Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas · Private Nonprofit · 25.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 85/100 · Strong Value
Trinity University is a highly regarded private liberal arts and sciences university in San Antonio, Texas, enrolling 2,505 students. Its ROI score of 85 places it firmly in the Strong Value tier—impressive for a private institution with a $53,676 sticker tuition. The net price averages $23,464, producing a four-year total cost estimate of $93,856. Six-year median earnings of $48,900 and ten-year earnings of $71,668 are competitive for selective liberal arts schools. The payback period of 6.4 years is well within healthy territory, and the repayment rate at year three is an excellent 91.7%. The completion rate of 84.0% reflects a highly retained student body—a strong institutional signal. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.469 is moderate for a selective private. Median debt of $22,954 is below the national average for private-school borrowers. Only 18.8% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting Trinity's more affluent applicant pool, but the institution's aid generosity for lower-income students is real: those earning under $30,000 pay just $10,356 in net price. Trinity is one of the stronger values among selective private colleges in Texas.
Trinity University scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
Trinity University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $53,676/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $53,676/yr |
| Average net price | $23,464/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $93,856 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,668 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $48,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,954 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $243 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 84.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,505 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Trinity University is $53,676/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $23,464/year, or roughly $93,856 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,356/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $34,549/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,954 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $243 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $71,668 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.47 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,356 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,260 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,305 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,134 |
| $110,001+ | $34,549 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students with family incomes below $30,000 pay a net price of just $10,356 per year—about $41,400 over four years—making Trinity one of the most affordable selective privates in Texas for high-need students. Against a 6.4-year payback and 84% completion rate, this is a genuinely excellent value proposition for qualifying low-income students.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($30,001–$75,000) face net prices of $13,260–$14,305. These figures represent outstanding value for a selective private with Trinity's outcomes. Families in this band who receive Trinity's aid should compare total cost against flagship state universities—Trinity often compares favorably on net price.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($75,001 and above) pay $22,134–$34,549. At the upper end, Trinity's net price approaches that of flagship publics without subsidized tuition. Families who can sustain higher spending will find the smaller class sizes, strong alumni network, and completion rate worth the premium over a public university.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Trinity University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | $68,934 | D |
| Accounting | $96,844 | A |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $98,708 | B+ |
| Economics | $57,482 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $81,363 | - |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $68,095 | B |
| Engineering Science | $86,823 | B+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,494 | D |
| Marketing | $84,347 | B |
| English Language and Literature | $25,216 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Accounting
Accounting is Trinity's highest-ROI program, earning an A grade. Four-year earnings of $96,844 with median debt of $23,550 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.243 are exceptional. With 40 graduates annually, this is a meaningful-scale program. Accounting from Trinity places graduates into Big Four and regional firm roles in Texas, one of the country's most active accounting markets.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer Science earns a B+ grade with year-one earnings of $77,311 and four-year earnings of $98,708—the highest long-term earnings on campus. Median debt of $24,059 and a ratio of 0.311 are modest for the outcome delivered. With 40 graduates, this is a growing tech pathway with strong placement into the San Antonio and broader Texas tech market.
Engineering Science
Engineering Science (31 graduates) earns a B+ grade with year-one earnings of $74,063 rising to $86,823. Median debt of $21,249 and a ratio of 0.287 reflect relatively low borrowing. Trinity's engineering program is small but produces strong early-career outcomes, positioning graduates well for Texas's aerospace, energy, and defense sectors.
Economics
Economics (38 graduates) earns a B grade with year-one earnings of $57,482. Median debt of $20,500 and a ratio of 0.357 are favorable. Economics graduates at Trinity likely enter finance, consulting, and policy roles—fields where Trinity's regional brand carries weight in Texas and the broader South.
International Relations
International Relations (41 graduates) earns a D grade, with year-one earnings of just $27,601 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.906. The four-year figure of $68,934 suggests significant graduate school attendance before higher-paying roles materialize. Students in this major should budget for a graduate degree and modest early-career compensation.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 86.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 91.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 93.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 89.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 25.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 660-750 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 680-750 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 31-34 |
| Enrollment | 2,505 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,354 |
Trinity admits 25.9% of applicants, making it moderately selective. SAT scores cluster between 660–750 in math and 680–750 in reading; ACT composites range from 31 to 34. Selectivity is real; students should apply with competitive test scores and a strong high-school record. The school is test-flexible but selective admits tend to have strong quantitative preparation.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Trinity is consistently benchmarked against Carleton College and University of Richmond. Its 85 ROI score exceeds most highly selective liberal arts colleges, largely because its accounting and STEM programs produce top-quartile earnings while net price remains accessible. Trinity's 91.7% three-year repayment rate and 6.4-year payback are among the strongest in its peer group. The main value-risk is the bottom quartile of majors—International Relations and English—where early-career earnings lag debt significantly.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity University (this school) | 85 | $23,464 | $71,668 |
| Trinity College | 87 | $34,832 | $90,779 |
| Carleton College | 84 | $25,407 | $75,525 |
| University of Richmond | 81 | $31,309 | $76,178 |
| Abilene Christian University | 51 | $26,182 | $55,736 |
| Arlington Baptist University | 14 | $24,906 | $44,644 |
Who Thrives Here
Trinity is an excellent fit for academically motivated students who want a selective, residential liberal arts experience with strong outcomes—especially in accounting, quantitative fields, and engineering sciences. Students aiming for professional school or competitive employment in Texas and beyond will find Trinity's career networks and employer recognition valuable. Prospective students who receive strong merit awards have particularly favorable economics here.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Trinity University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $23,464 per year ($93,856 over four years), graduates earn a median of $71,668 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.4 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 84.0% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $22,954 against $71,668 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.