Trinity Washington University provides crucial educational access for first-generation and low-income students, with net prices that make private education affordable for families who need it most.
The university demonstrates meaningful value-added outcomes, helping students achieve earnings beyond what would typically be expected given their backgrounds and entering characteristics.
Trinity Washington University is a small private nonprofit institution in Washington, DC, that serves a predominantly first-generation and low-income student population. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, and about 53% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to providing educational access to underserved communities. While Trinity's graduates earn less than those at many peer institutions—with median 10-year earnings of $53,804—the university offers significant value through its affordability and personalized approach to education.
The institution's strength lies in its ability to serve students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. Net prices are particularly reasonable for low-income families at around $11,164 annually, well below what many private institutions charge. Trinity's small size allows for close faculty-student relationships and individualized support, which can be especially valuable for first-generation students navigating college.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Trinity faces challenges in helping students achieve the highest earnings levels, but it provides a pathway to college completion for students who value accessibility and community. The university's location in Washington, DC, offers access to internships and career opportunities in government, nonprofits, and related sectors, though graduates typically enter fields with more moderate earning potential.
Trinity Washington University's program portfolio reflects its mission-driven focus on serving underrepresented students, with particular strength in health-related fields and professional programs. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the clear standout, with 21 graduates earning a median of $73,446—nearly $20,000 above the institutional average and demonstrating the strong earning potential available in healthcare fields.
Business Administration and Management represents Trinity's largest program footprint with 25 graduates, though earnings outcomes of $38,127 reflect the more modest career trajectories typical of the institution's graduates. Behavioral Neuroscience, with 23 graduates earning $37,980, shows similar patterns and represents Trinity's commitment to offering diverse academic pathways even within its small institutional scale.
The concentration in nursing and health-related programs aligns well with Washington, DC's robust healthcare sector and provides Trinity students with access to stable, well-compensated career paths. While most programs show earnings below national averages, they offer meaningful economic mobility for first-generation and low-income students who might not otherwise access these professional fields.
Trinity Washington University graduates earn a median of $53,804 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, graduates do see meaningful earnings growth over time, with 6-year median earnings of $38,533 rising to the 10-year figure, demonstrating steady career progression. The university shows a positive value-added earnings figure of approximately $17,771, meaning graduates earn more than would be expected given the student population's characteristics and backgrounds.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Adult Health Nursing stands out as Trinity's highest-return program, with 21 graduates earning a median of $73,446 ten years out—substantially higher than the institutional average. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 25 graduates, produces more modest outcomes with median earnings of $38,127. Behavioral Neuroscience, another significant program with 23 graduates, shows similar earnings patterns at $37,980.
While Trinity's overall earnings outcomes are below national averages for four-year institutions, the university does provide meaningful economic mobility for its student population. The positive value-added earnings suggest that students achieve better financial outcomes than might be predicted based on their entering characteristics, even if absolute earnings levels remain modest compared to more selective institutions.
Trinity Washington University offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $11,164 annually, which is well below the national average for private institutions and represents excellent value for a private education in Washington, DC. Middle-income families see net prices around $13,393, while higher-income families pay approximately $20,561—still reasonable compared to many private colleges.
The university's financial aid approach helps make private education accessible to students who might otherwise be priced out. With more than half of students receiving Pell Grants, Trinity clearly prioritizes affordability for those who need it most. The institution's small size and mission-driven approach allow it to provide substantial grant aid that keeps out-of-pocket costs manageable for families across income levels.
Debt levels at Trinity are moderate but require careful consideration. Typical graduates leave with about $28,250 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $14,380. Given the university's median graduate earnings of $53,804, students should plan carefully to ensure their debt remains manageable relative to their expected post-graduation income.
Trinity Washington University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
