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University of Pennsylvania: College Hall, University of Pennsylvania
Photo: Michel Alexandre Salim, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

College · Catholic life on campus

University of Pennsylvania

  • LocationPhiladelphia, PA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 28,711 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

The Penn Catholic Newman Center, at 111 S. 38th Street in Philadelphia, serves University of Pennsylvania students with St. Agatha-St. James Parish, which has pastoral leadership of the ministry. Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 12:05 pm in the Newman Center chapel, with three Sunday Masses at the parish church. Confession is heard before each Sunday Mass. Listed programs include FOCUS Bible studies, a Catholic service association, retreats, OCIA, and ESTEEM for seniors.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 8

  • Monday–Friday12:05 PMNewman Center chapel (2nd floor) · Summer and school year.
  • Tuesday–Friday5:30 PMNewman Center chapel (2nd floor) · September to May only.
  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Agatha-St. James Church, main church
  • Sunday11:30 AMSt. Agatha-St. James Church, main church
  • Sunday5:30 PMSt. Agatha-St. James Church, main church
  • Saturday7:00 PMSt. Agatha-St. James Church, main church · 1st Saturday (Filipino).
Show 2 more mass times
  • Saturday5:30 PMNewman Chapel · 2nd Saturday (Spanish) and 4th Saturday (Intercultural).
  • Saturday4:30 PMNewman Chapel · 3rd Saturday (Korean).

Adoration 3

  • Tuesday–Friday9:00 AMNewman Chapel · 9 to 10 AM, September to May.
  • Wednesday8:00 AMNewman Chapel · 8 AM to 10 PM, September to May.
  • Thursday7:00 PMMain church · 7 to 8 PM, September to May.

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 & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Mass Schedule Normal Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm Tuesday-Friday: 5:30pm Summer Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm”
    Daily Mass is listed Monday to Friday at 12:05 pm and Tuesday to Friday at 5:30 pm (September to May).
    “Daily Mass Schedule Normal Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm Tuesday-Friday: 5:30pm Summer Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm”
    Daily Mass is listed Monday to Friday at 12:05 pm and Tuesday to Friday at 5:30 pm (September to May).
    “Sunday Mass Schedule 9:00am | 11:30am | 5:30pm (in main Church)”
    Sunday Masses are at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 5:30 pm in the main church.
    “Sunday Mass Schedule 9:00am | 11:30am | 5:30pm (in main Church)”
    Sunday Masses are at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 5:30 pm in the main church.
    “Sunday Mass Schedule 9:00am | 11:30am | 5:30pm (in main Church)”
    Sunday Masses are at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 5:30 pm in the main church.
    “Saturday Vigils: Filipino (1st Saturday): 7:00pm Spanish (2nd): 5:30pm Korean (3rd): 4:30pm Intercultural (4th): 5:30pm (all in Newman Chapel, except Filipino)”
    Saturday vigil Masses are listed at 7 pm, 5:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, with all but the Filipino Mass in the Newman Chapel.
    “Saturday Vigils: Filipino (1st Saturday): 7:00pm Spanish (2nd): 5:30pm Korean (3rd): 4:30pm Intercultural (4th): 5:30pm (all in Newman Chapel, except Filipino)”
    Saturday vigil Masses are listed at 7 pm, 5:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, with all but the Filipino Mass in the Newman Chapel.
    “Saturday Vigils: Filipino (1st Saturday): 7:00pm Spanish (2nd): 5:30pm Korean (3rd): 4:30pm Intercultural (4th): 5:30pm (all in Newman Chapel, except Filipino)”
    Saturday vigil Masses are listed at 7 pm, 5:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, with all but the Filipino Mass in the Newman Chapel.
  2. Prayer & Adoration | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/prayer-adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Tuesday-Friday: 9:00-10:00am (Newman Chapel) Wednesday: 8am-10pm (Newman Chapel) Thursday: 7:00-8:00pm (Main Church)”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Tuesday to Friday 9 to 10 am, Wednesday 8 am to 10 pm, and Thursday 7 to 8 pm.
    “Tuesday-Friday: 9:00-10:00am (Newman Chapel) Wednesday: 8am-10pm (Newman Chapel) Thursday: 7:00-8:00pm (Main Church)”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Tuesday to Friday 9 to 10 am, Wednesday 8 am to 10 pm, and Thursday 7 to 8 pm.
    “Tuesday-Friday: 9:00-10:00am (Newman Chapel) Wednesday: 8am-10pm (Newman Chapel) Thursday: 7:00-8:00pm (Main Church)”
    Eucharistic adoration is listed Tuesday to Friday 9 to 10 am, Wednesday 8 am to 10 pm, and Thursday 7 to 8 pm.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of Pennsylvania, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaints Agatha and James Catholic Church: 0.3 mi1St. Patrick Church: 1.0 mi2St Gabriel's Catholic Church: 1.1 mi3Saint Francis de Sales Church: 1.2 mi4St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church: 1.2 mi5Saint Francis Xavier Church: 1.4 mi6Penn Catholic Newman Center: 0.4 miUniversity of Pennsylvania (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saints Agatha and James Catholic Church — 0.3 mi · 111 South 38th Street, Philadelphia
  2. St. Patrick Church — 1.0 mi · 242 South 20th Street, Philadelphia
  3. St Gabriel's Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 2917 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia
  4. Saint Francis de Sales Church — 1.2 mi · 4625 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia
  5. St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church — 1.2 mi · 902 South 20th Street, Philadelphia
  6. Saint Francis Xavier Church — 1.4 mi · 2319 Green Street, Philadelphia

