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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Trine University

Angola, Indiana · www.trine.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

85.5%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$36,560

$49,680 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

4,373

Student-faculty ratio 16:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

53.8%

4-year; 6-year rate 64.6%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Trine University, located in Angola, Indiana, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Founded in 1884, Trine has developed a reputation for its innovative programs and a focus on preparing students for successful careers. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees across fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, and arts and sciences. One of the key features of Trine University is its small class sizes, which foster close relationships between students and faculty, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment.

The campus boasts modern facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including engineering labs, health science simulation centers, and collaborative spaces designed to enhance creativity and teamwork among students. In addition to academics, Trine University emphasizes a vibrant campus culture where students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Thunder, compete in NCAA Division III, promoting a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition. With a strong focus on student success and a commitment to community engagement, Trine University prepares its graduates to excel in their chosen fields while also encouraging them to become active and responsible citizens.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention

The data from Trine University reveals significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention over recent years. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has consistently increased, rising from $28,850 to a projected $35,600. This 23.5% increase reflects the broader trend in rising college costs across the United States, which often outpaces inflation, placing additional financial burdens on students and families.

In terms of academic performance, the graduation rates show a positive trend, with the percentage of undergraduate students graduating on time climbing from 25.3% in 2013 to nearly 48.9% in 2023. This upward trajectory may indicate improved academic support, increased student engagement, or effective retention strategies. However, the rate dipped slightly from the previous year, suggesting that while progress has been made, maintaining momentum remains a challenge.

Retention rates also present a mixed picture. The percentage of undergraduate students returning for their second year rose significantly from approximately 69.4% in 2013 to around 78.1% in 2023. This increase is encouraging, as higher retention is often associated with student satisfaction and institutional support. Nonetheless, the retention rates have fluctuated in recent years, highlighting the need for continued focus on student experience and support services.

Overall, while Trine University is experiencing challenges similar to many institutions regarding rising tuition and maintaining high retention and graduation rates, there are also signs of progress. The university's efforts to enhance student success and manage costs will be critical in ensuring it remains an attractive choice for prospective students in the coming years.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Toledo, about 70 mi
Nearest international airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), about 90 mi
Angola, Indiana
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Earl D Brooks, II, Ph.D. (President)
Phone
2606654100
City
Angola, Indiana
Address
1 University Ave, Angola, IN 46703-1764

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
86.0%
Women
84.8%

In 2020: men 84.7%, women 77.1%.

Data insights

Analysis of Trine University's Admission Trends

The admission data for Trine University showcases a dynamic evolution over the years, reflecting both the competitive nature of the institution and broader trends in higher education. Notably, the acceptance rates for male and female applicants show a gradual increase in the percentage of applicants admitted, particularly in recent years. For instance, the male acceptance rate surged to approximately 90.53% in 2023, while the female acceptance rate reached about 93.87%. This suggests a growing inclusivity and perhaps a strategic effort by the university to increase enrollment numbers.
The overall enrollment figures have also fluctuated, peaking at 664 students in 2022 before slightly decreasing to 653 in 2023. Despite the drop, the university has maintained a relatively high number of admissions compared to the number of denials, indicating a healthy interest and demand for the university's programs. The figures for deferred admissions have also been substantial, particularly in recent years, hinting that many students are considering delaying their enrollment, possibly due to uncertainties brought on by the pandemic and the evolving landscape of higher education.
Moreover, the university's ranking has experienced variations, which can influence prospective students' perceptions and decisions. The interplay of these factors—acceptance rates, enrollment numbers, and the university's ranking—paints a picture of an institution adapting to the changing dynamics of higher education while striving to attract a diverse body of students. As Trine University continues to navigate these trends, maintaining its competitive edge will be crucial in attracting future applicants.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trine University Admission Trends: A Review of Standardized Test Scores

The admission data from Trine University over the years showcases an interesting pattern in standardized test scores and submission rates. Since 2007, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, peaking at 78% in 2021. This could indicate an increasing reliance on SAT scores among applicants, possibly influenced by changing admission policies or the growing emphasis on standardized testing in college admissions.

