At $25,580/yr net price, Trine University graduates earn $57,165/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,165/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,580 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,320 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,165/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,165/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,615/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,845/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,043/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,080/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,763/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $27,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $27,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,899 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $64,706 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $54,252 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,941 | $13,800 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,729 | $16,066 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $20,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
The Risk Factor
67.6% of students at Trine University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Trine University delivers solid financial returns for engineering students but weaker outcomes for other majors. The school's engineering programs produce graduates earning $67,000 to $75,000 annually, well above the overall median of $57,165. Electrical engineering leads with $74,576 in median earnings, followed closely by chemical and mechanical engineering.
Your financial success at Trine depends heavily on your major choice. Engineering students justify the $25,580 annual cost with strong earning power, while non-engineering majors face a tougher financial equation. The 67% graduation rate means one in three students never complete their degree, making program selection and academic preparation critical.
The $25,000 median debt load remains manageable for engineering graduates but could strain lower earners. Only 15% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting most families pay full freight or rely on merit scholarships. The high retention rate of 85% indicates students generally stay engaged once enrolled.
Trine makes financial sense if you can handle rigorous engineering coursework and want to work in the Midwest manufacturing corridor. The school's location in rural Indiana keeps costs reasonable while maintaining strong industry connections. You should look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid, prefer urban settings, or want to study fields outside engineering and technology. Students switching out of engineering mid-program face particularly poor ROI prospects given the cost and limited high-paying alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trine University worth the cost?
Trine University can be worth it for engineering students, with electrical and chemical engineering graduates earning $69,000-75,000 annually. However, the $25,580 annual cost and 68% graduation rate mean significant financial risk for students in lower-paying programs.
What is the ROI for Trine University engineering programs?
Trine's engineering programs offer solid returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning $74,576 and mechanical engineering graduates making $68,219 after 10 years. These salaries justify the investment for students who complete their degrees.
How much debt do Trine University graduates have?
Trine graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable for engineering majors earning $67,000-75,000 but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields. One-third of students don't graduate, making debt without a degree a real risk.
Should I attend Trine University for non-engineering majors?
Trine University is primarily worth considering for engineering programs where graduates earn well above the school's overall average of $57,165. Students interested in other fields may find better value elsewhere given the cost and graduation rate.