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University of Delaware: 2023-03-15 12 01 14 The top of a pan of vegetable Alfredo lasagna at Clayton Hall on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark, New Castle County, Delaware
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

College · Catholic life on campus

University of Delaware

  • LocationNewark, DE
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 24,221 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

University of Delaware 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 (St. Thomas More Oratory), at 45 Lovett Avenue in Newark, is the Catholic campus ministry at the University of Delaware. It lists Mass on each weekday and twice on Sunday, scheduled confession on Wednesdays and Fridays, and FOCUS missionaries leading more than 15 Bible study groups. Its programs include OCIA, Newman Night dinners, service with the Little Sisters of the Poor, and day trips and the SEEK conference.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 7

  • Sunday11:30 AMThe Newman Center (chapel)
  • Sunday8:15 PMThe Newman Center (chapel)
  • Monday4:30 PMThe Newman Center (chapel)
  • Tuesday4:30 PMThe Newman Center (chapel)
  • Wednesday4:30 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Newman Night.
  • Thursday4:30 PMThe Newman Center (chapel)
Show 1 more mass times
  • Friday12:45 PMThe Newman Center (chapel)

Confession 2

  • Wednesday5:00 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Newman Night; until 6:00 PM.
  • Friday1:15 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Until 2:15 PM.

Adoration 5

  • Sunday3:00 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Until 4:00 PM.
  • Monday3:00 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Until 4:00 PM.
  • Tuesday3:00 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Until 4:00 PM.
  • Thursday3:00 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Until 4:00 PM.
  • Wednesday5:00 PMThe Newman Center (chapel) · Newman Night; until 6:00 PM.

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 (1)
  1. Prayer & Liturgy | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/prayerliturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sunday - 11:30 AM & 8:15 PM”
    Sunday Masses at the Newman Center are at 11:30 AM and 8:15 PM.
    “Sunday - 11:30 AM & 8:15 PM”
    Sunday Masses at the Newman Center are at 11:30 AM and 8:15 PM.
    “Monday - 4:30 PM Tuesday - 4:30 PM Wednesday - 4:30 PM (Newman Night) Thursday - 4:30 PM Friday - 12:45 PM”
    Mass is listed on each weekday, Monday through Friday.
    “Monday - 4:30 PM Tuesday - 4:30 PM Wednesday - 4:30 PM (Newman Night) Thursday - 4:30 PM Friday - 12:45 PM”
    Mass is listed on each weekday, Monday through Friday.
    “Monday - 4:30 PM Tuesday - 4:30 PM Wednesday - 4:30 PM (Newman Night) Thursday - 4:30 PM Friday - 12:45 PM”
    Mass is listed on each weekday, Monday through Friday.
    “Monday - 4:30 PM Tuesday - 4:30 PM Wednesday - 4:30 PM (Newman Night) Thursday - 4:30 PM Friday - 12:45 PM”
    Mass is listed on each weekday, Monday through Friday.
    “Monday - 4:30 PM Tuesday - 4:30 PM Wednesday - 4:30 PM (Newman Night) Thursday - 4:30 PM Friday - 12:45 PM”
    Mass is listed on each weekday, Monday through Friday.
    “Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday - 3:00 - 4:00 PM”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
    “Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday - 3:00 - 4:00 PM”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
    “Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday - 3:00 - 4:00 PM”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
    “Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday - 3:00 - 4:00 PM”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
    “Wednesday - 5:00 - 6:00 PM (Newman Night)”
    Eucharistic adoration and confession are listed Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
    “Confession Schedule Wednesday - 5:00 - 6:00 PM (Newman Night) Friday - 1:15 - 2:15 PM”
    Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays.
    “Confession Schedule Wednesday - 5:00 - 6:00 PM (Newman Night) Friday - 1:15 - 2:15 PM”
    Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of Delaware, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSt. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church: 0.5 mi1Holy Family Catholic Church: 2.1 mi2Saint John the Baptist - Holy Angels Parish: 2.1 mi3The Newman Center (St. Thomas More Oratory): 0.2 miUniversity of Delaware (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church — 0.5 mi · 200 East Main Street, Newark
  2. Holy Family Catholic Church — 2.1 mi
  3. Saint John the Baptist - Holy Angels Parish — 2.1 mi · 82 Possum Park Road, Newark

