Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Villanova University: Villanova alumni hall
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Catholic college

Villanova University

  • LocationVillanova, PA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 10,111 students
  • SponsorOrder of St. Augustine
  • TraditionAugustinian
Official website

Villanova University is a Catholic university in Villanova, Pennsylvania, founded in 1842 and sponsored by the Order of St. Augustine. When classes are in session, Mass is celebrated twice each weekday in Corr Chapel and four times on Sundays in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, with confession three times a week and weekly Thursday adoration. Every undergraduate college requires THL 1000 Faith, Reason, and Culture; most also require an upper-division theology course and PHI 1000; the College of Engineering does not require philosophy and the College of Professional Studies' interdisciplinary degree requires one theology course.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 6

  • Monday–Friday12:05 PMCorr Chapel · When classes are in session; regular schedule resumed August 24, 2026.
  • Monday–Friday5:30 PMCorr Chapel · When classes are in session.
  • Sunday3:00 PMSt. Thomas of Villanova Church · Misa en español; when classes are in session.
  • Sunday5:00 PMSt. Thomas of Villanova Church · When classes are in session.
  • Sunday7:00 PMSt. Thomas of Villanova Church · When classes are in session.
  • Sunday9:00 PMSt. Thomas of Villanova Church · When classes are in session.

Confession 2

  • Tuesday, Wednesday3:30 PM–4:30 PMSt. Thomas of Villanova Church · When classes are in session.
  • Thursday8:00 PM–9:00 PMSt. Thomas of Villanova Church · During adoration, when classes are in session.

Adoration 1

  • Thursday8:00 PM–9:00 PMSt. Thomas of Villanova Church · When classes are in session.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Monday-Friday, 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Corr Chapel, Villanova Campus”
    Mass is celebrated twice every weekday in Corr Chapel when classes are in session.
    “Monday-Friday, 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Corr Chapel, Villanova Campus”
    Mass is celebrated twice every weekday in Corr Chapel when classes are in session.
    “3 p.m. Misa en español, St. Thomas of Villanova Church 5, 7 and 9 p.m. University Mass, St. Thomas of Villanova Church or by livestream”
    Sunday Masses on the Villanova campus are at 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5, 7 and 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
    “3 p.m. Misa en español, St. Thomas of Villanova Church 5, 7 and 9 p.m. University Mass, St. Thomas of Villanova Church or by livestream”
    Sunday Masses on the Villanova campus are at 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5, 7 and 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
    “3 p.m. Misa en español, St. Thomas of Villanova Church 5, 7 and 9 p.m. University Mass, St. Thomas of Villanova Church or by livestream”
    Sunday Masses on the Villanova campus are at 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5, 7 and 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
    “3 p.m. Misa en español, St. Thomas of Villanova Church 5, 7 and 9 p.m. University Mass, St. Thomas of Villanova Church or by livestream”
    Sunday Masses on the Villanova campus are at 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5, 7 and 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
    “the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held in St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and during Adoration on Thursdays, from 8 to 9 p.m., when classes are in session.”
    Confession is scheduled three times a week during the semester.
    “the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held in St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and during Adoration on Thursdays, from 8 to 9 p.m., when classes are in session.”
    Confession is scheduled three times a week during the semester.
    “Adoration will take place on Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, when classes are in session.”
