Students at Trine University benefit from strong long-term earnings that place the institution in the top quarter nationally for graduate financial outcomes.
The university's focus on engineering and technical programs creates clear pathways to well-paying careers in high-demand fields.
Trine University is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Angola, Indiana, that focuses heavily on engineering, technology, and career-oriented programs. While the university serves a relatively selective student population with only about 16% of students receiving Pell Grants, it delivers solid long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Students earn a median of $57,165 ten years after enrollment, placing Trine in the 73rd percentile nationally for earnings performance.
The university's strength lies in its technical and engineering programs, which consistently produce graduates who move into well-paying careers. Mechanical Engineering majors earn around $68,219 ten years out, while 3-D Modeling and Design Technology graduates see median earnings of $64,706. These outcomes reflect Trine's focus on hands-on, industry-aligned education that prepares students for immediate workforce entry.
As a private institution, Trine operates with higher net prices than typical public universities, but the investment often pays off through strong career placement and earnings growth. The university's smaller scale allows for more personalized attention and direct industry connections, which helps explain why graduates consistently achieve above-average financial outcomes despite the higher upfront costs.
Trine University's program portfolio centers on engineering, technology, and applied sciences that lead directly to career opportunities. The university's standout program is 3-D Modeling and Design Technology, which combines strong enrollment with exceptional earnings outcomes—51 graduates earn a median of $64,706 ten years out, making it both popular and financially rewarding. Mechanical Engineering delivers even higher earnings at $68,219 for 41 graduates, reflecting the strong demand for engineering talent in manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents Trine's largest program with 67 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $29,141, typical for health and fitness fields that often require additional certification or graduate study. The university's technical focus means most programs emphasize hands-on learning and industry connections that translate directly into employment opportunities.
Trine's program mix reflects its mission as a specialized technical institution rather than a comprehensive university. The concentration in engineering, technology, and applied sciences creates a focused academic environment where students develop practical skills that employers value. This targeted approach helps explain why Trine graduates consistently achieve above-average earnings despite the university's smaller scale and higher costs.
Trine University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that reflect the institution's focus on technical and engineering fields. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $57,165, placing the university in the 73rd percentile nationally for earnings performance. This strong showing comes primarily from Trine's concentration in high-demand technical fields where employers actively recruit and starting salaries remain competitive.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Mechanical Engineering stands out with graduates earning around $68,219 ten years out, while 3-D Modeling and Design Technology majors see median earnings of $64,706. Even Exercise Science and Kinesiology, the university's largest program with 67 graduates, produces outcomes around $29,141, which is competitive for health and fitness fields. These programs reflect Trine's emphasis on practical, industry-focused education that translates directly into career opportunities.
Over 500 Trine graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple fields. The combination of technical expertise, hands-on learning, and strong industry connections helps explain why Trine graduates consistently outperform many peers in long-term earnings, making the higher upfront investment worthwhile for students who complete their degrees.
Affordability at Trine University reflects its position as a private nonprofit institution with higher costs than typical public universities. Low-income students pay about $18,615 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $21,043, and higher-income families pay approximately $29,763. These prices place Trine in the 28th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning costs run higher than most comparable institutions.
Despite the higher sticker price, many families find the investment manageable given Trine's strong career outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $25,000 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with the university's solid earnings potential. Parent PLUS borrowing also averages $25,000, reflecting families' willingness to invest in technical and engineering programs that lead to stable, well-paying careers.
The key to Trine's affordability story is the return on investment. With graduates earning a median of $57,165 ten years out and many technical majors earning significantly more, most borrowers can handle standard loan repayment without excessive strain. The university's focus on career-ready programs means students typically move into employment quickly after graduation, providing the income stability needed to manage educational debt responsibly.
Trine University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
