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Widener University: OldMainWidener
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College · Catholic life on campus

Widener University

  • LocationChester, PA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 5,610 students
Official website

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

Widener University is served by the Widener Newman Club, which the Archdiocese of Philadelphia lists among its college campus ministries. The club is based at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester, which offers a Saturday vigil Mass, two Sunday Masses, weekday Masses Tuesday to Friday, and weekly confession. On campus, the club gathers on Wednesday evenings at the Interfaith Center for a Rosary and a Bible study.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 4

  • Saturday4:00 PMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave · Vigil Mass.
  • Sunday9:30 AMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave · English.
  • Sunday11:30 AMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave · Bilingual Spanish/English.
  • Tuesday–Friday7:30 AMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave

Confession 3

  • Saturday3:30 PMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave · Runs 3:30 to 3:50 PM; available by appointment.
  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave · Runs 9:00 to 9:20 AM (English/Spanish listing).
  • Sunday11:00 AMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave · Runs 11:00 to 11:20 AM (English/Spanish).

Adoration 1

  • Thursday8:00 AMSt. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1920 Providence Ave · Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. St. Katharine Drexel Parish | Homestkatharinedrexelparish.org/home · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
    “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
    The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Widener University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Katherine Drexel Catholic Church: 0.4 mi1Our Lady of Charity Parish: 1.4 mi2Saint John Chrysostom: 1.6 mi3Our Lady of Peace Parish: 1.7 mi4Immaculate Heart Of Mary Roman Catholic Church: 1.9 mi5Saint Madeline Church: 2.2 mi6St. Katharine Drexel Parish (home of the Widener Newman Club): 0.3 miWidener University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Katherine Drexel Catholic Church — 0.4 mi · 1920 Providence Avenue, Chester
  2. Our Lady of Charity Parish — 1.4 mi · 231 Upland Road, Brookhaven
  3. Saint John Chrysostom — 1.6 mi · 617 South Providence Road, Wallingford
  4. Our Lady of Peace Parish — 1.7 mi · 208 Milmont Avenue, Folsom
  5. Immaculate Heart Of Mary Roman Catholic Church — 1.9 mi · 1408 West 2nd Street, Chester
  6. Saint Madeline Church — 2.2 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.

BCatholic life on campus: 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.

Catholic life on campus

71 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 (The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Ministry with Young Adults lists Widener University, and the parish's Widener Newman page describes the club's campus gatherings.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Connect with Campus Ministries | Office for Ministry With Young Adultsphillyyam.org/connect-with-campus-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Widener University DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY”
      The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Ministry with Young Adults lists Widener University among the campus ministries it connects students with.
    2. Widener Newman Club | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/widenernewman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Welcome to Widener Newman Club Sunday Mass: Gather at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (1920 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013) : VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM”
      The Widener Newman Club is based at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, which offers a Saturday vigil Mass and two Sunday Masses.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (Masses and confession are published, and a priest is listed on the parish staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About This Parish | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/aboutthisparish · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “LECTORS Father Robert Ianelli LITURGY COMMITTEE Father Robert Ianelli PASTORAL COUNCIL Father Robert Ianelli”
      Father Robert Ianelli is listed among the parish's staff and ministry leaders.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Daily Mass is listed Tuesday to Friday at 7:30 AM at the parish, which the club uses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Katharine Drexel Parish | Homestkatharinedrexelparish.org/home · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
      The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
  • 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 4:00 PM vigil Mass plus two Sunday Masses (9:30 AM English and 11:30 AM bilingual).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Widener Newman Club | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/widenernewman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Welcome to Widener Newman Club Sunday Mass: Gather at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (1920 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013) : VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM”
      The Widener Newman Club is based at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, which offers a Saturday vigil Mass and two Sunday Masses.
    2. St. Katharine Drexel Parish | Homestkatharinedrexelparish.org/home · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
      The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession is listed on Saturday (3:30 to 3:50 PM) and on Sunday (9:00 to 9:20 AM and 11:00 to 11:20 AM).)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Katharine Drexel Parish | Homestkatharinedrexelparish.org/home · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
      The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)One (The Widener Newman Club is the one Catholic student group found on official pages.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Widener Newman Club | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/widenernewman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Welcome to Widener Newman Club Sunday Mass: Gather at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (1920 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013) : VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM”
      The Widener Newman Club is based at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, which offers a Saturday vigil Mass and two Sunday Masses.
      “Wednesday Gatherings at the Interfaith Center at Widener University: Praying of the Rosary: weekly at 7:30 PM. Bible Study: weekly at 8 PM.”
      The Widener Newman Club holds a weekly Rosary at 7:30 PM and a Bible study at 8 PM on Wednesdays at the Interfaith Center at Widener University.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)One kind (One kind found: a weekly Bible study on the upcoming Sunday readings. Parish-wide adult formation was not counted because it is not presented as a campus program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Widener Newman Club | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/widenernewman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Join us each Wednesday during the academic year to pray and reflect together on the upcoming Sunday Mass Readings.”
      The Wednesday Bible study during the academic year reflects on the upcoming Sunday Mass readings.
  • 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 adoration6 to 11 times a week (11 weekly times documented: 7 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).