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

98 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 (Listed on the university's official religion page and served by the Newman Center, which the parish runs.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Spirituality & Religion | University of Pennsylvaniaupenn.edu/life-at-penn/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Penn Newman Catholic Center The Newman Center participates in the mission of the universal Roman Catholic Church at Penn and in West Philadelphia.”
      Penn's official religion page lists the Penn Newman Catholic Center, which participates in the Church's mission at Penn.
    2. Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “UPenn is served by the Newman Center at St. Agatha-St. James Parish, located in University City, Philadelphia.”
      The Newman Center states that it serves the University of Pennsylvania.
    3. St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Agatha-St. James Parish has been entrusted with the pastoral leadership of both the Penn & Drexel Newman campus ministries.”
      The parish has pastoral leadership of the Penn and Drexel Newman ministries.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (Penn Catholic Newman Center with a second-floor chapel at 111 S 38th St, about 0.36 mile from the IPEDS campus point.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Freshmen | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/freshmen · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Located at 111 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.”
      The Newman Center is located at 111 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
      “Come to study, pray or meet people anytime between 7am-11pm.”
      The Newman Center is open to students for study, prayer and fellowship from 7 am to 11 pm.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Michael Gokie is presented as assistant Newman director (and parochial vicar), with Fr. Remigio Morales as pastor of the parish that runs the Newman Center: a named priest presented as a campus minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Team | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/our-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Remigio Morales PASTOR rmorales@saintsaj.org”
      Fr. Remigio Morales is listed as Pastor on the Newman Center team page.
      “Fr. Michael Gokie PAROCHIAL VICAR ASSISTANT NEWMAN DIRECTOR mgokie@saintsaj.org”
      Fr. Michael Gokie is listed as parochial vicar and assistant Newman director.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass Monday to Friday at 12:05 pm in the Newman Center chapel (five weekdays).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass Schedule Normal Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm Tuesday-Friday: 5:30pm Summer Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm”
      Daily Mass is listed Monday to Friday at 12:05 pm and Tuesday to Friday at 5:30 pm (September to May).
      “Daily Masses are held in the chapel on the 2nd floor of the Newman Center.”
      Daily Masses are held in the Newman Center chapel on the second floor.
    2. Freshmen | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/freshmen · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We have a 12:05pm Mass every weekday”
      The Newman Center lists a 12:05 pm Mass every weekday.
  • 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 (Three Sunday Masses (9:00 am, 11:30 am, 5:30 pm) at the parish church, which runs the ministry, plus Saturday vigil Masses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday Mass Schedule 9:00am | 11:30am | 5:30pm (in main Church)”
      Sunday Masses are at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 5:30 pm in the main church.
      “Saturday Vigils: Filipino (1st Saturday): 7:00pm Spanish (2nd): 5:30pm Korean (3rd): 4:30pm Intercultural (4th): 5:30pm (all in Newman Chapel, except Filipino)”
      Saturday vigil Masses are listed at 7 pm, 5:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, with all but the Filipino Mass in the Newman Chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession is heard 30 minutes before each Sunday Mass. None are entered in schedules.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confessions are heard 30 minutes before each Sunday Mass.”
      Confession is heard 30 minutes before each Sunday Mass.
  • 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 (FOCUS Bible studies, an athlete Bible group, a Latino small group, and the Penn Catholic service association listed on Penn's religion page. The Young Adults/Graduate Students group is not counted.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Small Groups / Bible Studies | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/small-groups · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Meet each week with a missionary or student leader to talk about relevant topics rooted in scripture.”
      FOCUS Bible studies meet weekly with a missionary or student leader.
      “Athlete Group (Thursdays at 8pm) Meet each week with a group of fellow student athletes to learn about scripture and how God’s word applies to daily life.”
