 PM–10:00 PMCatholic Center (3057 University Blvd)

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, & Adoration Times | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/masstimes · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mon & Fri 12:10 PM | Catholic Center Tues, Wed, & Thurs 5:10 PM | Catholic Center”
    Daily Mass is published for every weekday at the Catholic Center (Monday and Friday at 12:10 PM; Tuesday to Thursday at 5:10 PM).
    “Mon & Fri 12:10 PM | Catholic Center Tues, Wed, & Thurs 5:10 PM | Catholic Center”
    Daily Mass is published for every weekday at the Catholic Center (Monday and Friday at 12:10 PM; Tuesday to Thursday at 5:10 PM).
    “Sunday 9:00 AM | Msgr. Milam Joseph Perkins Chapel 10:30 AM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) 5:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) Catholic Center 8:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain)”
    Sunday Masses are published at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, with the 8:00 PM Mass at the Catholic Center.
    “Sunday 9:00 AM | Msgr. Milam Joseph Perkins Chapel 10:30 AM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) 5:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) Catholic Center 8:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain)”
    Sunday Masses are published at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, with the 8:00 PM Mass at the Catholic Center.
    “Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Catholic Center”
    Eucharistic adoration is published Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 AM, at the Catholic Center.
    “Monday - Thursday 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Catholic Center”
    Eucharistic adoration is published Monday to Thursday, 9:00 to 10:00 PM, at the Catholic Center.
  2. Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “9:00 AM Mass at Perkins Chapel 5:00 PM Student Mass at Perkins Chapel”
    The fall 2026 Sunday schedule lists the 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Masses at Perkins Chapel.
    “9:00 AM Mass at Perkins Chapel 5:00 PM Student Mass at Perkins Chapel”
    The fall 2026 Sunday schedule lists the 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Masses at Perkins Chapel.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Southern Methodist University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miChrist the King Catholic Parish: 1.7 mi1Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church: 1.8 mi2Holy Trinity Catholic Church: 2.3 mi3Catholic Center (Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU): 0.2 miSouthern Methodist University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Christ the King Catholic Parish — 1.7 mi
  2. Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 6306 Kenwood Avenue, Dallas
  3. Holy Trinity Catholic Church — 2.3 mi · 3826 Gilbert Avenue, Dallas