Looking at the actual scores, there has been a noticeable upward trend in the 25th and 75th percentile SAT reading and math scores. For instance, the 25th percentile reading scores improved from 440 in 2007 to 510 by 2023, reflecting a growing academic preparedness among incoming students. Similarly, the 75th percentile scores have also seen significant improvements, suggesting that the institution is attracting more academically qualified candidates.

Moreover, the increase in the number of applicants who submitted SAT scores, particularly the spike in 2015 with 349 submissions, indicates a broader interest in Trine University. This could be attributed to various factors, including enhanced university programs or increased marketing efforts.

Overall, the data suggests that Trine University is becoming increasingly competitive, with higher standardized test scores and more students opting to submit their test results. This trend aligns with a larger movement within higher education to prioritize academic performance, as colleges seek to ensure a robust student body capable of thriving in today’s challenging academic environment.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

3,988 applicants in 2025, 85.5% admitted

3,409 admitted 579 not admitted Yield 18.8%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate111 international (9.1%)
Bachelor's4706 international (1.3%)
Master's460 international (0.0%)
Doctoral360 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Mechanical Engineering
57
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
37
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
36
Civil Engineering, General
29
Psychology, General
25
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
25
Business/Commerce, General
21
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
19
Elementary Education and Teaching
16
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
16

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral36 (0% international)
  • Physician Assistant · Master's35 (0% international)
  • Montessori Teacher Education · Master's7 (0% international)
  • Elementary Education and Teaching · Master's2 (0% international)
  • Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's2 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Statistics at Trine University

The graduation data from Trine University reveals intriguing trends across various fields of study for the year 2023. Notably, the engineering disciplines show strong performance, with Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering producing 43 and 29 graduates, respectively. This aligns with the national trend of increasing demand for engineering professionals, driven by advancements in technology and infrastructure needs.

The healthcare sector, represented by programs such as Physician Assistant and Physical Therapy, appears to have a substantial gap, with no graduates reported for these critical fields. This raises concerns about the preparedness of the workforce in healthcare, especially as the demand for healthcare professionals continues to escalate due to an aging population and ongoing public health challenges.

Additionally, the data indicates a notable absence of international students in several programs, particularly in education and health-related fields. This could reflect broader trends in international education, where geopolitical factors and visa regulations may be influencing the enrollment of international students in the United States.

Interestingly, the business and finance sectors show a modest number of graduates, with only 17 in Business/Commerce and 9 in Finance. Given the current economic landscape, which increasingly calls for skilled business professionals, this might indicate untapped potential and a need for enhanced recruitment efforts in these areas.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of addressing the gaps in healthcare education and leveraging the strengths in engineering, while also considering strategies to attract a diverse student body across all disciplines.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Engineeringhas 141 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.$68,526
Chemical Engineering.$75,477
Civil Engineering, General.$70,526
Computer Engineering, General.$73,015
Computer Software Engineering.$73,015
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.$75,745
Mechanical Engineering.$77,478
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering.-
Health professionshas 84 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$115,851
Physician Assistant.$115,851
Physical Therapy/Therapist.$75,184
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.-
Businesshas 82 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Business/Commerce, General.$51,048
Business Administration and Management, General.$61,631-$65,456
Accounting.$62,369
Finance, General.$61,265
Actuarial Science.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$48,498
Parks, recreation, leisure has 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management.-
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, Other.-
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$36,975
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$36,975
Educationhas 44 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Education, General.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$47,646
Secondary Education and Teaching.$47,646
Montessori Teacher Education.$47,646
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.$44,145
Mathematics Teacher Education.$44,145
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.$44,145
Social Studies Teacher Education.$44,145
Biology Teacher Education.$44,145
Engineering technologieshas 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician.$67,537
Biologyhas 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$33,044
Biochemistry.-
Homeland security has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$40,570
Forensic Science and Technology.-
Psychology has 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$40,577
Computer and information sciencehas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation.-
Communication has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Physical scienceshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Liberal arts has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.-
English has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Natural resources has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Science.-

Students

4,646 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 50:50 · Freshman retention 79.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,373)

White
3,476 · 79.5%
Hispanic
318 · 7.3%
Black
201 · 4.6%
Two or more races
136 · 3.1%
Asian
99 · 2.3%
Unknown
78 · 1.8%
International
48 · 1.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
43.0%
18–19
28.2%
20–21
22.3%
22–24
5.2%
25 and over
1.4%