      An athlete Bible group meets Thursdays at 8 pm.
    2. Spirituality & Religion | University of Pennsylvaniaupenn.edu/life-at-penn/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Penn Catholic Service Association The Penn Catholic Student Association was formed to provide a University-sponsored forum for Catholic community service and dialogue on faith and social justice.”
      Penn's official religion page lists a Catholic student service association.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Four kinds: retreats (NOVUS, fall, spring), service (homeless outreach, mission trips), formation (OCIA, ESTEEM), and spiritual direction.)
    Sources (4)
    1. Retreats | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “NOVUS Freshman Retreat Leadership Retreat Awakening Fall Retreat Spring Retreat”
      The Newman Center lists NOVUS, Leadership, Awakening Fall and Spring retreats.
    2. Service | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month we go out to the streets to encounter the homeless.”
      A homeless outreach goes out on the first and third Fridays of each month.
    3. Become Catholic (OCIA) | St. Agatha-St. Jamessaintsaj.org/becomecatholic · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Schedule for 2026-2027: TUESDAYS beginning September 8th (6pm-8pm)”
      The OCIA schedule for 2026-2027 begins Tuesdays on September 8 at 6 to 8 pm.
    4. ESTEEM for Seniors | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/esteem · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “1 formation meeting a month (8/year): about different topics like Catholic social teaching”
      ESTEEM for Seniors includes monthly formation meetings and a mentor.
  • 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 adoration20 to 29 times a week (21 weekly times documented: 15 Mass, 0 confession, 6 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 at 12:05 pm every weekday in the Newman Center chapel.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass Schedule Normal Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm Tuesday-Friday: 5:30pm Summer Schedule: Monday-Friday: 12:05pm”
      Daily Mass is listed Monday to Friday at 12:05 pm and Tuesday to Friday at 5:30 pm (September to May).
    2. Freshmen | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/freshmen · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We have a 12:05pm Mass every weekday”
      The Newman Center lists a 12:05 pm Mass every weekday.
  • Three Sunday Masses and several Saturday vigil Masses are listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday Mass Schedule 9:00am | 11:30am | 5:30pm (in main Church)”
      Sunday Masses are at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 5:30 pm in the main church.
      “Saturday Vigils: Filipino (1st Saturday): 7:00pm Spanish (2nd): 5:30pm Korean (3rd): 4:30pm Intercultural (4th): 5:30pm (all in Newman Chapel, except Filipino)”
      Saturday vigil Masses are listed at 7 pm, 5:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm, with all but the Filipino Mass in the Newman Chapel.
  • Confession is heard before each Sunday Mass, and adoration is listed weekly in September to May.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confessions are heard 30 minutes before each Sunday Mass.”
      Confession is heard 30 minutes before each Sunday Mass.
    2. Prayer & Adoration | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/prayer-adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tuesday-Friday: 9:00-10:00am (Newman Chapel) Wednesday: 8am-10pm (Newman Chapel) Thursday: 7:00-8:00pm (Main Church)”
      Eucharistic adoration is listed Tuesday to Friday 9 to 10 am, Wednesday 8 am to 10 pm, and Thursday 7 to 8 pm.
  • Programs include FOCUS Bible studies, retreats, service, OCIA, and ESTEEM for seniors.
    Sources (5)
    1. Small Groups / Bible Studies | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/small-groups · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Meet each week with a missionary or student leader to talk about relevant topics rooted in scripture.”
      FOCUS Bible studies meet weekly with a missionary or student leader.
    2. Retreats | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “NOVUS Freshman Retreat Leadership Retreat Awakening Fall Retreat Spring Retreat”
      The Newman Center lists NOVUS, Leadership, Awakening Fall and Spring retreats.
    3. Service | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Every 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month we go out to the streets to encounter the homeless.”
      A homeless outreach goes out on the first and third Fridays of each month.
    4. Become Catholic (OCIA) | St. Agatha-St. Jamessaintsaj.org/becomecatholic · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Schedule for 2026-2027: TUESDAYS beginning September 8th (6pm-8pm)”
      The OCIA schedule for 2026-2027 begins Tuesdays on September 8 at 6 to 8 pm.
    5. ESTEEM for Seniors | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/esteem · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “1 formation meeting a month (8/year): about different topics like Catholic social teaching”
      ESTEEM for Seniors includes monthly formation meetings and a mentor.