    Eucharistic adoration is held weekly on Thursday evenings.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Villanova University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Thomas of Villanova Church: 0.2 mi1Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish: 1.0 mi2Our Mother of Good Council: 2.0 mi3Saint Katherine of Siena: 2.2 mi4Saint John Neumann Catholic: 2.3 mi5Office for Mission and Ministry (St. Rita Hall): 0.2 miVillanova University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Thomas of Villanova Church — 0.2 mi · 800 East Lancaster Avenue
  2. Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish — 1.0 mi · 1229 East Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr
  3. Our Mother of Good Council — 2.0 mi · 31 Pennswood Road, Bryn Mawr
  4. Saint Katherine of Siena — 2.2 mi · 104 South Aberdeen Avenue, Wayne
  5. Saint John Neumann Catholic — 2.3 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ASacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in Corr Chapel when classes are in session. The Cabrini campus also has a Wednesday 7 p.m. Mass for Peace.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Monday-Friday, 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Corr Chapel, Villanova Campus”
      Mass is celebrated twice every weekday in Corr Chapel when classes are in session.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Two or more weekend Masses (Sunday 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5, 7 and 9 p.m. on the Villanova campus; the worship page also lists an 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart Chapel on the Cabrini campus (not counted).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “3 p.m. Misa en español, St. Thomas of Villanova Church 5, 7 and 9 p.m. University Mass, St. Thomas of Villanova Church or by livestream”
      Sunday Masses on the Villanova campus are at 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5, 7 and 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession on campusThree or more scheduled times per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. and Thursdays 8-9 p.m. during adoration.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held in St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and during Adoration on Thursdays, from 8 to 9 p.m., when classes are in session.”
      Confession is scheduled three times a week during the semester.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adorationWeekly scheduled adoration (Thursdays 8-9 p.m., St. Thomas of Villanova Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Adoration will take place on Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, when classes are in session.”
      Eucharistic adoration is held weekly on Thursday evenings.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Rev. Joseph Calderone, OSA, is Associate Director for Spirituality and Outreach on the University Ministry staff. Augustinian friars minister in Mission and Ministry, which is led by an Augustinian priest.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff Directory | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/staff-directory.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Rev. Joseph Calderone, OSA | Associate Director for Spirituality and Outreach | (610) 519-7477”
      An Augustinian priest serves on the University Ministry staff.
      “OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY St. Rita Hall, Third Floor Rev. Bernie Scianna, OSA | Vice President”
      An Augustinian priest serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry.
    2. Augustinians at Villanova | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/augustinians-at-villanova · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Members of the Order serve in many areas of the University including teaching in academic departments, ministering and counseling in Mission and Ministry”
      Augustinian friars minister and counsel in Mission and Ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (Daily Mass is celebrated in Corr Chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Monday-Friday, 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Corr Chapel, Villanova Campus”
      Mass is celebrated twice every weekday in Corr Chapel when classes are in session.
  • 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 (18 weekly times documented: 14 Mass, 3 confession, 1 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
DTheology and core curriculum: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

