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Trinity University — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · San Antonio, TX · 2,505 students

The verdict

Trinity University charges a net price of $23,464/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $93,856. Graduates earn a median $71,668 ten years after entry, $23,308/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4 years — a 20-year net return of $372,304, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Trinity University's 4-year payback ranks #292 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 77% of them, and #8 of 213 in Texas.

Better ROI than 77% of US colleges#292 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$23,464
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$71,668
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
4 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
26%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
Trinity University: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$23,464/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$93,856our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$71,668Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$23,308/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$22,954Scorecard, 2026
Payback4 yrsour math
20-year net return$372,304our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

Trinity University: frequently asked questions

Is Trinity University worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. Trinity University charges $23,464/yr after aid ($93,856 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $71,668 ten years out — $23,308/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 4 years and returns $372,304 net over 20 years, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast.
How long does a Trinity University degree take to pay off?
About 4 years. We divide the $93,856 four-year net cost by the $23,308/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does Trinity University cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $23,464/yr — about $93,856 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does Trinity University compare to other Texas colleges?
It ranks #8 of 213 Texas colleges we track by payback. Its $71,668 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $23,464 net price is above the national median of $16,906.