Concerns

  • No page presents a full-time priest chaplain; the listed priests are the parish pastor and parochial vicar.
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Team | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/our-team · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Remigio Morales PASTOR rmorales@saintsaj.org”
      Fr. Remigio Morales is listed as Pastor on the Newman Center team page.
      “Fr. Michael Gokie PAROCHIAL VICAR ASSISTANT NEWMAN DIRECTOR mgokie@saintsaj.org”
      Fr. Michael Gokie is listed as parochial vicar and assistant Newman director.
  • The Newman Center's own adoration page lists fewer times than the parish page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Adoration | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/prayer-adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00-10:00am Wednesday: 8-12pm, 6-10pm Thursday: 7:00-8:00pm (main church)”
      The Newman Center's adoration page lists fewer times than the parish page.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Penn Catholic Newman Center

  • Address: 111 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  • Distance from campus: 0.4 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: chapel on the second floor, Newman Center lounge, study space

View on map ↗

Source: newman.upenn.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, newman.upenn.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, newman.upenn.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, saintsaj.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

16 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 3 off campus, 13 location not published

Retreats 2

  • FOCUS SEEK conferenceOff campus
    annual
    Students are taken annually to the FOCUS SEEK conference.
    newman.upenn.edu
  • Retreats (NOVUS, leadership, fall and spring)
    fall and spring; NOVUS August 17 to 19, 2026
    Retreats for students, including a freshman NOVUS retreat, a leadership retreat, an Awakening fall retreat, and a spring retreat.
    newman.upenn.edu, newman.upenn.edu, newman.upenn.edu

Service 3

  • Homeless outreachOff campus
    1st and 3rd Fridays of the month, meeting at 6 pm
    Volunteers meet in the Newman Center lounge for training and then go into Center City to talk with people experiencing homelessness.
    newman.upenn.edu
  • Mission tripsOff campus
    annual
    Annual mission trips abroad and in the United States for students and parishioners.
    newman.upenn.edu
  • Penn Catholic service association
    unknown
    A Catholic student association for community service and dialogue on faith and social justice, listed on Penn's religion page.
    upenn.edu

