Is University of California-San Diego a Catholic college?

No. University of California-San Diego is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego.

Where is Mass celebrated at University of California-San Diego?

Mass is listed at Newman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church and 4321 Eastgate Mall). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

College · Catholic life on campus

University of California-San Diego

LocationLa Jolla, CA
Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 42,376 students

Official website

University of California-San Diego 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 Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego, a Jesuit-led ministry since 2017, serves as the Catholic parish for UCSD students, faculty, and staff. It shares church and hall space with Good Samaritan Episcopal Church at 4321 Eastgate Mall, near the east side of campus, and uses the on-campus Center for Ethics and Spirituality. Three Jesuit priests are on staff; the center lists two Sunday Masses, weekday Mass Tuesday through Thursday, confession on Sundays and Wednesdays, Wednesday evening adoration during the quarter, student retreats each quarter, and Christian Life Community groups.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

Sunday12:30 PMNewman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 4321 Eastgate Mall)
Sunday7:00 PMNewman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 4321 Eastgate Mall)
Tuesday–Thursday12:10 PMNewman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 4321 Eastgate Mall)

Confession 2

Sunday6:00 PM–6:45 PMNewman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 4321 Eastgate Mall)
Wednesday7:00 PM–9:00 PMNewman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 4321 Eastgate Mall) · Weeks 1-10 of the fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Adoration 1

Wednesday8:00 PMNewman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 4321 Eastgate Mall) · XLT Adoration on odd weeks and Taizé Adoration on even weeks, weeks 1-10 of the fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Mass Times, Reconciliation, and Adoration – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Sunday Mass 12:30pm at Newman 7:00pm at Newman Weekday Mass 12:10pm Tuesday – Thursday at Newman”
Sunday Mass is at 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM, and weekday Mass is at 12:10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, at the Newman Center.
“Sunday Mass 12:30pm at Newman 7:00pm at Newman Weekday Mass 12:10pm Tuesday – Thursday at Newman”
Sunday Mass is at 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM, and weekday Mass is at 12:10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, at the Newman Center.
“Sunday Mass 12:30pm at Newman 7:00pm at Newman Weekday Mass 12:10pm Tuesday – Thursday at Newman”
Sunday Mass is at 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM, and weekday Mass is at 12:10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, at the Newman Center.
“Confessions 6:00pm – 6:45pm Sundays at Newman 7:00pm – 9:00pm Wednesdays during Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman Or by appointment, contact Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, SJ or Fr. Lân Ngô, SJ * Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.”
Confession is scheduled Sundays 6:00-6:45 PM and Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM during weeks 1-10 of the fall, winter, and spring quarters, or by appointment.
“Confessions 6:00pm – 6:45pm Sundays at Newman 7:00pm – 9:00pm Wednesdays during Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman Or by appointment, contact Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, SJ or Fr. Lân Ngô, SJ * Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.”
Confession is scheduled Sundays 6:00-6:45 PM and Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM during weeks 1-10 of the fall, winter, and spring quarters, or by appointment.
“Adoration 8:00pm XLT Adoration on Odd Wednesdays of Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman 8:00pm Taizé Adoration on Even Wednesdays of Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman”
Adoration is held Wednesdays at 8:00 PM during weeks 1-10 of each quarter, alternating XLT adoration (odd weeks) and Taize adoration (even weeks).

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Dominican Fathers — 0.5 mi · 9595 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla
Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church — 2.1 mi · 3131 Governor Drive, San Diego

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.

