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University of South Carolina-Columbia: University of South Carolina, Davis College
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College · Catholic life on campus

University of South Carolina-Columbia

  • LocationColumbia, SC
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 36,579 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

The Diocese of Charleston lists St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center, at 1610 Greene Street in Columbia, as the Catholic campus ministry for the University of South Carolina, with Fr. Rhett Williams as pastor and chaplain and a campus minister on staff. The diocesan directory lists Mass every weekday, a Saturday vigil, and four Sunday Masses (two evening Masses while USC is in session), weekday adoration during the semester, and confession on weekends and before every Mass. FOCUS missionaries serve the campus, and USC lists the Catholic Campus Ministry among its registered faith organizations.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 7

  • Monday–Thursday6:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center
  • Friday12:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center
  • Saturday4:30 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Saturday vigil.
  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center
  • Sunday11:00 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center
  • Sunday5:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Only when USC is in session.
Show 1 more mass times
  • Sunday9:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Only when USC is in session.

Confession 7

  • Saturday3:30 PM–4:20 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center
  • Sunday4:00 PM–4:50 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center
  • Monday–Thursday5:30 PM–6:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Listed as 30 minutes prior to all Masses (before the 6:00 PM Mass).
  • Friday11:30 AM–12:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Listed as 30 minutes prior to all Masses (before the 12:00 PM Mass).
  • Sunday8:30 AM–9:00 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Listed as 30 minutes prior to all Masses (before the 9:00 AM Mass).
  • Sunday10:30 AM–11:00 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Listed as 30 minutes prior to all Masses (before the 11:00 AM Mass).
Show 1 more confession times
  • Sunday8:30 PM–9:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · Listed as 30 minutes prior to all Masses (before the 9:00 PM Mass, held only when USC is in session).

Adoration 2

  • Monday–Thursday8:30 AM–5:30 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · When USC is in session.
  • Friday8:30 AM–9:30 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center · When USC is in session.

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)
  1. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
    St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
    “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
    St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
    “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
    St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
    “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
    St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
    “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
    St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
    “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
    St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
    “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
    St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
    “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
    Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
    “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
    Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
    “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
    Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
    “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
    Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
    “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
    Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
    “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
    Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
    “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
    Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
    “Adoration: Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (when USC is in session) Adoration: Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (when USC is in session)”
    Eucharistic adoration is offered Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM and Friday 8:30-9:30 AM when USC is in session.
    “Adoration: Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (when USC is in session) Adoration: Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (when USC is in session)”
    Eucharistic adoration is offered Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM and Friday 8:30-9:30 AM when USC is in session.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of South Carolina-Columbia, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSt. Thomas More Catholic Church: 0.2 mi1Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church: 0.9 mi2Saint Martin De Porres Roman Catholic Church: 1.1 mi3Good Shepherd Catholic Church: 1.4 mi4St. Joseph's Catholic Church: 2.1 mi5St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center: 0.2 miUniversity of South Carolina-Columbia (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Thomas More Catholic Church — 0.2 mi · 1610 Greene Street, Columbia
  2. Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia
  3. Saint Martin De Porres Roman Catholic Church — 1.1 mi
  4. Good Shepherd Catholic Church — 1.4 mi · 809 Calhoun Street, Columbia
  5. St. Joseph's Catholic Church — 2.1 mi