Graduate students

Under 22
7.7%
22–24
54.9%
25–29
24.5%
30–34
2.2%
35 and over
10.6%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Trine University in 2023

The demographic data from Trine University in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of its student body. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there is a notable male majority, with 64% of the students identifying as male, while females account for 36%. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where 62.7% are male and 37.3% are female. However, a significant shift is observed in the graduate student population, where females dominate at 75.1%, and males represent only 24.9%. This disproportionate representation of genders suggests that more women are pursuing graduate studies at Trine University, which is in line with broader national trends where female enrollment in graduate programs often surpasses that of males.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the data indicates a predominance of white students across various categories. For instance, among the undergraduate freshmen, 549 out of 653 students identify as white, which is approximately 84%. This trend persists among other classifications, although specific breakdowns for the junior and transfer student categories remain unreported.

The overall student body also reflects a significant number of international students, although the exact figures are not detailed. This diversity can enrich the educational environment, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among students.

Overall, while Trine University shows strong male representation in undergraduate programs, the increasing presence of female graduate students highlights a positive trend towards gender equality in higher education, which is crucial for preparing diverse leaders for the future.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Trine University

The age distribution of students at Trine University reveals significant insights into the demographics of its student body. A striking feature is the predominance of students under 18, with 538 male undergraduates and 924 female undergraduates, making this age group the largest segment. This trend aligns with national observations of increasing enrollment rates among younger students in higher education.

In the 18-19 age range, the numbers slightly shift, with 693 male undergraduates and 468 female undergraduates. However, the 20-21 age group sees a more balanced representation, with 593 males and 359 females, indicating a potential trend towards a more diverse student body as students progress. The presence of a few graduate students in this age bracket suggests that the transition to graduate studies is also occurring for some younger students.

As we move into older age categories, a notable decline in enrollment numbers is observed, particularly among those aged 22-24 and above. For instance, in the 22-24 category, there are only 194 total males compared to 150 females, reflecting a decrease in participation in traditional undergraduate programs as students age. Furthermore, the drop-off continues sharply in the older age brackets, with very few students in their 30s and 40s, indicating a trend towards younger populations in institutions of higher learning.

Overall, this age composition data highlights Trine University's focus on attracting a younger demographic while also pointing towards a growing need for institutions to accommodate non-traditional students, particularly those returning to education later in life. As the landscape of higher education evolves, understanding these demographic trends will be crucial for universities looking to enhance their enrollment strategies and support services.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.1%

48 in 2025 · 4.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 4.4%2017: 4.9%2018: 3.1%2019: 2.4%2020: 2.3%2021: 1.7%2022: 1.4%2023: 1.3%2024: 1.0%2025: 1.1%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.7%

2 in 2025 · 74.7% in 2016

0% 42.5% 85% 2016: 74.7%2017: 67.6%2018: 51.5%2019: 0.8%2020: 0.6%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.6%2025: 0.7%
2016Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at Trine University

The data on international students at Trine University over the years reveals significant fluctuations and trends that are reflective of broader global patterns in higher education. Notably, the percentage of international undergraduate students has seen a gradual increase from 1.85% in 2004 to a peak of 5.16% in 2015, demonstrating the university's growing appeal to students from abroad. However, this trend has not been consistent, as the percentage has declined in recent years, dropping to 1.28% in 2023.

In contrast, the graduate student figures tell a more complex story. The percentage of international graduate students surged dramatically to 100% in 2014, albeit with a very low total number of students, indicating a potential anomaly or specific program appeal. Following this, there has been a notable decline in both total graduate students and their international representation, with percentages dropping to as low as 0.62% in 2020.

These shifts could be influenced by various external factors, including changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reshaped international education dynamics. The declining numbers in more recent years may indicate challenges in attracting international talent, a trend seen across many universities in the United States.