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

96 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 (1)
    1. Our Story | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Newman Center is home to Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware.”
      The Newman Center is the Catholic campus ministry at the University of Delaware.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Newman Center (St. Thomas More Oratory), a dedicated building with a chapel at 45 Lovett Avenue, is about 0.24 mile from the IPEDS campus point.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Our Story | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Newman Center is home to Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware.”
      The Newman Center is the Catholic campus ministry at the University of Delaware.
    2. Contact Us | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “45 Lovett Avenue, Newark, DE 19711 (302) 368-4728”
      The Newman Center's address and phone number.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. James Gebhart is presented as the Chaplain. Fr. Rich Jasper is listed as Pastor. Recorded as fulltime.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Contact Us | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. James Gebhart Parochial Vicar & Chaplain”
      Fr. James Gebhart is listed as Chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass is listed Monday through Friday at the Newman Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Liturgy | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/prayerliturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday - 4:30 PM Tuesday - 4:30 PM Wednesday - 4:30 PM (Newman Night) Thursday - 4:30 PM Friday - 12:45 PM”
      Mass is listed on each weekday, Monday through Friday.
  • 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 (Two Sunday Masses at 11:30 AM and 8:15 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Liturgy | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/prayerliturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday - 11:30 AM & 8:15 PM”
      Sunday Masses at the Newman Center are at 11:30 AM and 8:15 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Scheduled weekly confession on Wednesday 5:00 to 6:00 PM and Friday 1:15 to 2:15 PM; also by appointment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Liturgy | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/prayerliturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Schedule Wednesday - 5:00 - 6:00 PM (Newman Night) Friday - 1:15 - 2:15 PM”
      Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays.
      “By appointment: Contact Fr. Gebhart”
      Confession is also available by appointment with Fr. Gebhart.
  • 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 (More than 15 Bible study groups led by FOCUS missionaries and students, and the FOCUS campus team.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Bible Study | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “There are more than 15 Bible study groups at the Newman Center”
      The Newman Center runs more than 15 Bible study groups.
      “FOCUS missionaries and students lead small groups of men or women”
      FOCUS missionaries and students lead Bible study groups.
    2. University of Delaware - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/university-of-delaware · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “University of Delaware - FOCUS”
      FOCUS lists a campus team at the University of Delaware.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (OCIA, retreats and pilgrimages (day trips and the SEEK conference), service (PB&J Club and Little Sisters of the Poor), and small groups (Bible study).)
    Sources (3)
    1. Becoming Catholic | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/becoming-catholic · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Those in the OCIA program meet weekly to learn about and discuss topics of the Catholic faith”
      OCIA meets weekly at the Newman Center.
    2. Events & Service Opportunities | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/socialeventsservice · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Newman Center periodically plans day trips to local shrines, religious sites, and conferences.”
      The Newman Center plans day trips to shrines, religious sites, and conferences.
      “Every month, students are invited to serve the local community by making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches”
      Students make sandwiches monthly for local meal distribution.
    3. Bible Study | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “There are more than 15 Bible study groups at the Newman Center”
      The Newman Center runs more than 15 Bible study groups.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (14 weekly times documented: 7 Mass, 2 confession, 5 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 listed on every weekday and twice on Sunday at the Newman Center.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Liturgy | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/prayerliturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday - 11:30 AM & 8:15 PM”
      Sunday Masses at the Newman Center are at 11:30 AM and 8:15 PM.
      “Monday - 4:30 PM Tuesday - 4:30 PM Wednesday - 4:30 PM (Newman Night) Thursday - 4:30 PM Friday - 12:45 PM”
      Mass is listed on each weekday, Monday through Friday.
  • Scheduled confession is listed weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Liturgy | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/prayerliturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confession Schedule Wednesday - 5:00 - 6:00 PM (Newman Night) Friday - 1:15 - 2:15 PM”
      Confession is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays.
  • More than 15 Bible study groups are led by FOCUS missionaries and students.
    Sources (1)
    1. Bible Study | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/bible-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “There are more than 15 Bible study groups at the Newman Center”
      The Newman Center runs more than 15 Bible study groups.
      “FOCUS missionaries and students lead small groups of men or women”
      FOCUS missionaries and students lead Bible study groups.
  • Student programs include OCIA, Newman Night dinners, service with the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the SEEK conference.
    Sources (2)
    1. Becoming Catholic | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/becoming-catholic · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Those in the OCIA program meet weekly to learn about and discuss topics of the Catholic faith”
      OCIA meets weekly at the Newman Center.
    2. Events & Service Opportunities | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/socialeventsservice · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM is our Newman Night Dinner, following Mass, Adoration, and Confession.”
      Newman Night dinner is held Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
      “Students work along side the Little Sisters of the Poor at the nursing home they run in Newark, DE.”
      Students serve with the Little Sisters of the Poor in Newark.
      “Every January, our students are invited by our FOCUS missionaries to attend the SEEK Conference.”
      Students are invited to the SEEK Conference each January through FOCUS missionaries.