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
    Sources (3)
    1. SC Locations - South Carolina Catholiccharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “University of South Carolina Office 803-799-5870 stthomasmoreusc1@gmail.com https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Facebook | Instagram X/Twitter | YouTube Fr. Rhett Williams, Chaplain frw@stthomasmoreusc.org Annalise Rome, Campus Minister annalise@stthomasmoreusc.org Street Address St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center 1610 Greene Street Columbia SC 29201”
      The diocese lists the University of South Carolina's Catholic campus ministry at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center, 1610 Greene Street, with Fr. Rhett Williams as chaplain and Annalise Rome as campus minister.
      “Catholic Campus Ministries at South Carolina Colleges and Universities”
      The diocesan page is a list of Catholic campus ministries at South Carolina colleges and universities.
    2. University of South Carolina at Columbia – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/campusministry/university-of-south-carolina-at-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Street Address Newman Club, St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29201”
      The diocesan campus ministry directory lists the USC Columbia ministry as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street.
    3. Spiritual and Religious Life - Student Affairs and Academic Support | University of South Carolinasc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_affairs/student-services/student_life/spiritual_religious_life/index.php · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Campus Ministry Contact: Fr. Rhett Williams Garnet Gate: The Catholic Campus Ministry Website: https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Email: frw@stthomasmoreusc.org”
      USC's Spiritual and Religious Life page lists the Catholic Campus Ministry, a registered Garnet Gate organization, with Fr. Rhett Williams as contact.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The diocese lists St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center at 1610 Greene Street, Columbia, as the street address of the USC campus ministry (the Newman Club). No read page states the distance from campus.)
    Sources (3)
    1. SC Locations - South Carolina Catholiccharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “University of South Carolina Office 803-799-5870 stthomasmoreusc1@gmail.com https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Facebook | Instagram X/Twitter | YouTube Fr. Rhett Williams, Chaplain frw@stthomasmoreusc.org Annalise Rome, Campus Minister annalise@stthomasmoreusc.org Street Address St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center 1610 Greene Street Columbia SC 29201”
      The diocese lists the University of South Carolina's Catholic campus ministry at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center, 1610 Greene Street, with Fr. Rhett Williams as chaplain and Annalise Rome as campus minister.
    2. University of South Carolina at Columbia – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/campusministry/university-of-south-carolina-at-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Street Address Newman Club, St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29201”
      The diocesan campus ministry directory lists the USC Columbia ministry as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street.
    3. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Phone: 803-799-5870 Email: pamela.scott@charlestondiocese.org Website: stthomasmoreusc.org Founded: 1953 Seating: 160 Households: 701”
      St. Thomas More parish, founded in 1953, has a church seating 160 and 701 households.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Rhett Williams is listed by the diocese as Chaplain for the University of South Carolina and as pastor of St. Thomas More.)
    Sources (3)
    1. SC Locations - South Carolina Catholiccharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “University of South Carolina Office 803-799-5870 stthomasmoreusc1@gmail.com https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Facebook | Instagram X/Twitter | YouTube Fr. Rhett Williams, Chaplain frw@stthomasmoreusc.org Annalise Rome, Campus Minister annalise@stthomasmoreusc.org Street Address St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center 1610 Greene Street Columbia SC 29201”
      The diocese lists the University of South Carolina's Catholic campus ministry at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center, 1610 Greene Street, with Fr. Rhett Williams as chaplain and Annalise Rome as campus minister.
    2. University of South Carolina at Columbia – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/campusministry/university-of-south-carolina-at-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Chaplain: Rev. Rhett Butler Williams 803-799-5870 rwilliams@charlestondiocese.org Campus Minister: Annalise Rome”
      Rev. Rhett Butler Williams is chaplain and Annalise Rome is campus minister for USC Columbia.
    3. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Pastor: Rev. Rhett Butler Williams 803-799-5870”
      Rev. Rhett Butler Williams is pastor of St. Thomas More.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (St. Thomas More is the ministry's center (church and Newman Center); its Masses count: Monday-Thursday 6:00 PM and Friday 12:00 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
      St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
  • 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 (Saturday vigil 4:30 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM; the Sunday evening Masses are held only when USC is in session. Holy day Masses are listed at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
      St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes prior to all Masses, and by appointment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
      Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (FOCUS missionaries (six listed on focus.org) and the registered student organization The Catholic Campus Ministry, which the diocese lists as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More.)
    Sources (3)
    1. University of South Carolina at Columbia – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/campusministry/university-of-south-carolina-at-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Street Address Newman Club, St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29201”
      The diocesan campus ministry directory lists the USC Columbia ministry as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street.
    2. Spiritual and Religious Life - Student Affairs and Academic Support | University of South Carolinasc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_affairs/student-services/student_life/spiritual_religious_life/index.php · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Campus Ministry Contact: Fr. Rhett Williams Garnet Gate: The Catholic Campus Ministry Website: https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Email: frw@stthomasmoreusc.org”
      USC's Spiritual and Religious Life page lists the Catholic Campus Ministry, a registered Garnet Gate organization, with Fr. Rhett Williams as contact.
    3. University of South Carolina - Columbia - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/university-of-south-carolina-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “University of South Carolina – Columbia Columbia HOME | CAMPUSES | University of South Carolina – Columbia”
      FOCUS lists the University of South Carolina-Columbia among its campuses.
      “Benoit Katelyn Benoit Beattie Nicholas Beattie Culpepper Anne Clare Culpepper Van Horn Haley Van Horn Placencia Ignacio Placencia Palchak Jacob Palchak”
      FOCUS lists six missionaries on its University of South Carolina-Columbia team.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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 (25 weekly times documented: 10 Mass, 10 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