Overall, while Trine University experienced a peak in international student enrollment during certain years, the recent data suggests a need for strategic initiatives to enhance its global recruitment efforts, ensuring that it remains competitive in the international education landscape.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$49,680

Undergraduate tuition
$36,560
Room and board
$13,120
Graduate tuition
$48,750
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 20% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 29%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$170M

Tuition and fees
$124M73.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$20.9M12.3%
Gifts and private grants
$11.5M6.8%
Investment return
$10.2M6.0%
Government grants and contracts
$314K0.2%
Other
$2.7M1.6%

Expenses$103M

Institutional support
$37.0M35.9%
Instruction
$36.2M35.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$13.3M12.9%
Student services
$10.3M10.0%
Academic support
$6.2M6.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$73,733peers $65,931
Professor
$108,854peers $77,501
Associate professor
$81,785peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$63,184peers $61,725
Instructor
$54,510peers $53,914
Lecturer
$39,440peers $60,000

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football232-
Track and Field (Indoor)12670
Track and Field (Outdoor)12670
Lacrosse6125
Other Sports-81
Soccer3244
Cross Country4621
Basketball3427
Ice Hockey3227
Baseball56-
Volleyball2432
Golf3218
Wrestling308
Tennis1917
Softball-24
2024
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football231-
Track and Field (Indoor)11565
Track and Field (Outdoor)11565
Lacrosse6726
Other Sports-81
Soccer3246
Cross Country4621
Basketball3327
Ice Hockey3127
Baseball56-
Volleyball2432
Golf3218
Wrestling329
Tennis1917
Softball-22
2023
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football206-
Track and Field (Indoor)8835
Track and Field (Outdoor)8835
Soccer5333
Other Sports-77
Lacrosse3722
Baseball55-
Basketball2429
Cross Country3320
Ice Hockey2824
Volleyball2228
Golf3413
Tennis2213
Wrestling226
Softball-20

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Trine University:

  1. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th in the 2024 US News rankings, Notre Dame is a prestigious research university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - With a ranking of 21, this renowned university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research contributions and diverse student body.

  3. Purdue University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd, Purdue is known for its engineering and technology programs, as well as its commitment to innovation and research.

  4. University of Chicago - An elite institution ranked 12th in the nation, the University of Chicago is famous for its rigorous academics and distinguished faculty.

  5. Hillsdale College - This liberal arts college is ranked 39th and is known for its classical education approach and strong emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences.

These institutions provide a range of academic opportunities and are recognized for their excellence in education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
75
Drug referrals
37
Liquor arrests
7
Rape
6
Drug arrests
6
Fondling
5

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Trine University: A Decade in Review

The crime statistics at Trine University over the past decade reveal a fluctuating pattern in reported incidents per 1,000 students. Notably, the highest recorded rate occurred in 2015, with 17.17 incidents per 1,000 students, whereas the lowest was in 2022 at just 4.47 per 1,000 students. This significant drop raises questions about the factors influencing crime rates on campus, including safety measures, community engagement, and possible shifts in reporting practices.

Throughout the years, various types of arrests have been recorded, such as those related to gun possession, drug offenses, and alcohol-related incidents. The data indicates a concerning peak in 2015, which calls for a closer examination of campus policies and student behavior during that time. However, the subsequent years show a general decline in crime rates, suggesting that initiatives aimed at improving campus safety may be taking effect.

Interestingly, the 2020-2023 period saw a relatively stable rate of incidents, with the numbers hovering around the lower end of the spectrum. This stability may reflect a more proactive approach to addressing safety concerns, particularly in the wake of increasing awareness around campus safety issues across universities nationwide.

In conclusion, while the overall trend appears to be moving in a positive direction with declining crime rates, continuous efforts are essential to maintain safety and support for students. The university community must remain vigilant in creating a secure environment conducive to education and personal growth. For further insights on crime rates and their calculations, please visit: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Trine University include Gustavo Rojas Pinilla (Former President of Colombia and army general), Marlin Stutzman (U.S. representative from Indiana) and Brett Halliday (Mystery writer of the Michael Shayne series).

More alumni (3, by field)

Politics and law

  • Ernest Ivy Thomas, Jr. 1924–1945

    Marine platoon sergeant killed at Iwo Jima

  • Lewis B. Hershey 1893–1977

    Army general and 2nd Director of Selective Service

  • James Indus Farley 1871–1948

    Indiana congressman, 1933–1939

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.