About Trinidad State College
Students pay an average net price of $11,197 after financial aid, with 41% receiving Pell grants to help cover costs. Graduates earn a median salary of $36,475 ten years after starting college, while carrying relatively low debt loads of $8,908. Monthly loan payments average just $94, making this an affordable path to career training. The employment rate of 93.4% shows that graduates find work quickly in their chosen fields.
The student body reflects Colorado's changing demographics, with 44% Hispanic students and 35% white students creating a diverse learning environment. Trinidad State fields 12 varsity sports teams with 186 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. The college awards $1,288,465 in athletic scholarships annually. Housing capacity of 277 beds means most of the three-quarters of students who come from in-state live off campus in the surrounding community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.7%
- Retention Rate
- 67.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,475
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $56,979 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,852 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $35,594 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $34,704 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $26,585 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $23,456 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,922 |
Campus Life
With 186 student-athletes competing across 12 varsity sports, the Trojans create much of the campus energy during fall and spring seasons. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the tight-knit community extends beyond academics. Weekends often center around outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Spanish Peaks or fishing at Trinidad Lake. The historic downtown area, just minutes from campus, offers a handful of local restaurants and shops. Students frequently drive to Raton, New Mexico, 30 minutes south, for additional entertainment options. The rural setting creates a close community where students often study together and form lasting friendships.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 277 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1925
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–49°F
- July Avg
- 60°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 55.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.6%
- Women
- 50.4%
- White
- 35.5%
- Black
- 8.3%
- Hispanic
- 44.4%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 75.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.1%
Location
- Address
- Trinidad, Colorado 81082
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,475
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,284
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $94/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,908
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Trinidad State College?
Trinidad State College operates as an open-enrollment community college, meaning students don't face competitive admissions barriers. The college maintains a 67% retention rate, indicating that about two-thirds of students return for their second year. This accessibility makes Trinidad State a practical entry point for students seeking trades training and career preparation in southern Colorado.
How much does Trinidad State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,197 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs just $4,468, while out-of-state students pay $7,100. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants and graduates leaving with a median debt of only $8,908, Trinidad State keeps education affordable for working-class families.
What academic programs is Trinidad State College known for?
Trinidad State specializes in trades programs and career training that prepare students for immediate employment. The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring hands-on instruction in technical fields. With a 93.4% employment rate for graduates, the school successfully connects students to jobs in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
What do graduates of Trinidad State College typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $36,475 ten years after graduation, with monthly loan payments averaging just $94. The college's focus on practical career training shows in these outcomes, as graduates enter fields with steady demand. Recent graduates actually earn slightly more initially, with one-year median earnings of $40,171.
Is Trinidad State College a residential campus?
The college houses 277 students on campus, representing less than a quarter of the 1,168 total enrollment. Room and board costs $8,346 annually, keeping living expenses reasonable. Most students commute from the surrounding region, with 76% coming from within Colorado.
Does Trinidad State College offer athletic programs?
The Trojans compete in 12 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 186 total athletes participating. The college awards $1,288,465 in athletic scholarships annually, providing significant financial support for student-athletes. Athletics serve as both a recruitment tool and a pathway for students to continue their education while competing.