Catholic life on campus

78 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (The Newman Center states it serves as the Catholic parish for UCSD students, faculty, and staff. UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists it as a member community, and the Jesuits West Province lists it among its parishes.)
Sources (3)
1. Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego – Catholic Churchtritoncatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “We serve as the Catholic Parish for all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and alumni of the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego or UCSD)”
  The Newman Center serves as the Catholic parish for UCSD undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
2. Our Members | Center for Ethics and Spirituality, UC San Diegostudents.ucsd.edu/sponsor/ethics-spirit/about/members.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Newman Catholic Community at UCSD Contact Person: Fr. Christopher Nguyen, SJ Affiliated Student Org: Catholic Student Community”
  UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists the Newman Catholic Community at UCSD as a member, with Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J., as contact and Catholic Student Community as its affiliated student organization.
3. Parishes - West Provincejesuitswest.org/our-work/parishes · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego San Diego, CA The Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego came into existence with the founding of the University in 1966.”
  The Jesuits West Province lists the Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego among its parishes.
No:
Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusNo (The Newman Center has no building of its own: it shares church and Roetter Hall space at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church (4321 Eastgate Mall, about two blocks from UCSD's east parking lots), and its on-campus home is the multi-faith Center for Ethics and Spirituality, shared with other faith communities.)
Sources (3)
1. Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego – Catholic Churchtritoncatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Our address, near the UC San Diego campus (UCSD campus), is 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121. We are located in the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, and on approval of both bishops, we share Church and Roetter Hall space.”
  The Newman Center's address is 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, in the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, whose church and Roetter Hall it shares.
2. Locations – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Newman Center shares space at the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, which is at the corner of Genesee & Eastgate Mall. This space sharing arrangement has been approved by both the Catholic and Episcopal bishops of San Diego.”
  The Newman Center shares space at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church at Genesee Avenue and Eastgate Mall.
  “The Center for Ethics and Spirituality serves as the on-campus home for the Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego. It is also the home of a number of other campus ministries from other faith traditions.”
  The Newman Center's on-campus home is UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality, which it shares with ministries of other faiths.
3. About Us – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/about-us · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Thus, the Newman Center moved to its current location at the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, two blocks from the east parking lots of UC San Diego.”
  The Newman Center's location at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church is two blocks from UCSD's east parking lots.
Yes:
Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Three Jesuit priests are on staff: Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, S.J. (Director), Fr. Lân Ngô, S.J. (Associate Director), and Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J. (Pastoral Associate for Campus Ministry).)
Sources (1)
1. Staff – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, SJ Director Email: cnguyen3@tritoncatholic.org Tel: 858-452-1957”
  Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, S.J., is Director of the Newman Center (cnguyen3@tritoncatholic.org, 858-452-1957).
  “Fr. Lân Ngô, SJ Associate Director Email: lngo@tritoncatholic.org”
  Fr. Lân Ngô, S.J., is Associate Director (lngo@tritoncatholic.org).
  “Fr. Christopher Nguyen, SJ Pastoral Associate for Campus Ministry Email: cnguyen@tritoncatholic.org”
  Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J., is Pastoral Associate for Campus Ministry (cnguyen@tritoncatholic.org).
Partly:
Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (12:10 PM Tuesday through Thursday (three weekdays).)
Sources (1)
1. Mass Times, Reconciliation, and Adoration – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Sunday Mass 12:30pm at Newman 7:00pm at Newman Weekday Mass 12:10pm Tuesday – Thursday at Newman”
  Sunday Mass is at 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM, and weekday Mass is at 12:10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, at the Newman Center.
Yes:
Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Sunday 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM.)
Sources (1)
1. Mass Times, Reconciliation, and Adoration – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Sunday Mass 12:30pm at Newman 7:00pm at Newman Weekday Mass 12:10pm Tuesday – Thursday at Newman”
  Sunday Mass is at 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM, and weekday Mass is at 12:10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, at the Newman Center.
Yes:
Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Sundays 6:00-6:45 PM and Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM during weeks 1-10 of the fall, winter, and spring quarters, or by appointment.)
Sources (1)
1. Mass Times, Reconciliation, and Adoration – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Confessions 6:00pm – 6:45pm Sundays at Newman 7:00pm – 9:00pm Wednesdays during Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman Or by appointment, contact Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, SJ or Fr. Lân Ngô, SJ * Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.”
  Confession is scheduled Sundays 6:00-6:45 PM and Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM during weeks 1-10 of the fall, winter, and spring quarters, or by appointment.
Yes:
Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (The Newman Center names three affiliated UCSD student organizations (Catholic Community - Newman Center Parish, Catholics for Social Justice, and Christian Life Community at UC San Diego). UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists its affiliated student org as Catholic Student Community. A student ministry team leads the community.)
Sources (4)
1. Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego – Catholic Churchtritoncatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Catholic Community – Newman Center Parish Student Org, Catholics for Social Justice Student Org, and Christian Life Community at UC San Diego Student Org. We are a Jesuit led ministry that serves the Catholic Community at UC San Diego (UCSD).”
  The Newman Center names three affiliated student organizations (Catholic Community - Newman Center Parish, Catholics for Social Justice, and Christian Life Community at UC San Diego) and is a Jesuit-led ministry.
2. Our Members | Center for Ethics and Spirituality, UC San Diegostudents.ucsd.edu/sponsor/ethics-spirit/about/members.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Newman Catholic Community at UCSD Contact Person: Fr. Christopher Nguyen, SJ Affiliated Student Org: Catholic Student Community”
  UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists the Newman Catholic Community at UCSD as a member, with Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J., as contact and Catholic Student Community as its affiliated student organization.
3. Student Ministers – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/student-ministers · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Student Ministry team dedicates their time, energy, talent, and prayer to be Servant Leaders of the Newman Center.”
  A student ministry team leads the Newman Center's student community.
4. CLC Student – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/student-clc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Christian Life Communities (CLCs) are small faith sharing groups that are based on three pillars: community, spirituality, and service.”
  The Newman Center offers student Christian Life Community small faith-sharing groups.
Yes:
Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Fall, winter, and spring silent student retreats. Christian Life Community small groups. OCIA and confirmation; monthly meal service at St. Vincent de Paul.)
Sources (4)
1. CLC Student – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/student-clc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Christian Life Communities (CLCs) are small faith sharing groups that are based on three pillars: community, spirituality, and service.”
  The Newman Center offers student Christian Life Community small faith-sharing groups.
2. Retreats – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Student Fall Retreat is a great opportunity to make new friends, grow in your faith, and simply have fun! The registration opens at the beginning of the academic school year and the retreat happens the second week of the Fall Quarter.”
  A student fall retreat is held in the second week of the fall quarter.
  “The registration opens at the end of the Fall Quarter and the retreat happens the second or third week of the Winter Quarter.”
  A student winter retreat is held in the second or third week of the winter quarter.
  “The Spring Retreat is a 3-day Silent Retreat that provides a special opportunity to step away from everyday distractions and noise, creating space to hear the quiet voice of God speaking in your life.”
  A three-day spring silent retreat is held early in the spring quarter.
3. Become Catholic – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/become-catholic · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Do you want to become Catholic or get Confirmed? Join our Christian Initiation and Confirmation Program starting in the Fall!”
  The Newman Center runs a Christian initiation (OCIA) and confirmation program starting each fall.
4. St. Vincent De Paul – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/svdp · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Saturday, once a month, to those in need at St. Vincent De Paul in downtown San Diego.”
  Volunteers carpool from the Newman Center once a month on Saturday to serve meals at St. Vincent de Paul (Father Joe's Village) in downtown San Diego.
Yes:
Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (8 weekly times documented: 5 Mass, 2 confession, 1 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