47 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (The theology department states that all undergraduates take two theology courses (THL 1000 plus an upper-division course), and the Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering and Nursing curricula require both. The College of Professional Studies' Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies core requires only THL 1000 (further theology is one of many options); the minimum for all bachelor's students is one.)
    Sources (4)
    1. Courses | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/theology/undergraduate-program/courses.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “all Villanova undergraduate students are required to take two Theology and Religious Studies courses to graduate.”
      The theology department states that all undergraduates take two theology courses.
    2. Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Core Curriculum | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/bachelor-of-interdisciplinary-studies-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Understanding Self and World (15 Credits) Course Title Credits ACS 1000 Ancients 3 ACS 1001 Moderns 3 PHI 1000 Knowledge, Reality, Self 3 THL 1000 Faith, Reason, and Culture 3 ETH 2050 The Good Life:Eth & Cont Prob 3”
      The College of Professional Studies' Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies core requires THL 1000 and PHI 1000, with further theology only as an option.
    3. Core Curriculum (College of Engineering) | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Engineering Curriculum Requirements in Humanities and Social Science: Course Title Credits ACS 1000 Ancients 3 ACS 1001 Moderns 3 THL 1000 Faith, Reason, and Culture 3 Theology (THL) course at the 2000 level or above”
      Engineering students take THL 1000 and an upper-level theology course.
    4. Summary of Core Curriculum Course Requirements | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/summary-of-core-curriculum-course-requirements · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Theology and Religious Studies (THL 1000) (1 course) Philosophy (PHI 1000) (1 course) Ethics (ETH 2050) (1 course)”
      The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences core requires THL 1000, PHI 1000 and ETH 2050.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (THL 1000 is taught in three tracks, one of them Catholic Studies; upper-division options include courses such as Catholic Ethics and Catholicism in the US among many others.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Fulfilling Core Curriculum Course Requirements | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/fulfilling-core-curriculum-course-requirements · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The course may examine Catholicism theologically, historically, and culturally (Catholic Studies track); explore Christian theological traditions in their cultural contexts (Faith, Reason, and Culture track); or survey religiosity in general and global religions”
      THL 1000 is taught in three tracks, one of which (Catholic Studies) examines Catholicism.
    2. Theology and Religious Studies | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/theology-and-religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Contemporary Catholic ethics. Foci include economic justice, solodarity, poverty, racism, environmentalism, technology, agriculture, and Catholic social thought.”
      An upper-level theology course covers Catholic ethics and Catholic social thought.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (PHI 1000 is required in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business and the College of Professional Studies, and Nursing requires PHI 1000 and PHI 2115; the College of Engineering core lists philosophy only as one option in a choice slot; the minimum for all bachelor's students is none.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum (College of Engineering) | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Engineering Curriculum Requirements in Humanities and Social Science: Course Title Credits ACS 1000 Ancients 3 ACS 1001 Moderns 3 THL 1000 Faith, Reason, and Culture 3 Theology (THL) course at the 2000 level or above”
      Engineering students take THL 1000 and an upper-level theology course.
      “One 3-credit course from: + 3 One 3-credit course from: × Total Credits 3 Course Title Credits Theology (THL) course at the 2000 level or above + 3 Theology (THL) course at the 2000 level or above × Total Credits 3 Or course with Core Theology (CTHL) attribute. Close Philosophy (PHI)”
      For engineering students, philosophy is one option in a choice slot rather than a required course.
    2. Summary of Core Curriculum Course Requirements | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/summary-of-core-curriculum-course-requirements · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Theology and Religious Studies (THL 1000) (1 course) Philosophy (PHI 1000) (1 course) Ethics (ETH 2050) (1 course)”
      The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences core requires THL 1000, PHI 1000 and ETH 2050.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description (The required Augustine and Culture Seminar (ACS 1001), taken in every college, gives special attention to the modern Catholic intellectual tradition.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Fulfilling Core Curriculum Course Requirements | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/fulfilling-core-curriculum-course-requirements · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In ACS 1001: Moderns we explore our diverse modern world and give special attention to the modern Catholic intellectual tradition and its ongoing mission to defend the dignity of the human person, to foster human solidarity, and to serve the common good.”
      The required Augustine and Culture Seminar gives special attention to the Catholic intellectual tradition.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology and Religious Studies | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/theology-and-religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Programs Theology and Religious Studies Major Theology and Religious Studies Minor”
      A major in Theology and Religious Studies is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture and residence life: 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.

