Trinity University
Trinity University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Trinity University at a Glance
Trinity University is a private liberal arts college in San Antonio, Texas. It was founded as a coeducational institution in 1869 by Cumberland Presbyterians as the merger of three schools whose enrollment had dropped during the Civil War. Its first campus in Tehuacana was built on 1,100 acres (450 ha) of land donated by John Boyd. The school moved its campus to Waxahachie in 1902, and finally, San Antonio in 1945.
1869
157 years old
$2.0B
$2.00 billion (2025)
2,633
2,490 undergrad · 143 grad
288
125 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Trinity University
Official admissions pageNovember 1 (Early Decision I)
Testing policy
Is Trinity University Worth It?
Trinity University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $23,464/year, it's priced 15% above average, while graduates go on to earn $71,668 — 33% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 83% graduation rate means roughly 17% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 26% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How Trinity University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 of 20 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 | Trinity University | 63 | $23,464 | $71,668 |
| #2 | Bryn Mawr College | 49 | $31,759 | $75,217 |
| #3 | Macalester College | 44 | $32,149 | $63,878 |
| #4 | Skidmore College | 44 | $32,297 | $69,363 |
| #5 | Franklin and Marshall College | 44 | $36,425 | $76,124 |
| #6 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Trinity University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Trinity University
The highest-earning program at Trinity University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $60,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Marketing at $39,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from Trinity University earns $60,200, while a Marketing graduate earns $39,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Finance and Financial Management Services graduates carry $22,109 in median debt vs. $24,902 for Marketing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,464/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $60,200 | $60,200 | $22,109 |
| Economics | $47,200 | $47,200 | N/A |
| Marketing | $39,100 | $39,100 | $24,902 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Antonio, TX
- Student Body
- 2,505 students
- Admission Rate
- 26%
- Graduation Rate
- 83%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,464
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $71,668
- Median Student Debt
- $22,954