Trinity University logo

Trinity University

San Antonio, TX Private ยท Urban Est. 1869 new.trinity.edu
Accept Rate
28.16%
Grad Rate
78.8%
Enrollment
2,518
Avg SAT
1407
Tuition
$51,352
Median Salary
$71,668
Overall Grade
B-
B+
Academics
C
Value
A-
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Trinity University offers a close-knit, collaborative campus atmosphere where students are known by their professors and peers. The hilltop campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities, creating a serene yet intellectually stimulating environment. It feels like a supportive liberal arts community where academic ambition and personal growth go hand-in-hand.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.16%
Very Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 140775th Pctl
13201465
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3175th Pctl
3033
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Emphasize your intellectual curiosity and how you would contribute to a small, collaborative community in your essays. 2. While test scores are considered, a strong GPA in rigorous courses is paramount, so highlight your academic consistency. 3. Demonstrated interest, such as engaging with admissions counselors or visiting campus, can be a positive factor in the evaluation process.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1407
40080012001600
School range: 1320โ€“1465

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Trinity is renowned for its strong liberal arts foundation, with top-tier programs in Business, Biology, and Computer Science. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and mentorship from professors who are dedicated teachers first. Students have ample opportunities for hands-on research, often collaborating with faculty on projects as early as their freshman year.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
20.8%
Biology & Biomedical
17.4%
Social Sciences
16.9%
Engineering
6%
Computer Science
5.8%
Communications
5.1%
Psychology
4.8%
Physical Sciences
3.8%
English & Literature
3.6%
Mathematics & Statistics
3.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.2%
Foreign Languages
3.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

78.8%
Graduation Rate
92.4%
Retention Rate
2,518
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$51,352
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,650
After financial aid
Total Cost
$65,774
Cost of attendance/year
16.4%
Receive Pell Grants
29.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a vibrant mix of culture, food, and entertainment, from the famous River Walk and historic Alamo to its thriving arts scene. Students enjoy exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods, catching live music, and cheering on the Spurs. Outdoor activities are also popular, with the city's extensive greenway trails and year-round sunshine.

Local Rent Check

$1,197 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$205,408
$0Est. 4 Years: $205,408

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($71,668):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Trinity's campus is widely regarded as very safe, with its own dedicated University Police Department and well-lit, walkable grounds. The surrounding Alamo Heights neighborhood is one of the safest in the San Antonio metropolitan area, providing a secure environment for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High 92.4% retention rate and 78.8% graduation rate, indicating strong student satisfaction and support.
  • โœ“ Excellent 9:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized learning and mentorship.
  • โœ“ Prime location in the safe and affluent Alamo Heights neighborhood of San Antonio.
  • โœ“ Strong alumni network and career outcomes, with median 10-year earnings over $71,000.

Cons

  • โœ— High sticker price for tuition at over $51,000 per year.
  • โœ— Small enrollment of ~2,500 students may feel limiting for those seeking a large university experience.
  • โœ— While diverse, the overall campus community can feel insular compared to larger public universities.

Notable Alumni

John B. Connally Jr.
Former Governor of Texas and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, who attended Trinity before transferring.
Dawn Dunlap
Acclaimed science fiction author known for her 'Trinity' series and other works.
Eddie Glaude Jr.
Prominent political commentator, author, and chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trinity University is known for its excellent liberal arts education, strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching, and a highly residential campus community on a beautiful hilltop. It has particularly strong programs in business, sciences, and communications, all within a close-knit, supportive environment.

Yes, Trinity University is a selective private university with an acceptance rate of 28.16%. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1310 and 1450 and a strong high school GPA. A rigorous high school curriculum, compelling essays, and meaningful extracurricular involvement are crucial for admission.

Campus life at Trinity is defined by its residential nature, with most students living on campus in a variety of housing options from traditional dorms to apartment-style residences. The university fosters a strong sense of community with numerous student organizations, NCAA Division III athletics, and traditions. Its urban setting in San Antonio means students can easily access city events, internships, and entertainment.

For many students, Trinity University is a worthwhile investment. The combination of a high-quality education, personalized attention, and strong post-graduation outcomes (median 10-year earnings of $71,668) supports its value. While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $23,650 after financial aid makes it more accessible, and the high graduation and retention rates suggest students are well-supported in completing their degrees.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

USAA H-E-B Valero Energy Methodist Healthcare System Rackspace Technology
Smart Start Score
83

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1869
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,558
  • In-State Tuition $51,352
  • Zip Code 78212

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.4% โ™€ 53.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $23,650 after aid, Trinity presents a compelling value for a private university education. The strong 10-year median earnings of $71,668 for graduates indicate a solid return on investment. The university's high retention and graduation rates suggest students are well-supported and on track for successful careers.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Clark University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $51,352
Housing (12 mo) $14,364
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $72,916
With avg financial aid:
$23,650/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.