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

Strengths

  • Weekly confession is published on Saturday and Sunday, and weekend Masses are offered on Saturday and Sunday.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Katharine Drexel Parish | Homestkatharinedrexelparish.org/home · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “MASS SCHEDULE VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM Daily Mass - 7:30 AM Tuesday to Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays 8:00-9:00 AM CONFESSIONS: Saturday: 3:30-3:50 PM Sunday: 9:00-9:20 AM 11:00-11:20 AM (English/Spanish) Available by appointment.”
      The parish publishes its weekend and weekday Mass, adoration and confession times.
  • A weekly Rosary and Bible study are held at the Interfaith Center at Widener University during the academic year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Widener Newman Club | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/widenernewman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Wednesday Gatherings at the Interfaith Center at Widener University: Praying of the Rosary: weekly at 7:30 PM. Bible Study: weekly at 8 PM.”
      The Widener Newman Club holds a weekly Rosary at 7:30 PM and a Bible study at 8 PM on Wednesdays at the Interfaith Center at Widener University.
      “Join us each Wednesday during the academic year to pray and reflect together on the upcoming Sunday Mass Readings.”
      The Wednesday Bible study during the academic year reflects on the upcoming Sunday Mass readings.

Concerns

  • The priest listed is on the parish staff.
    Sources (1)
    1. About This Parish | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/aboutthisparish · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “LECTORS Father Robert Ianelli LITURGY COMMITTEE Father Robert Ianelli PASTORAL COUNCIL Father Robert Ianelli”
      Father Robert Ianelli is listed among the parish's staff and ministry leaders.
  • Mass is held at a parish off campus, and the campus page offers a shuttle to Sunday Mass rather than an on-campus Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Widener Newman Club | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/widenernewman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus shuttle can drive you there if you call ahead for a ride.”
      The Widener Newman Club offers a campus shuttle to the parish Sunday Mass if students call ahead.
      “Welcome to Widener Newman Club Sunday Mass: Gather at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (1920 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013) : VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM”
      The Widener Newman Club is based at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, which offers a Saturday vigil Mass and two Sunday Masses.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. Katharine Drexel Parish (home of the Widener Newman Club)

  • Address: 1920 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013
  • Distance from campus: 0.3 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: church

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 0 off campus

Faith formation 1

Clubs and groups 1

Liturgy and prayer 1

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 (2)
  1. Connect with Campus Ministries | Office for Ministry With Young Adultsphillyyam.org/connect-with-campus-ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Widener University DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY”
    The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Ministry with Young Adults lists Widener University among the campus ministries it connects students with.
  2. Widener Newman Club | St. Katharine Drexel Parishstkatharinedrexelparish.org/widenernewman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Welcome to Widener Newman Club Sunday Mass: Gather at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (1920 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013) : VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM”
    The Widener Newman Club is based at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, which offers a Saturday vigil Mass and two Sunday Masses.
    “Welcome to Widener Newman Club Sunday Mass: Gather at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (1920 Providence Ave, Chester, PA 19013) : VIGIL MASS: Saturday - 4:00 PM SUNDAY MASSES: English - 9:30 AM Bilingual Spanish/English - 11:30 AM”
    The Widener Newman Club is based at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, which offers a Saturday vigil Mass and two Sunday Masses.
    “St. Katharine Drexel, 1920 Providence Avenue, Chester, United States610-872-3731info@stkatharinedrexelparish.org”
    The parish office is at 1920 Providence Avenue, Chester, with the phone 610-872-3731 and the email info@stkatharinedrexelparish.org.

Reach out

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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.
74 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.68%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.78%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,180
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.11 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$14,606

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)
2,811
Total students5,610
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$25,759
Cost of attendance (per year)$70,621
Median federal debt at graduation$27,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
68%
First-year retention78%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$70,920
Admission rate71%
Students receiving Pell grants33%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1180
SAT reading & writing550–650
SAT math530–640
ACT composite—
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 54 / 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

Questions families ask

Is Widener University a Catholic college?
No. Widener University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Widener Newman Club (St. Katharine Drexel Parish).
What is Widener University’s Catholic Life Score?
72 out of 100 (grade B). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at Widener University?
Mass is listed at St. Katharine Drexel Parish and 1920 Providence Ave. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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