Campus culture and residence life

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Five or more (16 people in ministry leadership, Liturgy & Sacred Music, and University Ministry on the Mission and Ministry staff directory (excluding administrative support, communications and finance staff, vacant and multifaith positions, and the service, peace-and-justice and sustainability offices).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff Directory | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/staff-directory.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “UNIVERSITY MINISTRY Brian McCabe | Executive Director for University Ministry | (610) 519-4086”
      Brian McCabe directs University Ministry.
      “LITURGY & SACRED MUSIC St. Rita Hall, Second Floor Mat Verghese | Director | (610) 519-5177”
      A Liturgy & Sacred Music office has its own director and staff.
      “OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY St. Rita Hall, Third Floor Rev. Bernie Scianna, OSA | Vice President”
      An Augustinian priest serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry.
      “Rev. Joseph Calderone, OSA | Associate Director for Spirituality and Outreach | (610) 519-7477”
      An Augustinian priest serves on the University Ministry staff.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearFour or more distinct retreats (First-Year Escape, Crossroads senior retreat, Hearts on Fire retreat, and a Hispanic/Latine Ministry retreat. OCIA also includes two one-day retreats.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/spirituality-community/retreats.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “First-Year Escape Retreat (Nov. 7-8, 2026)”
      A First-Year Escape retreat is offered in fall 2026.
      “To mark your transition from college, consider attending Crossroads: the Senior Retreat.”
      A senior retreat (Crossroads) is offered.
      “Join the McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership and University Ministry for a retreat exploring connections the between gender, spirituality, and leadership.”
      A Hearts on Fire retreat is offered with the McNulty Institute.
      “Spiritual Retreat with Hispanic/Latine Ministry (TBD)”
      Hispanic/Latine Ministry offers a spiritual retreat.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (JOURNEY small groups (including Bible study in the Catholic tradition), OCIA, Villanovans for Life, liturgical ministers and pastoral musicians, Hispanic/Latine Ministry.)
    Sources (4)
    1. Journey Groups | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/spirituality-community/journey-groups.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Get involved in women's group, first-year group, sophomore group, mens group, sophomore, junior and senior group and bible study in the Catholic tradition.”
      JOURNEY small groups include women's, men's, class-year groups and a Catholic Bible study.
      “Breaking Open the Sunday Readings: Thursdays from 6-7 pm with Fr. Art Purcaro, OSA”
      An Augustinian priest leads a weekly Bible study on the Sunday readings.
    2. Becoming Catholic | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/becoming-catholic.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The OCIA process at Villanova often unfolds over a single academic year. It involves a commitment to attend weekly Mass, join a weekly session exploring topics in Catholic faith and life, and participate in two one-day retreats”
      OCIA meets weekly and includes two one-day retreats.
    3. Pregnancy Support | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/health-services/well-being/services/pregnancy.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Villanovans for Life Student-run pro-life group on campus.”
      Villanovans for Life is a student pro-life group on campus.
    4. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “we invite students to share their talents through singing, lectoring and other liturgical ministries.”
      Students serve as musicians, lectors and other liturgical ministers.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex floors or wings only (First-year students are housed by gender on each wing or floor; halls are described as typically co-educational as a whole.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residence Life Housing Information and Policies | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/residence-life/housing-information.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “First-year students are housed by gender on each wing or floor. The residence halls are typically co-educational as a whole.”
      First-year students live on single-sex wings or floors in co-educational halls.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (First-year residents have visiting hours for guests of another sex (until midnight weekdays, 2 a.m. weekends); overnight visits are limited to two consecutive nights.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residence Life Policies | Villanova Universitystudenthandbook.villanova.edu/residence-life-policies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Visiting hours for guests of another sex are limited as follows: Weekdays (Sunday to Thursday) - 10:00 a.m. until midnight; Weekends (Friday and Saturday) - 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.”
      First-year residents have limited visiting hours for guests of another sex.
      “Upper Class Residents: All guests are permitted to visit upper class resident rooms/apartments at all times”
      Upper-class residents have no visitation-hour limits.
      “Overnight visits must be in accord with roommate living agreements and visitation hours and should not exceed two consecutive nights.”
      Overnight visits are limited to two consecutive nights.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Yes (Mission and Ministry's Center for Residential Ministry places Graduate Ministers in first-year halls.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residential Outreach | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/spirituality-community/residential-outreach.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Graduate Ministers live in first-year halls and offer a “ministry of presence" as they go door-to-door, getting to know students and offering a welcoming space to connect.”
      Graduate resident ministers live in first-year residence halls.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Office for Mission and Ministry led by a Vice President, with a Mission Engagement & Strategic Initiatives function.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Staff Directory | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/staff-directory.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY St. Rita Hall, Third Floor Rev. Bernie Scianna, OSA | Vice President”
      An Augustinian priest serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry.
    2. Mission Engagement & Strategic Initiatives | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/catholic-augustinian/engagement.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mission and Ministry is at the forefront of the fulfillment of Villanova’s mission.”
      The Office for Mission and Ministry is responsible for advancing the university's mission.
    3. Mission and Ministry | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Office for Mission and Ministry provides students, faculty and staff members many opportunities to connect and engage with our Augustinian Catholic mission”
      The Office for Mission and Ministry serves students, faculty and staff in engaging the Catholic mission.
BService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

