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Spalding University: Spalding university
Photo: Unknown author, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Spalding University

  • LocationLouisville, KY
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 1,555 students
  • SponsorSisters of Charity of Nazareth
Official website

Spalding University is a coeducational university in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, founded in 1814 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Its campus ministry lists a weekly Catholic Mass at noon, open to students, faculty and staff, and offers Bible studies. The baccalaureate University Studies requirement includes at least six hours of Religious Studies.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Spalding University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSaint Louis Bertrand Catholic Church: 0.5 mi1Cathedral of the Assumption: 0.7 mi2Saint Augustine Catholic Church: 0.9 mi3Saint Augustine Catholic Church: 1.0 mi4Saint Boniface Catholic Church: 1.0 mi5Saint William Catholic Church: 1.0 mi6Campus Ministry at Spalding University: 0.1 miSpalding University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Louis Bertrand Catholic Church — 0.5 mi · 1104 South 6th Street, Louisville
  2. Cathedral of the Assumption — 0.7 mi · 443 South 5th Street, Louisville
  3. Saint Augustine Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 1310 West Broadway, Louisville
  4. Saint Augustine Catholic Church — 1.0 mi · 1310 West Broadway, Louisville
  5. Saint Boniface Catholic Church — 1.0 mi · East Liberty Street, Louisville
  6. Saint William Catholic Church — 1.0 mi · 1216 West Oak Street, Louisville

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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental 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.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year1–2 weekdays (Weekly Mass at noon.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Spalding Universityspalding.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our campus ministry offers weekly Catholic Mass as well as other spiritual services.”
      Campus ministry offers a weekly Catholic Mass.
      “Mass will be held at Noon and is open to student, faculty, and staff.”
      Mass is held at noon and open to students, faculty and staff.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)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.
    Scheduled confession on campusNot 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.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest (A published weekly Mass schedule is given by St. Louis Bertrand.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Spalding Universityspalding.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The blessed sacrament will be given by St. Louis Bertrand.”
      The blessed sacrament for the Mass is given by St. Louis Bertrand.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusNot 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.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.
N/ATheology and core curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and core curriculum

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.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (At least six hours of Religious Studies is required of all baccalaureate students (two 3-credit courses).)
    Sources (1)
    1. The University Studies Component of an Undergraduate Degree | Spalding University Catalogcatalog.spalding.edu/?id=64 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “requiring at least six (6) hours of Religious Studies for all baccalaureate degree programs”
      All baccalaureate students take at least six hours of Religious Studies.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (Religious Studies is generic.)
    Sources (2)
    1. The University Studies Component of an Undergraduate Degree | Spalding University Catalogcatalog.spalding.edu/?id=64 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “requiring at least six (6) hours of Religious Studies for all baccalaureate degree programs”
      All baccalaureate students take at least six hours of Religious Studies.
    2. Religion and Social Justice | Spalding University Catalogcatalog.spalding.edu/?id=345 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This course explores the idea of social justice in light of various religious and theological teachings.”
      A Religion and Social Justice course explores social justice in light of religious and theological teachings.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot 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.
    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 (The official list of School of Liberal Arts degrees includes no theology or religious studies major. Religious Studies appears only as a track option within Interdisciplinary Studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. School of Liberal Arts | Spalding University Catalogcatalog.spalding.edu/?id=787 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The School of Liberal Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Communication.”
      The School of Liberal Arts degree list does not include a 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.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)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.
    Retreats offered to students each yearNot 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.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsNot 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.
    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.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

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

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or volunteer centerNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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 encouraged, not required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission | Spalding Universityspalding.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are encouraged and supported in building meaningful relationships through volunteer work, community engagement, and service-learning”
      Students are encouraged to take part in volunteer work and service-learning.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)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.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)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.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)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.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

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

Strengths

  • Campus ministry offers a weekly Catholic Mass at noon, open to students, faculty and staff.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Spalding Universityspalding.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our campus ministry offers weekly Catholic Mass as well as other spiritual services.”
      Campus ministry offers a weekly Catholic Mass.
      “Mass will be held at Noon and is open to student, faculty, and staff.”
      Mass is held at noon and open to students, faculty and staff.
  • The baccalaureate University Studies requirement includes at least six hours of Religious Studies.
    Sources (1)
    1. The University Studies Component of an Undergraduate Degree | Spalding University Catalogcatalog.spalding.edu/?id=64 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “requiring at least six (6) hours of Religious Studies for all baccalaureate degree programs”
      All baccalaureate students take at least six hours of Religious Studies.
  • The university was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and describes itself as rooted in the Catholic tradition.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission | Spalding Universityspalding.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Founded in 1814 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Spalding University has a time-honored tradition”
      The university was founded in 1814 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
    2. Mission and Vision Statements | Spalding University Catalogcatalog.spalding.edu/?id=1060 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the Spalding University community embraces individuals of all traditions”
      The university describes itself as rooted in the Catholic tradition.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry at Spalding University

  • Address: 901 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40203
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 3 location not published

Faith formation 1

Clubs and groups 1

  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
    Mondays 7:00 PM
    Ecumenical chapter for student athletes; listed here for information, not as a Catholic group.
    spalding.edu, spalding.edu

Liturgy and prayer 1

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 | Spalding Universityspalding.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Our campus ministry offers weekly Catholic Mass as well as other spiritual services.”
    Campus ministry offers a weekly Catholic Mass.
    “Our Catholic roots and spirit of service honor the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.”
    Campus ministry honors the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth tradition.
    “Our campus ministry offers weekly Catholic Mass as well as other spiritual services.”
    Campus ministry offers a weekly Catholic Mass.
  2. Visit Spalding | Spalding Universityspalding.edu/visit · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “901 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40203”
    The university address is 901 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40203.

Reach out

Contact details for Campus Ministry Office (Campus Ministry contact (email mchastain)) and the campus ministry 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.
58 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.52%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.64%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 977 · ACT 18.5
  • 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.$11,748

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)
734
Total students1,555
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$25,491
Cost of attendance (per year)$45,530
Median federal debt at graduation$25,250
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
52%
First-year retention64%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$49,438
Admission rate99%
Students receiving Pell grants36%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT977
SAT reading & writing440–513
SAT math435–525
ACT composite15–22
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 37 / 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 Louisville

The Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre, Archbishop of Louisville

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

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

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 157757
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • 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): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Spalding University a Catholic college?
Yes. Spalding University is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Its sponsor is Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

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