Three Jesuit priests serve on the Newman Center staff, including a director, an associate director, and a pastoral associate for campus ministry.
Sources (1)
1. Staff – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, SJ Director Email: cnguyen3@tritoncatholic.org Tel: 858-452-1957”
  Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, S.J., is Director of the Newman Center (cnguyen3@tritoncatholic.org, 858-452-1957).
  “Fr. Lân Ngô, SJ Associate Director Email: lngo@tritoncatholic.org”
  Fr. Lân Ngô, S.J., is Associate Director (lngo@tritoncatholic.org).
  “Fr. Christopher Nguyen, SJ Pastoral Associate for Campus Ministry Email: cnguyen@tritoncatholic.org”
  Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J., is Pastoral Associate for Campus Ministry (cnguyen@tritoncatholic.org).
Confession is scheduled every Sunday and on Wednesday evenings during the quarter, and adoration (XLT or Taizé) is held Wednesday evenings during the quarter.
Sources (1)
1. Mass Times, Reconciliation, and Adoration – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Adoration 8:00pm XLT Adoration on Odd Wednesdays of Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman 8:00pm Taizé Adoration on Even Wednesdays of Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman”
  Adoration is held Wednesdays at 8:00 PM during weeks 1-10 of each quarter, alternating XLT adoration (odd weeks) and Taize adoration (even weeks).
  “Confessions 6:00pm – 6:45pm Sundays at Newman 7:00pm – 9:00pm Wednesdays during Weeks 1-10 of Quarter* at Newman Or by appointment, contact Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, SJ or Fr. Lân Ngô, SJ * Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.”
  Confession is scheduled Sundays 6:00-6:45 PM and Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM during weeks 1-10 of the fall, winter, and spring quarters, or by appointment.
Student retreats are offered each quarter (fall, winter, and a three-day spring silent retreat), along with Christian Life Community small groups and OCIA.
Sources (3)
1. CLC Student – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/student-clc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Christian Life Communities (CLCs) are small faith sharing groups that are based on three pillars: community, spirituality, and service.”
  The Newman Center offers student Christian Life Community small faith-sharing groups.
2. Retreats – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Student Fall Retreat is a great opportunity to make new friends, grow in your faith, and simply have fun! The registration opens at the beginning of the academic school year and the retreat happens the second week of the Fall Quarter.”
  A student fall retreat is held in the second week of the fall quarter.
  “The registration opens at the end of the Fall Quarter and the retreat happens the second or third week of the Winter Quarter.”
  A student winter retreat is held in the second or third week of the winter quarter.
  “The Spring Retreat is a 3-day Silent Retreat that provides a special opportunity to step away from everyday distractions and noise, creating space to hear the quiet voice of God speaking in your life.”
  A three-day spring silent retreat is held early in the spring quarter.
3. Become Catholic – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/become-catholic · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Do you want to become Catholic or get Confirmed? Join our Christian Initiation and Confirmation Program starting in the Fall!”
  The Newman Center runs a Christian initiation (OCIA) and confirmation program starting each fall.
UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists the Newman Catholic Community as a member, and it serves as the ministry's on-campus home.
Sources (2)
1. Our Members | Center for Ethics and Spirituality, UC San Diegostudents.ucsd.edu/sponsor/ethics-spirit/about/members.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Newman Catholic Community at UCSD Contact Person: Fr. Christopher Nguyen, SJ Affiliated Student Org: Catholic Student Community”
  UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists the Newman Catholic Community at UCSD as a member, with Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J., as contact and Catholic Student Community as its affiliated student organization.
2. Locations – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Center for Ethics and Spirituality serves as the on-campus home for the Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego. It is also the home of a number of other campus ministries from other faith traditions.”
  The Newman Center's on-campus home is UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality, which it shares with ministries of other faiths.