82 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Ministry | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good serves as the on-campus hub for all community service and engaged learning for students, faculty and staff.”
      The Center for the Common Good, within Mission and Ministry, is the campus service center.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs)
    Sources (1)
    1. Fulfilling Core Curriculum Course Requirements | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/fulfilling-core-curriculum-course-requirements · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Service-learning courses, internships, and other experiential or communitybased learning courses may be applied toward the UNITAS Division requirement”
      Service-learning courses are offered and can count toward a core requirement.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (Catholic Ethics (THL 4100) covers Catholic social thought; engineering students may choose Catholic Social Teaching for Engineers. No required core course is explicitly about Catholic social teaching for all students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology and Religious Studies | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/theology-and-religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Contemporary Catholic ethics. Foci include economic justice, solodarity, poverty, racism, environmentalism, technology, agriculture, and Catholic social thought.”
      An upper-level theology course covers Catholic ethics and Catholic social thought.
    2. Core Curriculum (College of Engineering) | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “ETH 2050 The Good Life:Eth & Cont Prob 3 EGR 2930 Catholic Soc Teaching for EGRS 3”
      Engineering students may take a course in Catholic Social Teaching for Engineers.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Two or more (Villanovans for Life student group and a designated pregnancy-support advocate.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Pregnancy Support | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/health-services/well-being/services/pregnancy.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Villanovans for Life Student-run pro-life group on campus.”
      Villanovans for Life is a student pro-life group on campus.
      “In order to support the choice of life and to provide information and assistance to pregnant students, Villanova has designated an advocate to help students who are (or think they may be) pregnant”
      The university designates an advocate to support pregnant students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Service and Justice Experiences immersion trips, the Catholic Relief Services partnership, and student service groups including Villanova Refugee Empowerment.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Service & Justice Experiences | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/service-social-justice/service-justice-experiences.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Service and Justice Experiences (SJEs) are immersion opportunities where students build relationships with other Villanovans and community partners committed to working for change.”
      Service and Justice Experiences are immersion trips during university breaks.
    2. Catholic Relief Services Partnership | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/service-social-justice/catholic-relief-services.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In 2005, CRS and Villanova University signed a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal agreement to work collaboratively to advance global solidarity through education, research, advocacy and service.”
      Villanova has a formal partnership with Catholic Relief Services.
    3. Center for the Common Good | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/service-social-justice/center-for-the-common-good.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia (SREHUP) Villanova Refugee Empowerment”
      Student service groups include an emergency housing unit and a refugee empowerment group.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (The Center for the Common Good sits within Mission and Ministry, and immersion trips are grounded in Catholic Augustinian values.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission and Ministry | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good serves as the on-campus hub for all community service and engaged learning for students, faculty and staff.”
      The Center for the Common Good, within Mission and Ministry, is the campus service center.
    2. Service & Justice Experiences | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/service-social-justice/service-justice-experiences.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Grounded in the Catholic Augustinian values of truth, unity and love, SJEs are open to all students”
      Immersion trips are grounded in Catholic Augustinian values.

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

Strengths

  • During the semester, Mass is celebrated twice every weekday and four times on Sundays on the Villanova campus.
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Monday-Friday, 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Corr Chapel, Villanova Campus”
      Mass is celebrated twice every weekday in Corr Chapel when classes are in session.
      “3 p.m. Misa en español, St. Thomas of Villanova Church 5, 7 and 9 p.m. University Mass, St. Thomas of Villanova Church or by livestream”
      Sunday Masses on the Villanova campus are at 3 p.m. (Spanish), 5, 7 and 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church.
  • Confession is scheduled three times a week, and Eucharistic adoration is held weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Worship | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/prayer-worship/catholic-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held in St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and during Adoration on Thursdays, from 8 to 9 p.m., when classes are in session.”
      Confession is scheduled three times a week during the semester.
      “Adoration will take place on Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, when classes are in session.”
      Eucharistic adoration is held weekly on Thursday evenings.
  • Mission and Ministry lists a large staff, including Augustinian priests, liturgy and music directors, and graduate ministers living in first-year halls.
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff Directory | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/staff-directory.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Rev. Joseph Calderone, OSA | Associate Director for Spirituality and Outreach | (610) 519-7477”
      An Augustinian priest serves on the University Ministry staff.
      “UNIVERSITY MINISTRY Brian McCabe | Executive Director for University Ministry | (610) 519-4086”
      Brian McCabe directs University Ministry.
      “LITURGY & SACRED MUSIC St. Rita Hall, Second Floor Mat Verghese | Director | (610) 519-5177”
      A Liturgy & Sacred Music office has its own director and staff.
    2. Residential Outreach | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/spirituality-community/residential-outreach.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Graduate Ministers live in first-year halls and offer a “ministry of presence" as they go door-to-door, getting to know students and offering a welcoming space to connect.”
      Graduate resident ministers live in first-year residence halls.
  • Service programs run through Mission and Ministry include immersion trips and a formal partnership with Catholic Relief Services; a pregnancy-support advocate and a student pro-life group are listed.
    Sources (4)
    1. Mission and Ministry | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good serves as the on-campus hub for all community service and engaged learning for students, faculty and staff.”
      The Center for the Common Good, within Mission and Ministry, is the campus service center.
    2. Service & Justice Experiences | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/service-social-justice/service-justice-experiences.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Service and Justice Experiences (SJEs) are immersion opportunities where students build relationships with other Villanovans and community partners committed to working for change.”
      Service and Justice Experiences are immersion trips during university breaks.
    3. Catholic Relief Services Partnership | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/service-social-justice/catholic-relief-services.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In 2005, CRS and Villanova University signed a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal agreement to work collaboratively to advance global solidarity through education, research, advocacy and service.”
      Villanova has a formal partnership with Catholic Relief Services.
    4. Pregnancy Support | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/health-services/well-being/services/pregnancy.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Villanovans for Life Student-run pro-life group on campus.”
      Villanovans for Life is a student pro-life group on campus.
      “In order to support the choice of life and to provide information and assistance to pregnant students, Villanova has designated an advocate to help students who are (or think they may be) pregnant”
      The university designates an advocate to support pregnant students.