Concerns

  • The Newman Center states its Masses, adoration, and confession are for UD students and employed UD faculty and staff; others are asked to attend their home parish.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Liturgy | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/prayerliturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Newman Center Masses, Adoration & Confessions are for UD students and actively employed UD faculty/staff.”
      The Newman Center states its Masses, adoration, and confession are for UD students and employed UD faculty and staff.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

The Newman Center (St. Thomas More Oratory)

  • Address: 45 Lovett Avenue, Newark, DE 19711
  • Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: chapel, downstairs student lounge, library

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

13 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 5 off campus, 8 location not published

Faith formation 3

  • Theology on TapOff campus
    Once a semester
    Talk by a Catholic speaker for students at Klondike Kate's Restaurant & Bar on Main Street.
    udcatholic.org
  • Bible study groups (more than 15)
    Ongoing; sign-up form on the page
    Small groups of men or women led by FOCUS missionaries and students through Scripture study.
    udcatholic.org, udcatholic.org
  • OCIA
    Weekly
    Weekly Order of Christian Initiation of Adults classes for students who want to join the Catholic Church.
    udcatholic.org

Retreats 2

  • Day trips and pilgrimagesOff campus
    Periodic day trips to local shrines, religious sites, and conferences.
    udcatholic.org
  • SEEK ConferenceOff campus
    Every January
    Students are invited through FOCUS missionaries to attend the SEEK conference.
    udcatholic.org

Service 2

  • Little Sisters of the Poor serviceOff campus
    Students assist residents at the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home in Newark, DE.
    udcatholic.org
  • PB&J Club
    Monthly
    Students make sandwiches for local meal distribution centers in Newark, DE and Elkton, MD.
    udcatholic.org

Social life 3

  • Barn PartyOff campus
    Annual swing-dancing and fellowship night in Cecil County, MD, with students from neighboring campuses.
    udcatholic.org
  • Newman Night
    Wednesdays 6:00 to 8:00 PM
    Dinner in the student lounge after Mass, Adoration, and Confession, concluding with Night Prayer.
    udcatholic.org
  • Student lounge and library
    Downstairs student lounge and library at the Newman Center, open to students.
    udcatholic.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • FOCUS missionaries
    FOCUS missionaries serve University of Delaware students through the Newman Center.
    focus.org, udcatholic.org
  • Society of Catholic Scholars of Delaware
    Catholic faculty and friends group hosted at the Newman Center. Not an undergraduate student group; not counted for L7.
    udcatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Liturgical ministries (altar servers, readers, musicians)
    Students serve at Sunday and weekday Masses as altar servers, readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and musicians.
    udcatholic.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 (4)
  1. Our Story | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Newman Center is home to Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware.”
    The Newman Center is the Catholic campus ministry at the University of Delaware.
    “The Newman Center is home to Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware.”
    The Newman Center is the Catholic campus ministry at the University of Delaware.
  2. Contact Us | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/contact · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Erin Pollard Campus Minister & Director of Catechesis”
    Erin Pollard is listed as Campus Minister and Director of Catechesis.
    “45 Lovett Avenue, Newark, DE 19711 (302) 368-4728”
    The Newman Center's address and phone number.
  3. Events & Service Opportunities | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/socialeventsservice · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Students are welcome to spend time throughout the day in our downstairs student lounge and library.”
    The Newman Center has a downstairs student lounge and library open to students.
  4. New Students | The Newman Centerudcatholic.org/newstudents · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Students are welcome to spend time throughout the day in our chapel for prayer and adoration”
    The Newman Center has a chapel open to students for prayer and adoration.

Reach out

Contact details for Erin Pollard (Campus Minister and Director of Catechesis) and 1 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.
87 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.81%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.92%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,292 · ACT 30
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.16 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$21,941

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)
19,772
Total students24,221
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$17,799
Cost of attendance (per year)$30,952
Median federal debt at graduation$24,572
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
81%
First-year retention92%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$72,950
Admission rate71%
Students receiving Pell grants16%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1292
SAT reading & writing600–690
SAT math590–680
ACT composite28–32
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 72 / 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

Catholic Diocese of Wilmington

The Most Reverend William E. Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: cdow.org, cdow.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 130943
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (pre-accredited); Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is University of Delaware a Catholic college?
No. University of Delaware is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by the Newman Center (Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware).
What is University of Delaware’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 University of Delaware?
Mass is listed at The Newman Center (chapel). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is University of Delaware Compass Recommended?
Yes. University of Delaware meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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