  • The diocese lists a church and Newman Center, St. Thomas More, as the University of South Carolina's Catholic campus ministry, with a priest chaplain who is also its pastor and campus ministers on staff.
    Sources (3)
    1. SC Locations - South Carolina Catholiccharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “University of South Carolina Office 803-799-5870 stthomasmoreusc1@gmail.com https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Facebook | Instagram X/Twitter | YouTube Fr. Rhett Williams, Chaplain frw@stthomasmoreusc.org Annalise Rome, Campus Minister annalise@stthomasmoreusc.org Street Address St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center 1610 Greene Street Columbia SC 29201”
      The diocese lists the University of South Carolina's Catholic campus ministry at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center, 1610 Greene Street, with Fr. Rhett Williams as chaplain and Annalise Rome as campus minister.
    2. University of South Carolina at Columbia – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/campusministry/university-of-south-carolina-at-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Street Address Newman Club, St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29201”
      The diocesan campus ministry directory lists the USC Columbia ministry as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street.
      “Chaplain: Rev. Rhett Butler Williams 803-799-5870 rwilliams@charlestondiocese.org Campus Minister: Annalise Rome”
      Rev. Rhett Butler Williams is chaplain and Annalise Rome is campus minister for USC Columbia.
    3. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Pastor: Rev. Rhett Butler Williams 803-799-5870”
      Rev. Rhett Butler Williams is pastor of St. Thomas More.
      “Associate Campus Minister: Colin Snyder csnyder@charlestondiocese.org”
      Colin Snyder is associate campus minister at St. Thomas More.
  • Mass is listed every weekday, with a Saturday vigil and four Sunday Masses, including 5 PM and 9 PM Masses while USC is in session.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
      St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
  • Confession is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and 30 minutes before every Mass, and adoration runs Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM during the semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Adoration: Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (when USC is in session) Adoration: Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (when USC is in session)”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM and Friday 8:30-9:30 AM when USC is in session.
      “Confession Times Saturday: 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. Sunday: 4:00 - 4:50 p.m., 30 minutes prior to all Masses and by appointment”
      Confession is offered Saturday 3:30-4:20 PM, Sunday 4:00-4:50 PM, 30 minutes before all Masses, and by appointment.
  • FOCUS lists six missionaries at USC Columbia, and USC lists the Catholic Campus Ministry among its registered faith organizations.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual and Religious Life - Student Affairs and Academic Support | University of South Carolinasc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_affairs/student-services/student_life/spiritual_religious_life/index.php · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Campus Ministry Contact: Fr. Rhett Williams Garnet Gate: The Catholic Campus Ministry Website: https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Email: frw@stthomasmoreusc.org”
      USC's Spiritual and Religious Life page lists the Catholic Campus Ministry, a registered Garnet Gate organization, with Fr. Rhett Williams as contact.
    2. University of South Carolina - Columbia - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/university-of-south-carolina-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “University of South Carolina – Columbia Columbia HOME | CAMPUSES | University of South Carolina – Columbia”
      FOCUS lists the University of South Carolina-Columbia among its campuses.
      “Benoit Katelyn Benoit Beattie Nicholas Beattie Culpepper Anne Clare Culpepper Van Horn Haley Van Horn Placencia Ignacio Placencia Palchak Jacob Palchak”
      FOCUS lists six missionaries on its University of South Carolina-Columbia team.

Concerns

  • The Sunday evening Masses and the weekday adoration hours are offered only when USC is in session.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass Times Monday - Thursday: 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (evening Masses only when USC is in session) Holy Days: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.”
      St. Thomas More has Mass Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at noon, a Saturday 4:30 PM vigil, and four Sunday Masses, the evening ones only when USC is in session.
      “Adoration: Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (when USC is in session) Adoration: Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (when USC is in session)”
      Eucharistic adoration is offered Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM and Friday 8:30-9:30 AM when USC is in session.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center

  • Address: 1610 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: church (seats 160), Newman Center

View on map ↗

Source: charlestondiocese.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, directory.charlestondiocese.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, directory.charlestondiocese.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Weekday Eucharistic adorationOff campus
    Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM; Friday 8:30-9:30 AM (when USC is in session)
    Daytime adoration at St. Thomas More during the semester.
    directory.charlestondiocese.org
  • Sunday evening MassesOff campus
    Sundays 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM (when USC is in session)
    Two Sunday evening Masses at St. Thomas More held only while the university is in session.
    directory.charlestondiocese.org