Concerns

  • The College of Engineering core does not require a philosophy course; philosophy is one option in a choice slot.
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum (College of Engineering) | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “One 3-credit course from: + 3 One 3-credit course from: × Total Credits 3 Course Title Credits Theology (THL) course at the 2000 level or above + 3 Theology (THL) course at the 2000 level or above × Total Credits 3 Or course with Core Theology (CTHL) attribute. Close Philosophy (PHI)”
      For engineering students, philosophy is one option in a choice slot rather than a required course.
  • The required THL 1000 course is offered in three tracks, only one of which (Catholic Studies) is explicitly Catholic.
    Sources (1)
    1. Fulfilling Core Curriculum Course Requirements | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/fulfilling-core-curriculum-course-requirements · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The course may examine Catholicism theologically, historically, and culturally (Catholic Studies track); explore Christian theological traditions in their cultural contexts (Faith, Reason, and Culture track); or survey religiosity in general and global religions”
      THL 1000 is taught in three tracks, one of which (Catholic Studies) examines Catholicism.
  • The College of Professional Studies' Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies core requires one theology course, compared with two in the other colleges.
    Sources (2)
    1. Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Core Curriculum | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/bachelor-of-interdisciplinary-studies-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Understanding Self and World (15 Credits) Course Title Credits ACS 1000 Ancients 3 ACS 1001 Moderns 3 PHI 1000 Knowledge, Reality, Self 3 THL 1000 Faith, Reason, and Culture 3 ETH 2050 The Good Life:Eth & Cont Prob 3”
      The College of Professional Studies' Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies core requires THL 1000 and PHI 1000, with further theology only as an option.
    2. Courses | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/theology/undergraduate-program/courses.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “all Villanova undergraduate students are required to take two Theology and Religious Studies courses to graduate.”
      The theology department states that all undergraduates take two theology courses.
  • First-year students live on single-sex wings or floors.
    Sources (1)
    1. Residence Life Housing Information and Policies | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/residence-life/housing-information.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “First-year students are housed by gender on each wing or floor. The residence halls are typically co-educational as a whole.”
      First-year students live on single-sex wings or floors in co-educational halls.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office for Mission and Ministry (St. Rita Hall)

  • Address: 800 E. Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: villanova.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026, villanova.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

15 groups and regular activities · 10 on campus, 5 off campus

Retreats 4

  • First-Year Escape RetreatOff campus
    November 7-8, 2026
    Weekend retreat for first-year students at Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center.
    villanova.edu
  • Crossroads: the Senior RetreatOff campus
    Weekend retreat for graduating seniors.
    villanova.edu
  • Hearts on Fire RetreatOff campus
    Retreat on gender, spirituality and leadership with the McNulty Institute.
    villanova.edu
  • Hispanic/Latine Ministry Spiritual RetreatOff campus
    Day retreat offered by Hispanic/Latine Ministry.
    villanova.edu