Faith formation 3

  • ESTEEM for Seniors
    one formation meeting a month (8 per year)
    A program for senior students to prepare for life as a Catholic after college, with monthly formation, a mentor, a half-day retreat, and a capstone conference.
    newman.upenn.edu, newman.upenn.edu
  • OCIA (Become Catholic)
    Tuesdays 6 to 8 pm from September 8, 2026; Easter Vigil baptisms
    Adult initiation program with a Catholic Studies class and a Bible study group; adults are baptized at the Easter Vigil.
    saintsaj.org, saintsaj.org, saintsaj.org
  • Spiritual direction
    by arrangement
    One-on-one spiritual direction with priests and staff listed on the parish and Newman sites.
    saintsaj.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • FOCUS Bible studies
    weekly, men's and women's studies
    Weekly Bible studies led by FOCUS missionaries and student leaders.
    newman.upenn.edu
  • Latino small group
    Tuesdays 8 pm
    A weekly group on how faith and culture intersect.
    newman.upenn.edu, newman.upenn.edu

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Music ministry
    Sunday Masses
    Cantors, choir and instrumentalists lead music for the three Sunday Masses.
    newman.upenn.edu
  • Liturgical volunteer roles
    unknown
    Altar service, Holy Communion ministry and lectors, with training sessions.
    newman.upenn.edu
  • Personal prayer in the Newman Center chapel
    daily 7 am to 10 pm
    The Newman Center chapel is open for personal prayer.
    newman.upenn.edu, newman.upenn.edu

Other 1

  • Intercultural ministry
    Saturday evening Masses and events
    An International small group, events for the international community, and intercultural Saturday Masses.
    newman.upenn.edu

Social life 1

  • Newman Dinners
    Thursdays 6 pm after the 5:30 pm Mass during the school year
    A weekly meal and fellowship for students and community members.
    newman.upenn.edu, newman.upenn.edu

Sports and recreation 1

  • Athlete Bible group
    Thursdays 8 pm
    A weekly scripture group for student athletes.
    newman.upenn.edu

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 (6)
  1. Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “UPenn is served by the Newman Center at St. Agatha-St. James Parish, located in University City, Philadelphia.”
    The Newman Center states that it serves the University of Pennsylvania.
  2. Spirituality & Religion | University of Pennsylvaniaupenn.edu/life-at-penn/religion · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Penn Newman Catholic Center The Newman Center participates in the mission of the universal Roman Catholic Church at Penn and in West Philadelphia.”
    Penn's official religion page lists the Penn Newman Catholic Center, which participates in the Church's mission at Penn.
  3. St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “St. Agatha-St. James Parish has been entrusted with the pastoral leadership of both the Penn & Drexel Newman campus ministries.”
    The parish has pastoral leadership of the Penn and Drexel Newman ministries.
  4. Freshmen | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/freshmen · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Located at 111 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.”
    The Newman Center is located at 111 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
    “Come to study, pray or meet people anytime between 7am-11pm.”
    The Newman Center is open to students for study, prayer and fellowship from 7 am to 11 pm.
  5. Prayer & Adoration | Penn Catholic Newman Centernewman.upenn.edu/prayer-adoration · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Newman Center Chapel is open for personal prayer all day long, from 7am-10pm.”
    The Newman Center Chapel is open for personal prayer from 7 am to 10 pm.
  6. Mass & Prayer | St. Agatha-St. James Catholic Church & Newman Centersaintsaj.org/mass-and-confession · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Masses are held in the chapel on the 2nd floor of the Newman Center.”
    Daily Masses are held in the Newman Center chapel on the second floor.

Reach out

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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.
100 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.97%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.99%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,553 · ACT 35
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.8 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$67,953

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)
11,611
Total students28,711
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$28,699
Cost of attendance (per year)$89,028
Median federal debt at graduation$15,715
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
97%
First-year retention99%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$111,371
Admission rate5%
Students receiving Pell grants17%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1553
SAT reading & writing740–770
SAT math770–800
ACT composite34–36
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

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

The Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: catholicchurchofphila.org, catholicchurchofphila.org, catholicchurchofphila.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 215062
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is University of Pennsylvania a Catholic college?
No. University of Pennsylvania is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Penn Catholic Newman Center.
What is University of Pennsylvania’s Catholic Life Score?
99 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 Pennsylvania?
Mass is listed at Newman Center chapel (2nd floor), St. Agatha-St. James Church, main church, and Newman Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is University of Pennsylvania Compass Recommended?
Yes. University of Pennsylvania meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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