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

94 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. Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU is the place where the Catholic faith is lived and professed at SMU.”
      Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU is the Catholic campus ministry for the university.
    2. About Us | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “As a ministry of the Diocese of Dallas, CCM-SMU serves the largest religious denomination of students on campus.”
      The ministry is run under the Diocese of Dallas and serves SMU students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Catholic Center at 3057 University Blvd is described as near SMU's campus, not on it.)
    Sources (2)
    1. About Us | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the unique gift of the Neuhoff Catholic Student Center, located near SMU’s campus at the corner of University Boulevard and Airline Drive.”
      The Catholic student center is located near SMU's campus at University Boulevard and Airline Drive.
    2. Contact | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU 3057 University Boulevard Dallas, Texas 75205-1944”
      The Catholic Center is at 3057 University Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75205-1944.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Kevin Kolker is listed as Chaplain and Director.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff & Missionaries | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/staffandfocus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Kevin Kolker Chaplain and Director”
      Fr. Kevin Kolker is the chaplain and director of the campus ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass on Monday and Friday at 12:10 PM and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5:10 PM, all at the Catholic Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass, Confession, & Adoration Times | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/masstimes · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon & Fri 12:10 PM | Catholic Center Tues, Wed, & Thurs 5:10 PM | Catholic Center”
      Daily Mass is published for every weekday at the Catholic Center (Monday and Friday at 12:10 PM; Tuesday to Thursday at 5:10 PM).
  • 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 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM in Perkins Chapel and at 8:00 PM at the Catholic Center.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “9:00 AM Mass at Perkins Chapel 5:00 PM Student Mass at Perkins Chapel”
      The fall 2026 Sunday schedule lists the 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Masses at Perkins Chapel.
    2. Mass, Confession, & Adoration Times | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/masstimes · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday 9:00 AM | Msgr. Milam Joseph Perkins Chapel 10:30 AM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) 5:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) Catholic Center 8:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain)”
      Sunday Masses are published at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, with the 8:00 PM Mass at the Catholic Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession is listed as 30 minutes before Daily Mass and by appointment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass, Confession, & Adoration Times | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/masstimes · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession 30 minutes before Daily Mass and by appointment. To make an appointment email kkolker@smucatholic.org.”
      Confession is offered 30 minutes before Daily Mass on weekdays and 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 (Knights of Columbus College Council, CHACHA (Catholic Hispanic Association), and the FOCUS missionary team.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Find Community | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/community · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Knights host Lenten fish fries, offer extended Adoration hours at the Catholic Center”
      The Knights of Columbus College Council is listed as a student-facing group of the ministry.
      “CHACHA, our Catholic Hispanic Association, hosts many events at the Catholic Center”
      CHACHA, the Catholic Hispanic Association, is a student group that hosts events at the Catholic Center.
    2. Staff & Missionaries | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/staffandfocus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FOCUS MISSIONARIES Jo Davis FOCUS Team Director”
      A FOCUS missionary team serves with the Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (OCIA, monthly Service Saturdays, and an annual spring break mission trip.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Grow Spiritually | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/spiritual · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We offer a process of Christian initiation, often called OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)”
      The ministry runs an OCIA process for students who want to become Catholic.
    2. Serve Others | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each month, we host a Service Saturday to connect students with hands-on service opportunities in our local community.”
      A monthly Service Saturday is hosted for students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 3 milesComputed 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 (18 weekly times documented: 9 Mass, 0 confession, 9 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 for every weekday at the Catholic Center, and Sunday Masses are published at Perkins Chapel and the Catholic Center.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass, Confession, & Adoration Times | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/masstimes · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mon & Fri 12:10 PM | Catholic Center Tues, Wed, & Thurs 5:10 PM | Catholic Center”
      Daily Mass is published for every weekday at the Catholic Center (Monday and Friday at 12:10 PM; Tuesday to Thursday at 5:10 PM).
      “Sunday 9:00 AM | Msgr. Milam Joseph Perkins Chapel 10:30 AM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) 5:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain) Catholic Center 8:00 PM | Rev. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain)”
      Sunday Masses are published at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, with the 8:00 PM Mass at the Catholic Center.
    2. Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “9:00 AM Mass at Perkins Chapel 5:00 PM Student Mass at Perkins Chapel”
      The fall 2026 Sunday schedule lists the 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Masses at Perkins Chapel.
  • A named chaplain and director leads the ministry, and weekday adoration is published on several days.
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff & Missionaries | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/staffandfocus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Father Kevin Kolker Chaplain and Director”
      Fr. Kevin Kolker is the chaplain and director of the campus ministry.
    2. Mass, Confession, & Adoration Times | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/masstimes · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Catholic Center”
      Eucharistic adoration is published Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 AM, at the Catholic Center.
      “Monday - Thursday 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Catholic Center”
      Eucharistic adoration is published Monday to Thursday, 9:00 to 10:00 PM, at the Catholic Center.
  • The ministry lists a Knights of Columbus college council, CHACHA, OCIA, and monthly Service Saturdays.
    Sources (3)
    1. Find Community | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/community · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Knights host Lenten fish fries, offer extended Adoration hours at the Catholic Center”
      The Knights of Columbus College Council is listed as a student-facing group of the ministry.
      “CHACHA, our Catholic Hispanic Association, hosts many events at the Catholic Center”
      CHACHA, the Catholic Hispanic Association, is a student group that hosts events at the Catholic Center.
    2. Grow Spiritually | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/spiritual · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We offer a process of Christian initiation, often called OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)”
      The ministry runs an OCIA process for students who want to become Catholic.
    3. Serve Others | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each month, we host a Service Saturday to connect students with hands-on service opportunities in our local community.”
      A monthly Service Saturday is hosted for students.