Service 2

  • Service and Justice ExperiencesOff campus
    Fall and winter breaks
    Week-long immersion trips with community partners, preceded by weekly meetings and reflection.
    villanova.edu, villanova.edu
  • Catholic Relief Services PartnershipOn campus
    CRS Ambassadors, internships and advocacy through a formal partnership with Catholic Relief Services.
    villanova.edu

Faith formation 2

  • Bible Study in the Catholic Tradition: Breaking Open the Sunday ReadingsOn campus
    Thursdays 6-7 PM
    Weekly study of the Sunday readings led by an Augustinian priest.
    villanova.edu
  • OCIAOn campus
    Order of Christian Initiation of Adults with weekly sessions and two one-day retreats.
    villanova.edu

Clubs and groups 3

  • JOURNEY Small GroupsOn campus
    Women's, men's, first-year, sophomore and upperclass faith-sharing groups run by University Ministry.
    villanova.edu
  • Peer MinistryOn campus
    Student peer ministers host community and faith-sharing after Sunday evening Masses and during the week.
    villanova.edu
  • Villanovans for LifeOn campus
    Student-run pro-life group.
    villanova.edu

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Liturgical Ministers and Pastoral MusiciansOn campus
    Students serve as singers, lectors and other liturgical ministers.
    villanova.edu

Social life 2

  • Sundays in St. RitaOn campus
    Select Sundays after the 7 PM Mass
    Meal and talk for Catholic students and those learning about the faith.
    villanova.edu
  • Hispanic/Latine Ministry: Cena de la ConvivenciaOn campus
    Monthly
    Community dinner celebrating Latin culture, alongside Spanish Mass and feast-day celebrations.
    villanova.edu

Sports and recreation 1

  • Sports & SpiritualityOn campus
    Ministry for student-athletes.
    villanova.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (5)
  1. Staff Directory | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry/staff-directory.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “UNIVERSITY MINISTRY Brian McCabe | Executive Director for University Ministry | (610) 519-4086”
    Brian McCabe directs University Ministry.
    “OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY St. Rita Hall, Third Floor Rev. Bernie Scianna, OSA | Vice President”
    An Augustinian priest serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry.
    “Located in the heart of Villanova's campus, Mission & Ministry is housed in St. Rita Hall.”
    Mission and Ministry is housed in St. Rita Hall on campus.
    “800 E. Lancaster Ave Villanova, PA 19085”
    The university's address is 800 E. Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085.
  2. Mission and Ministry | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/mission-ministry.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “The Office for Mission and Ministry provides students, faculty and staff members many opportunities to connect and engage with our Augustinian Catholic mission”
    The Office for Mission and Ministry serves students, faculty and staff in engaging the Catholic mission.
  3. Augustinians at Villanova | Villanova University Undergraduate Cataloglive-villanova-catalog.cleancatalog.io/augustinians-at-villanova · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Members of the Order serve in many areas of the University including teaching in academic departments, ministering and counseling in Mission and Ministry”
    Augustinian friars minister and counsel in Mission and Ministry.
  4. The University and its Mission | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/president/about-university.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Founded and sponsored by the Order of St. Augustine, and inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus Christ”
    The university is founded and sponsored by the Order of St. Augustine.
  5. Pregnancy Support | Villanova Universityvillanova.edu/university/health-services/well-being/services/pregnancy.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Villanovans for Life Student-run pro-life group on campus.”
    Villanovans for Life is a student pro-life group on campus.

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.
97 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.92%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.95%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,460 · ACT 33
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$21,398

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)
7,063
Total students10,111
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$43,756
Cost of attendance (per year)$84,793
Median federal debt at graduation$25,874
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
92%
First-year retention95%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$100,423
Admission rate27%
Students receiving Pell grants12%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1460
SAT reading & writing685–740
SAT math710–770
ACT composite32–34
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 58 / 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 216597
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (high research)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Villanova University a Catholic college?
Yes. Villanova University is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Its sponsor is Order of St. Augustine.
What is Villanova University’s Compass Score?
82 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Villanova University?
Mass is listed at Corr Chapel and St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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