About Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College draws students who want both strong academics and a faith-centered community. This interdenominational Christian liberal arts college enrolls 796 students in the Chicago suburb of Palos Heights, making it small enough that you'll know professors personally. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay discussion-based rather than lecture halls. Founded in 1959, Trinity has built a reputation for preparing graduates who blend professional skills with Christian values across fields like education, business, and social work.
The financial picture looks reasonable for families seeking Christian higher education. Students pay an average of $16,381 after financial aid, though costs vary widely by family income (families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,034 while those earning over $110,000 pay $23,771). Graduates earn a median of $55,700 ten years after graduation, which helps explain why 68% successfully repay their loans. With median debt of $25,009, most students face monthly payments around $265. That debt load becomes more manageable given the strong employment rate of 96.7%.
The Trolls compete in 12 NAIA sports, with 270 student-athletes receiving over $2 million in athletic scholarships. The campus houses 575 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where faith and academics intersect daily.
The financial picture looks reasonable for families seeking Christian higher education. Students pay an average of $16,381 after financial aid, though costs vary widely by family income (families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,034 while those earning over $110,000 pay $23,771). Graduates earn a median of $55,700 ten years after graduation, which helps explain why 68% successfully repay their loans. With median debt of $25,009, most students face monthly payments around $265. That debt load becomes more manageable given the strong employment rate of 96.7%.
The Trolls compete in 12 NAIA sports, with 270 student-athletes receiving over $2 million in athletic scholarships. The campus houses 575 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where faith and academics intersect daily.
Academics & Faculty
Trinity Christian College operates as a small Christian liberal arts school where students get personal attention with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. This means classes are intimate and professors know students by name. The college offers traditional liberal arts programs with a Christian worldview integrated throughout the curriculum. With 796 total students, you won't get lost in large lecture halls like at state universities. The 66.1% four-year graduation rate shows that while students receive support, the academic expectations are real. Trinity is known for strong programs in education, business, and nursing, preparing students for careers while grounding them in faith-based learning. The small size means you can double major more easily or work closely with professors on research projects.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 51.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.9%
- Retention Rate
- 79.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,700
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,812 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,747 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $40,458 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $16,478 |
Campus Life
Trinity Christian sits in Palos Heights, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. You'll need a good winter coat here, as Illinois winters bring snow and temperatures that drop well below freezing from December through February. The campus feels small and tight-knit with just 796 students, and about 72% of students can live in the dorms (housing capacity is 575). Most students do live on campus, creating a close community where you'll recognize faces across the quad.
Weekend life revolves around the campus since you're in a suburban area, though Chicago is accessible by car or train when you want city adventures. With 270 students playing varsity sports out of 796 total enrollment, athletics play a big role in campus life. The Trolls compete in 12 NAIA sports, and games draw solid crowds from the small student body. Chapel services and Christian fellowship activities are central to campus culture, given the school's religious foundation. Students often hang out in residence halls, attend campus events, or explore the nearby shopping areas in the south Chicago suburbs.
Weekend life revolves around the campus since you're in a suburban area, though Chicago is accessible by car or train when you want city adventures. With 270 students playing varsity sports out of 796 total enrollment, athletics play a big role in campus life. The Trolls compete in 12 NAIA sports, and games draw solid crowds from the small student body. Chapel services and Christian fellowship activities are central to campus culture, given the school's religious foundation. Students often hang out in residence halls, attend campus events, or explore the nearby shopping areas in the south Chicago suburbs.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 575 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1959
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–32°F
- July Avg
- 68°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
Trinity Christian College draws students who want a faith-based education close to home, with 62% coming from Illinois. The student body of 796 reflects the diverse suburbs around Chicago, with about half being white students and significant Black and Hispanic populations. With 33% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The 57% female enrollment is typical for liberal arts colleges, where education and social work programs traditionally attract more women. Most students share Reformed Christian values but come from different economic backgrounds.
- Men
- 43.0%
- Women
- 57.0%
- White
- 51.8%
- Black
- 13.8%
- Hispanic
- 12.2%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 61.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.3%
Location
Trinity Christian College sits in Palos Heights, Illinois, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. The campus is in a large suburban area that gives students access to both quiet residential neighborhoods and the resources of the third-largest city in America. Students can reach Chicago's job market, internships, and cultural attractions by car or public transit in under an hour. The southwest suburbs offer a mix of shopping centers, parks, and family-friendly communities without the intensity of city living. About 62% of students come from within Illinois, many drawn to the combination of Christian education and proximity to Chicago's opportunities. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Trinity Christian College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Palos Heights, Illinois 60463-0929
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,700
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,698
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,009
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Trinity Christian College?
Trinity Christian College accepts about 71% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1010, reflecting the school's commitment to welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds into its Christian liberal arts community.
How much does Trinity Christian College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,381 after aid, less than the $32,625 total cost of attendance. The college provides substantial institutional grants averaging $26,678 to help make Christian education accessible to families across income levels.
What are class sizes like at Trinity Christian College?
With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 among its 796 students, Trinity Christian offers small, discussion-based classes. This intimate academic environment allows professors to mentor students closely while integrating faith perspectives into liberal arts education.
What do Trinity Christian College graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $55,700 ten years after graduation, with a 96.7% employment rate. About 64% of students graduate within four years, and most manage their median debt of $25,009 with monthly payments around $265.
Where is Trinity Christian College located?
The college sits in Palos Heights, Illinois, a large suburban community southwest of Chicago. About 62% of the 796 students come from Illinois, while the campus houses 575 students in residence halls that foster Christian community life.
Does Trinity Christian College have sports teams?
The Trolls compete in 12 varsity sports at the NAIA level with 270 total athletes. The college awards over $2.1 million in athletic scholarships, supporting both competitive athletics and the school's mission to develop Christian character through sports.