Faith formation 1

  • FOCUS missionary teamOn campus
    FOCUS lists six missionaries serving the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
    focus.org, focus.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • The Catholic Campus Ministry (Newman Club)On campus
    Registered USC student organization on Garnet Gate, listed by the diocese as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More.
    directory.charlestondiocese.org, sc.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 (5)
  1. SC Locations - South Carolina Catholiccharlestondiocese.org/campus-ministry/sc-locations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “University of South Carolina Office 803-799-5870 stthomasmoreusc1@gmail.com https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Facebook | Instagram X/Twitter | YouTube Fr. Rhett Williams, Chaplain frw@stthomasmoreusc.org Annalise Rome, Campus Minister annalise@stthomasmoreusc.org Street Address St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center 1610 Greene Street Columbia SC 29201”
    The diocese lists the University of South Carolina's Catholic campus ministry at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center, 1610 Greene Street, with Fr. Rhett Williams as chaplain and Annalise Rome as campus minister.
    “University of South Carolina Office 803-799-5870 stthomasmoreusc1@gmail.com https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Facebook | Instagram X/Twitter | YouTube Fr. Rhett Williams, Chaplain frw@stthomasmoreusc.org Annalise Rome, Campus Minister annalise@stthomasmoreusc.org Street Address St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center 1610 Greene Street Columbia SC 29201”
    The diocese lists the University of South Carolina's Catholic campus ministry at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Newman Center, 1610 Greene Street, with Fr. Rhett Williams as chaplain and Annalise Rome as campus minister.
  2. University of South Carolina at Columbia – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/campusministry/university-of-south-carolina-at-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Street Address Newman Club, St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29201”
    The diocesan campus ministry directory lists the USC Columbia ministry as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street.
    “Street Address Newman Club, St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29201”
    The diocesan campus ministry directory lists the USC Columbia ministry as the Newman Club at St. Thomas More, 1610 Greene Street.
  3. St. Thomas More – Directories of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston Directoriesdirectory.charlestondiocese.org/parish/st-thomas-more · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Phone: 803-799-5870 Email: pamela.scott@charlestondiocese.org Website: stthomasmoreusc.org Founded: 1953 Seating: 160 Households: 701”
    St. Thomas More parish, founded in 1953, has a church seating 160 and 701 households.
    “Phone: 803-799-5870 Email: pamela.scott@charlestondiocese.org Website: stthomasmoreusc.org Founded: 1953 Seating: 160 Households: 701”
    St. Thomas More parish, founded in 1953, has a church seating 160 and 701 households.
  4. Spiritual and Religious Life - Student Affairs and Academic Support | University of South Carolinasc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_affairs/student-services/student_life/spiritual_religious_life/index.php · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Catholic Campus Ministry Contact: Fr. Rhett Williams Garnet Gate: The Catholic Campus Ministry Website: https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Email: frw@stthomasmoreusc.org”
    USC's Spiritual and Religious Life page lists the Catholic Campus Ministry, a registered Garnet Gate organization, with Fr. Rhett Williams as contact.
    “Catholic Campus Ministry Contact: Fr. Rhett Williams Garnet Gate: The Catholic Campus Ministry Website: https://www.stthomasmoreusc.org/ Email: frw@stthomasmoreusc.org”
    USC's Spiritual and Religious Life page lists the Catholic Campus Ministry, a registered Garnet Gate organization, with Fr. Rhett Williams as contact.
  5. University of South Carolina - Columbia - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/university-of-south-carolina-columbia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “University of South Carolina – Columbia Columbia HOME | CAMPUSES | University of South Carolina – Columbia”
    FOCUS lists the University of South Carolina-Columbia among its campuses.
    “Benoit Katelyn Benoit Beattie Nicholas Beattie Culpepper Anne Clare Culpepper Van Horn Haley Van Horn Placencia Ignacio Placencia Palchak Jacob Palchak”
    FOCUS lists six missionaries on its University of South Carolina-Columbia team.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
81 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.79%
  • 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 1,297 · ACT 29
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.19 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$14,139

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)
28,470
Total students36,579
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,811
Cost of attendance (per year)$31,638
Median federal debt at graduation$21,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
79%
First-year retention92%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$62,177
Admission rate60%
Students receiving Pell grants19%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1297
SAT reading & writing600–680
SAT math580–680
ACT composite26–32
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 65 / 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 Charleston

The Most Reverend Jacques Fabre-Jeune, Bishop of Charleston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: charlestondiocese.org, charlestondiocese.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 218663
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (pre-accredited); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

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

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