Concerns

Weekday Mass is offered three days a week (Tuesday through Thursday).
Sources (1)
1. Mass Times, Reconciliation, and Adoration – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Sunday Mass 12:30pm at Newman 7:00pm at Newman Weekday Mass 12:10pm Tuesday – Thursday at Newman”
  Sunday Mass is at 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM, and weekday Mass is at 12:10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, at the Newman Center.
The Newman Center has no building of its own; it shares space in Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, which its directions place 1.5 miles (about 31 minutes on foot or bike) from the Gilman Drive bus station on campus.
Sources (2)
1. Locations – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Newman Center shares space at the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, which is at the corner of Genesee & Eastgate Mall. This space sharing arrangement has been approved by both the Catholic and Episcopal bishops of San Diego.”
  The Newman Center shares space at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church at Genesee Avenue and Eastgate Mall.
  “and shares space with Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. 31 mins and 1.5 miles”
  The Newman Center's walking/biking directions from the Gilman Drive and Myers Drive bus station on campus give 1.5 miles and 31 minutes.
2. About Us – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/about-us · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Thus, the Newman Center moved to its current location at the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, two blocks from the east parking lots of UC San Diego.”
  The Newman Center's location at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church is two blocks from UCSD's east parking lots.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego

Address: 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121
Distance from campus: 1.3 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
Facilities: church and Roetter Hall rooms shared with Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, on-campus space in the multi-faith Center for Ethics and Spirituality (Price Center West)

View on map ↗

Source: tritoncatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, tritoncatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, tritoncatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, tritoncatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

15 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 11 off campus

Faith formation 2

Christian Initiation and Confirmation Program (OCIA)Off campus
Begins each fall
Preparation for those who wish to become Catholic or be confirmed.
tritoncatholic.org
Student Christian Life Community (CLC)On campus
Ignatian small faith-sharing groups based on community, spirituality, and service; registered as the Christian Life Community at UC San Diego student org.
tritoncatholic.org, tritoncatholic.org

Clubs and groups 4

Young Adults and Graduate Students (YAGS)Off campus
Wednesdays 7:30 PM
Weekly faith sharing and fellowship for graduate students and young adults ages 21-35.
tritoncatholic.org
Catholic Student CommunityOn campus
UCSD student organization affiliated with the Newman Catholic Community, listed by the Center for Ethics and Spirituality.
students.ucsd.edu
Catholics for Social JusticeOn campus
UCSD student organization named by the Newman Center as one of its affiliated student orgs.
tritoncatholic.org
Student Ministry teamOn campus
Student leaders who coordinate and facilitate the Newman Center's student community.
tritoncatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

Graduation Mass and ReceptionOff campus
Friday of Commencement Weekend, 8:00 PM
Mass and blessing for graduating students and their families.
tritoncatholic.org
Sunday choirsOff campus
Choirs for the 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM Sunday Masses, open to all.
tritoncatholic.org

