Trine University
Trine University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Trine University at a Glance
Trine University is a private university in Angola, Indiana, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, with education centers in Detroit, Phoenix, and Reston, Virginia. It was founded in 1884 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
1884
142 years old
$190M
$190 million
2,343
450 acres
Identity
Is Trine University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Trine University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $57,165 — 6% above average — while paying $25,355/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 66% graduation rate means roughly 34% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Trine University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Trine University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #94 of 210 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #94 | Trine University | 37 | $25,355 | $57,165 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Trine University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in IN.
Best Programs at Trine University
The highest-earning program at Trine University is Mechanical Engineering at $67,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $24,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Trine University earns $67,700, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $24,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,355/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $67,700 | $67,700 | $27,000 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $59,800 | $59,800 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $54,200 | $54,200 | $26,900 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,700 | $47,700 | $15,672 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $40,500 | $40,500 | $20,369 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $36,700 | $36,700 | $12,200 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,100 | $32,100 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,800 | $28,800 | $20,875 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $24,700 | $24,700 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Angola, IN
- Student Body
- 2,324 students
- Admission Rate
- 85%
- Graduation Rate
- 66%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,355
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $57,165
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000