About Trinity International University-Illinois
Trinity International University brings evangelical Christian education to just 140 students in suburban Chicago. The school builds its liberal arts programs on an Evangelical Free Church foundation, emphasizing both academic rigor and spiritual formation. With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors know students by name in this intimate learning environment.
The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $21,386 after aid, though 64% receive institutional grants averaging $29,723. Graduates earn a median of $46,989 ten years after graduation while carrying $26,082 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $277 represents a significant portion of early career earnings, with first-year graduates earning just $40,161. Only 56% successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The tiny enrollment creates both opportunities and limitations. Just 4.65% of students return for their second year, suggesting the school struggles with retention. However, those who stay benefit from personalized attention and strong community bonds. The diverse student body is 38% white, 21% Black, and 19% Hispanic. With housing for 203 students but only 140 enrolled, campus life revolves around close relationships rather than large social scenes.
The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $21,386 after aid, though 64% receive institutional grants averaging $29,723. Graduates earn a median of $46,989 ten years after graduation while carrying $26,082 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $277 represents a significant portion of early career earnings, with first-year graduates earning just $40,161. Only 56% successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The tiny enrollment creates both opportunities and limitations. Just 4.65% of students return for their second year, suggesting the school struggles with retention. However, those who stay benefit from personalized attention and strong community bonds. The diverse student body is 38% white, 21% Black, and 19% Hispanic. With housing for 203 students but only 140 enrolled, campus life revolves around close relationships rather than large social scenes.
Academics & Faculty
Trinity International University-Illinois offers a Christian liberal arts education rooted in evangelical theology. With just 140 students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, classes are intimate and professors know students personally. The university emphasizes biblical integration across all academic disciplines. However, academic support shows mixed results. The 4-year graduation rate sits at 48%, while the 6-year rate reaches only 46%. The retention rate of 5% indicates significant student turnover after the first year. Students typically score 1016 on the SAT, reflecting the school's focus on accessible Christian education rather than highly selective academics. The evangelical foundation shapes every aspect of the curriculum and campus culture.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 21.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.7%
- Retention Rate
- 4.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,989
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $57,556 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,848 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
Trinity's 140 students create an intimate campus environment where the 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals. The Deerfield campus sits 25 miles north of Chicago, giving students access to internships and cultural experiences in the third-largest U.S. city. Winters require heavy coats and boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through March.
With housing capacity for 203 students, many undergraduates live on campus and build close relationships through dorm life and chapel services. The evangelical foundation shapes daily routines, with community worship and Bible study woven into campus culture. Students often spend weekends exploring Chicago's museums and neighborhoods via the Metra train system. The small enrollment means campus activities feel personal rather than crowded. Basketball games and campus ministry events draw significant portions of the student body. The suburban setting provides safety and quiet study spaces while keeping urban opportunities within reach. Most social life revolves around faith-based activities and small group gatherings rather than large parties.
With housing capacity for 203 students, many undergraduates live on campus and build close relationships through dorm life and chapel services. The evangelical foundation shapes daily routines, with community worship and Bible study woven into campus culture. Students often spend weekends exploring Chicago's museums and neighborhoods via the Metra train system. The small enrollment means campus activities feel personal rather than crowded. Basketball games and campus ministry events draw significant portions of the student body. The suburban setting provides safety and quiet study spaces while keeping urban opportunities within reach. Most social life revolves around faith-based activities and small group gatherings rather than large parties.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 203 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–31°F
- July Avg
- 65°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.6"
Student Demographics
Trinity International draws students seeking faith-based education in Chicago's affluent north suburbs. The student body reflects the school's evangelical mission, with families from across economic backgrounds choosing Christian higher education. Students come from both Illinois and neighboring states for the intimate campus experience. The slight female majority aligns with many liberal arts colleges focused on education and ministry preparation. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working families committed to Christian education. The diverse racial composition demonstrates the evangelical community's growing multicultural character in the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Men
- 46.4%
- Women
- 53.6%
- White
- 38.6%
- Black
- 21.4%
- Hispanic
- 19.3%
- Asian
- 3.6%
- In-State Students
- 43.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.9%
Location
Trinity International University sits in Deerfield, Illinois, about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. The campus occupies a suburban setting in Lake County, where students can access the cultural and career opportunities of America's third-largest city while studying in a quieter residential community. Deerfield lies along the North Shore, known for its affluent suburbs and tree-lined neighborhoods. The location offers easy train access to Chicago via Metra's Union Pacific North Line. With 203 students housed on campus and total enrollment of just 140, the intimate campus creates a close-knit community within the broader Chicago metropolitan area. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Trinity International University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Deerfield, Illinois 60015-1283
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,989
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,600
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $277/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,082
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Trinity International University-Illinois?
Trinity International University-Illinois accepts 91% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. The average SAT score is 1016, reflecting the school's focus on providing Christian higher education to students with varied academic backgrounds.
How much does Trinity International University-Illinois cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $21,386 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $17,250, while the university provides institutional grants averaging $29,723 to 64% of students.
What are class sizes like at Trinity International University-Illinois?
With only 140 total students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, classes are exceptionally small and personal. This intimate evangelical Christian environment allows for close mentoring relationships between faculty and students in the liberal arts tradition.
Does Trinity International University-Illinois have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $47,000 ten years after graduation, with a strong 93% employment rate. However, only 46% of students graduate within six years, which is lower than most four-year institutions.
Where do students live at Trinity International University-Illinois?
The campus in suburban Deerfield houses 203 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $6,090 annually. The small residential community reflects the university's commitment to forming close Christian fellowship among students.
Is Trinity International University-Illinois diverse?
The student body is 39% white, 21% Black, and 19% Hispanic, creating meaningful racial diversity within the evangelical Christian framework. About 44% of students come from Illinois, while the remainder bring perspectives from across the country to this faith-based community.
