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Trinity Washington University

Accept Rate
99.19%
Grad Rate
41.5%
Enrollment
1,415
Tuition
$26,110
Median Salary
$53,804
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C+
Campus
A-
Aid

The Vibe Check

Trinity Washington University feels like a close-knit, empowering sanctuary where students, primarily women from diverse backgrounds, are encouraged to find their voice and lead. The campus is a tight community where you're not just a number; professors know your name and genuinely invest in your success. There's a palpable energy of determination and mutual support, fueled by the university's mission to empower women and the vibrant, ambitious backdrop of the nation's capital.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.19%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

As an applicant, emphasize your commitment to community engagement, leadership, or social justice in your personal essay, as this aligns perfectly with Trinity's mission. With an acceptance rate of 99.19%, the primary criterion is meeting academic standards; focus on achieving a strong GPA in challenging high school courses. Clearly articulate your interest in one of Trinity's top majors, like Health Professions or Education, and how you plan to leverage the D.C. location for your future career.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

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

Academics & Majors

Academic strengths are anchored in high-demand fields like Health Professions, Education, and Business, with programs designed for practical, real-world application. The small class sizes ensure that teaching is highly personal and interactive, fostering strong mentorship relationships with faculty. While it's not a massive research university, students have valuable opportunities for undergraduate research, particularly in the sciences, and unparalleled access to internships and policy work in Washington, D.C.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
34.9%
Education
18.6%
Business & Marketing
9.3%
Social Sciences
7.8%
Psychology
5.2%
Biology & Biomedical
3.5%
Criminal Justice
3.5%
Communications
2%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.2%

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

By The Numbers

41.5%
Graduation Rate
71.2%
Retention Rate
1,415
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
$26,110
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,233
After financial aid
Total Cost
$35,061
Cost of attendance/year
51.3%
Receive Pell Grants
39.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Washington

Student life in Washington, D.C. is an unparalleled experience, offering a blend of political activism, cultural exploration, and urban adventure right at your doorstep. Students spend their free time exploring the Smithsonian museums (which are free!), catching concerts and events on the National Mall, and discovering the diverse food and music scenes in nearby neighborhoods like U Street and Adams Morgan. The city itself becomes an extension of the classroom, with endless opportunities for internships, volunteering, and networking that are integrated into daily life.

Local Rent Check

$1,803 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Washington
Explore Washington

Reality Check

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

$104,440
$0Est. 4 Years: $104,440

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($53,804):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is a secure, enclosed urban enclave with its own campus safety department, but it's located in a busy city area where situational awareness is crucial. Students learn to navigate Washington, D.C. safely, utilizing its excellent public transit system and being mindful of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely high acceptance rate (99.19%) makes it accessible to a wide range of students.
  • โœ“ Strong financial aid and a low average net price ($12,233) provide significant value.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Washington, D.C. offers unmatched internship and career opportunities.
  • โœ“ Empowering, women-centered environment with small class sizes and personalized attention.

Cons

  • โœ— The 41.5% graduation rate is significantly below the national average, which can be a concern.
  • โœ— The 71.2% retention rate suggests a notable number of students do not return for their sophomore year.
  • โœ— As a small, private institution, it has fewer resources and program options compared to large universities.

Notable Alumni

Sister Mary Peter McGovern
Served as the President of Trinity Washington University for over two decades, guiding its modern development.
Sister Joan Patricia O'Connor
A key leader in the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and a prominent figure in Catholic education.
Maria Elena T. Salinas
Renowned journalist and co-anchor of 'Noticiero Univision,' though not a direct alumna, she has been a prominent speaker and honoree, reflecting the university's connection to influential women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trinity Washington University is known for its historic mission as a women's college that empowers students from diverse backgrounds, particularly in the Catholic, Marydale tradition. It has strong academic programs in high-demand fields such as Health Professions (including its renowned School of Nursing), Education, and Business. Its prime location in Washington, D.C., provides students with exceptional opportunities for internships and engagement with national and international organizations.

No, Trinity Washington University is not considered a selective school. With an acceptance rate of 99.19%, it has an open admissions policy, meaning that nearly all applicants who meet the basic academic requirements are offered admission. The focus is less on competitive filtering and more on providing access to a diverse student body committed to the university's mission.

Campus life at Trinity is characterized by a close-knit, supportive community feel. As a primarily residential campus for women with a growing population of male students in its professional studies programs, it fosters a strong sense of sisterhood and empowerment. Students are actively engaged in campus clubs, athletics, and service opportunities, while also taking full advantage of the cultural and social offerings of being in a major city like Washington, D.C.

For many students, Trinity Washington University can be a worthwhile investment, particularly due to its low average net price of $12,233, which is often much more affordable than other options. The 10-year median earnings of $53,804, especially for graduates in fields like nursing and education, indicate a solid return on investment. However, prospective students should be mindful of the lower graduation rate and proactively utilize the support services to ensure they stay on track to graduate.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

MedStar Health Howard University Hospital The World Bank U.S. Department of Education DC Public Schools
Smart Start Score
53

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,801
  • In-State Tuition $26,110
  • Zip Code 20017

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 2.3% โ™€ 97.7%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $12,233, which is significantly lower than the sticker price, Trinity offers a strong value proposition, especially for students receiving financial aid. The 10-year median earnings of $53,804 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for degrees in high-demand fields like health and education. For students who might otherwise take on substantial debt at a more expensive institution, Trinity provides an accessible path to a degree and a career in a major metropolitan area.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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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 $26,110
Housing (12 mo) $21,636
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $54,946
With avg financial aid:
$12,233/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.