Trinity College
Trinity College is a private nonprofit university in Hartford, CT ranked #947 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 2,193 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 333.5%. Students most often pursue Economics and Political Science and Government.
Day to day, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 90.8% first-year retention, and 82.8% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $35,009, about $18,011 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -5170.7%, roughly 5256.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $67,628. That's about $23,940 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Trinity College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Trinity College graduates 82.8% of students within six years and keeps 90.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns an F compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Trinity College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $67,420 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,990 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $83,090 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.2% of Trinity College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $19,032 to $46,149 depending on family income. Use Trinity College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,084/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,149/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $67,628
- 10-Year Median Earnings $67,628
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.3%
- Employment Rate 40.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Trinity College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Trinity College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Trinity College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Trinity College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Trinity College graduates earn $67,628 median, the -51.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 660-730
- SAT Math 650-730
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 30-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,193
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 90.8%
- Graduation Rate 82.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Trinity College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Trinity College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 333.5%, Trinity College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Trinity College accepts 33.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1460 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Trinity College undergraduates. Economics, Political Science and Government, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Economics 13.8%
- Political Science and Government 13.8%
- Psychology, General 7.1%
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 6.7%
- Area Studies 5.6%
- English Language and Literature, General 5.3%
See more majors
- Public Policy Analysis 5.0%
- Biology, General 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $123,096
- 2. Political Science and Government $80,061
- 3. Mathematics $63,076
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Public Policy Analysis $56,902
- 5. Biology, General $52,179
- 6. Sociology $50,077
- 7. Psychology, General $48,406
- 8. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $47,952
- 9. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $44,823
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree) $51,689
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $123,096—175% more than Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($44,823). Graduate: Public Policy Analysis programs lead with $51,689 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Trinity College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 88 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 88 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Area Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (38 programs)▼
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Area Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Public Policy Analysis
- Biology, General
- Engineering, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Sociology
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Philosophy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Education, Other
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Music
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physical Sciences
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Public Policy Analysis
- Area Studies
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Economics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,193
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 47.4%
- Female Students 52.6%
- Caucasian 61.0%
- Asian 4.5%
- Hispanic 9.1%
- Black 5.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Trinity College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Trinity College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Trinity College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Trinity College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Trinity College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Trinity College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Trinity College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -51.7% ROI. Ranked #947 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $35,009 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $67,628 median earnings. With 82.8% graduating within six years and 90.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Trinity College's Positioning
With a B grade and #947 ranking, Trinity College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $35,009 annually, Trinity College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 90.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $24,506 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -51.7% ROI and $67,628 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $25,009+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Trinity College ranks #947 of 1927 institutions, with 1158 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 82.8% six-year graduation rate sits 20.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 90.8% first-year retention is 14.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -51.7% return on investment is 137.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $67,628 run about 55% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $35,009 is roughly $15,135 higher than the national median of $19,874.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 90.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 40.2% employment rate within three years sits 28.0 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $35,009 is about $15,135 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.2% trails the national share by 18.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Trinity College is a private nonprofit university based in Hartford, CT and earns a B overall grade. It holds a #947 national ranking Category results include Completion (A-), Support (A), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (F).
About 90.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 82.8% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -51.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $35,009 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $83,090.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $48,081 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $67,628 at the median. That sits about 55% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 40.2% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -51.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
33.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Trinity College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Hartford, CT 06106-3100
- Website www.trincoll.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$796.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate9.3%