San Antonio, TXprivate nonprofitnew.trinity.edu
Trinity University, a selective liberal arts powerhouse in San Antonio, combines rigorous academics with a tight-knit community vibe. With record-low acceptance rates (25%) and strong outcomes (82% graduation rate), it punches above its weight—especially in business and sciences—while offering an unusually active campus life for its 2,500 undergrads.
Trinity has become dramatically more selective in recent years, with its Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. plummeting from 31% in 2022 to a historic low of 25% for the Class of 2029. The university received 11,902 applications for that class—its second-highest volume ever—and enrolled just 601 students. Middle 50% test scores land between 1370-1490 SAT or 31 ACT, putting Trinity in the same selectivity tier as many elite Northeastern liberal arts colleges. Early admission is available, though the Common Data Set (CDS)A standardized report most colleges publish each year with admissions, test-score, and financial-aid figures, making schools easier to compare. doesn't specify whether it's binding.
With over 100 majors and minors anchored in the liberal arts, Trinity particularly shines in psychology (6% of majors), computer science (5%), and mathematics (4%). The Michael Neidorff School of Business adds professional heft, while undergraduate research opportunities abound across disciplines. Students describe classes as "very difficult but interesting," with exceptionally accessible professors. The Princeton Review praises its blend of rigor and support, including hands-on learning—a formula that's propelled Trinity up national rankings.
The 2,500 undergrads enjoy an unusually vibrant campus for a school of its size, with:
Students describe a "close-knit community" where it's easy to form friendships, aided by an administration that actively cultivates inclusive social spaces. The residential experience is central—over 80% live on campus—with dining and dorms frequently praised in student reviews.
Trinity delivers strong ROI, earning a 92/99 Return on Investment score from The Princeton Review. Its 82% six-year graduation rate tops national averages, with 84-87% of recent graduates securing employment or grad school placement. Alumni networks are particularly robust in Texas business circles, aided by the Neidorff School's regional reputation. The university emphasizes career prep through internships and research—85% of students complete at least one experiential learning opportunity.
At $32,264 Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid (38% lower than sticker), Trinity positions itself as a private school value play. About 38% of students receive financial aid, with average packages totaling $52,568—a combination of merit scholarships (automatic consideration upon admission) and need-based grants. The university actively encourages prospective students to use its Net Price Calculator, signaling transparency about affordability.
Trinity pulls off a rare trifecta: the academic firepower of a top liberal arts college, the professional networks of a business school, and the spirited campus life typically found at larger universities. Its meteoric rise in selectivity (25% admit rate vs. 31% just three years ago) reflects growing recognition of this value proposition—especially for students seeking Texas connections without sacrificing intellectual rigor. The cherry on top? That distinctive San Antonio setting, blending historic charm with booming economic opportunities.