Retreats 3

Student Fall RetreatOff campus
Second week of the fall quarter
Student retreat to make friends and grow in faith.
tritoncatholic.org
Student Winter RetreatOff campus
Second or third week of the winter quarter
Student retreat during the winter quarter.
tritoncatholic.org
Spring Silent RetreatOff campus
Early spring quarter
Three-day silent retreat.
tritoncatholic.org

Service 2

Advent Giving Tree PartyOff campus
End of fall quarter
Advent celebration with food and assembly of care packages for homeless people.
tritoncatholic.org
St. Vincent de Paul meal serviceOff campus
One Saturday a month
Carpool from the Newman Center to serve and share a meal with guests at Father Joe's Village in downtown San Diego.
tritoncatholic.org

Social life 2

Welcome Mass and BBQOff campus
Sunday before week 1 of fall quarter, 3:00 PM
Opening Mass of the year followed by a barbecue for new and returning students.
tritoncatholic.org
Coffee HouseOff campus
Winter quarter
Annual dinner and talent show for students, young adults, and residents.
tritoncatholic.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)

Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego – Catholic Churchtritoncatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“We serve as the Catholic Parish for all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and alumni of the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego or UCSD)”
The Newman Center serves as the Catholic parish for UCSD undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
“Our address, near the UC San Diego campus (UCSD campus), is 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121. We are located in the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, and on approval of both bishops, we share Church and Roetter Hall space.”
The Newman Center's address is 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, in the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, whose church and Roetter Hall it shares.
“We serve as the Catholic Parish for all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and alumni of the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego or UCSD)”
The Newman Center serves as the Catholic parish for UCSD undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
“Our address, near the UC San Diego campus (UCSD campus), is 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121. We are located in the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, and on approval of both bishops, we share Church and Roetter Hall space.”
The Newman Center's address is 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, in the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, whose church and Roetter Hall it shares.
Our Members | Center for Ethics and Spirituality, UC San Diegostudents.ucsd.edu/sponsor/ethics-spirit/about/members.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Newman Catholic Community at UCSD Contact Person: Fr. Christopher Nguyen, SJ Affiliated Student Org: Catholic Student Community”
UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists the Newman Catholic Community at UCSD as a member, with Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J., as contact and Catholic Student Community as its affiliated student organization.
“Newman Catholic Community at UCSD Contact Person: Fr. Christopher Nguyen, SJ Affiliated Student Org: Catholic Student Community”
UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality lists the Newman Catholic Community at UCSD as a member, with Fr. Christopher Nguyen, S.J., as contact and Catholic Student Community as its affiliated student organization.
Parishes - West Provincejesuitswest.org/our-work/parishes · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego San Diego, CA The Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego came into existence with the founding of the University in 1966.”
The Jesuits West Province lists the Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego among its parishes.
About Us – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/about-us · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“In the summer of 2017, the Society of Jesus accepted Bishop McElroy’s invitation to continue the great ministry and spirit at the Newman Center.”
The Jesuits have led the Newman Center since 2017 at the invitation of the Bishop of San Diego.
Locations – Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diegotritoncatholic.org/locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The Newman Center shares space at the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, which is at the corner of Genesee & Eastgate Mall. This space sharing arrangement has been approved by both the Catholic and Episcopal bishops of San Diego.”
The Newman Center shares space at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church at Genesee Avenue and Eastgate Mall.
“The Center for Ethics and Spirituality serves as the on-campus home for the Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego. It is also the home of a number of other campus ministries from other faith traditions.”
The Newman Center's on-campus home is UCSD's Center for Ethics and Spirituality, which it shares with ministries of other faiths.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Chinh (Chris) Nguyen, S.J. (Director) and 5 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

89 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score86%
First-year retention 20% of score94%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreNot reported
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score19 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$26,067

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.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	33,792
Total students	42,376
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$12,470
Cost of attendance (per year)	$38,701
Median federal debt at graduation	$15,500
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	86%
First-year retention	94%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$84,943
Admission rate	27%
Students receiving Pell grants	34%

Value index: 88 / 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 San Diego

The Most Reverend Michael Pham, Bishop of San Diego

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 110680
Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
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Questions families ask

Is University of California-San Diego a Catholic college?: No. University of California-San Diego is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Newman Center Catholic Community at UC San Diego.
What is University of California-San Diego’s Catholic Life Score?: 81 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 University of California-San Diego?: Mass is listed at Newman Center (Good Samaritan Episcopal Church and 4321 Eastgate Mall). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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