Concerns

  • Confession is published as 30 minutes before weekday Mass and by appointment rather than as fixed hours.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass, Confession, & Adoration Times | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/masstimes · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession 30 minutes before Daily Mass and by appointment. To make an appointment email kkolker@smucatholic.org.”
      Confession is offered 30 minutes before Daily Mass on weekdays and by appointment.
  • The ministry's own pages describe the Catholic Center as near the campus rather than on it.
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “the unique gift of the Neuhoff Catholic Student Center, located near SMU’s campus at the corner of University Boulevard and Airline Drive.”
      The Catholic student center is located near SMU's campus at University Boulevard and Airline Drive.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Catholic Center (Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU)

  • Address: 3057 University Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205-1944
  • Location: Next to campus
  • Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, social space and coffee

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

12 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 11 location not published

Service 2

  • Spring break mission tripOff campus
    Annual, spring break
    Mission trip led by the FOCUS missionary team.
    smucatholic.org
  • Service Saturdays
    One Saturday a month
    Students begin with Mass at the Catholic Center and then serve in the Dallas community.
    smucatholic.org

Faith formation 2

  • Wednesday programming (formation talks, community night, Jericho)
    Wednesdays
    Ministry programming held on Wednesdays; the page lists formation talks, community nights and Jericho.
    smucatholic.org
  • Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
    Christian initiation process for students who want to learn about the Catholic faith or become Catholic.
    smucatholic.org

Clubs and groups 3

  • Knights of Columbus College Council
    Catholic men's college council that hosts Lenten fish fries and offers extended Adoration hours at the Catholic Center.
    smucatholic.org
  • CHACHA (Catholic Hispanic Association)
    Monthly (Misa y Comida)
    Catholic Hispanic student association; hosts events at the Catholic Center, including a monthly Spanish Mass and meal.
    smucatholic.org, smucatholic.org
  • FOCUS missionary team
    FOCUS missionaries serve with the campus ministry, including leading the spring break mission trip.
    smucatholic.org, focus.org, focus.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Confession
    30 minutes before Daily Mass (weekdays) and by appointment
    Sacrament of reconciliation offered before weekday Mass and by appointment with the chaplain.
    smucatholic.org

Social life 4

  • Sunday Supper
    Sundays during the school year, after the 5 PM Mass
    Free meal at the Catholic Center.
    smucatholic.org
  • Back-to-School BBQ
    Fall
    Annual fall gathering with food, music, yard games and giveaways.
    smucatholic.org
  • SMUCUS (Ugly Christmas Sweater Party)
    Annual, holiday season
    Annual holiday party with a sweater contest and hot chocolate.
    smucatholic.org
  • Mardi Gras Celebration
    Annual
    Annual celebration with live music or a photo booth and Cajun food.
    smucatholic.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 (3)
  1. Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU is the place where the Catholic faith is lived and professed at SMU.”
    Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU is the Catholic campus ministry for the university.
    “Come by for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, reconciliation, socializing, or a cup of coffee”
    The Catholic Center offers prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, reconciliation and social space to students.
  2. About Us | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “As a ministry of the Diocese of Dallas, CCM-SMU serves the largest religious denomination of students on campus.”
    The ministry is run under the Diocese of Dallas and serves SMU students.
    “the unique gift of the Neuhoff Catholic Student Center, located near SMU’s campus at the corner of University Boulevard and Airline Drive.”
    The Catholic student center is located near SMU's campus at University Boulevard and Airline Drive.
  3. Contact | Catholic Campus Ministry at SMUsmucatholic.org/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU 3057 University Boulevard Dallas, Texas 75205-1944”
    The Catholic Center is at 3057 University Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75205-1944.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Kevin Kolker (Chaplain and Director) 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.
93 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 1,428 · ACT 32
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.11 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$18,509

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)
7,115
Total students11,842
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$40,892
Cost of attendance (per year)$85,606
Median federal debt at graduation$19,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
84%
First-year retention91%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$78,354
Admission rate63%
Students receiving Pell grants13%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1428
SAT reading & writing670–740
SAT math670–750
ACT composite30–34
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 63 / 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 Dallas

The Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, Bishop of Dallas

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Source: dallascatholic.org, dallascatholic.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 228246
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (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)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): United Methodist
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Southern Methodist University a Catholic college?
No. Southern Methodist University is not a Catholic college. Its listed religious affiliation is United Methodist. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU.
What is Southern Methodist University’s Catholic Life Score?
94 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 Southern Methodist University?
Mass is listed at Catholic Center (3057 University Blvd), Perkins Chapel, and Not stated on the page. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Southern Methodist University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Southern Methodist University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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