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97.0%Acceptance
$26,110Tuition
1,415Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$53,804Earnings
#11 in District of ColumbiaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University helps women through education in the nation's capital. With 1,415 students, this Catholic institution has served diverse communities since 1897. Nearly 60% of students are Black and 34% are Hispanic, making it one of the most diverse universities in DC. The small student body creates an intimate learning environment with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average net price of $12,233 after financial aid, less than the $26,110 sticker price. Over half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $53,804 ten years after graduation, though they carry typical debt loads of $28,250. The monthly loan payment averages $299, manageable given career outcomes.

Trinity struggles with retention and completion rates that lag behind national averages. Only 71% of students return for sophomore year, and the six-year graduation rate sits at 44%. However, those who do graduate find success in the job market with a 95% employment rate. The university fields five Division III sports teams with 56 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics and community service in this close-knit environment.

Academics & Faculty

Trinity Washington University operates as a Catholic women's college that prioritizes hands-on learning and mentorship. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures students receive individualized attention from professors who know them by name. The university has built a strong reputation for its nursing program and education degrees, preparing graduates for careers in healthcare and teaching. About 41% of students graduate in four years, while 44% complete their degrees within six years. The small class sizes allow for discussion-based learning rather than large lectures. Faculty members often serve as mentors who help students navigate both academic challenges and career planning in the nation's capital.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
19.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
41.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.4%
Retention Rate
71.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,804
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $87,604
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $73,446
Human Resources Management and Services. Master $67,660
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $61,303
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $56,931
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Master $52,107
Communication and Media Studies. Master $48,432
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Master $48,198
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Associate $42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $38,127

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

Trinity Washington sits on a compact urban campus in northeast DC, where 97.74% of students are women creating a unique sisterhood environment. With housing for just 240 students and total enrollment of 1,415, most students commute from around the metropolitan area. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles personally.

DC winters require a good coat and umbrella, while summers bring humid heat that sends students to air-conditioned study spaces. The campus blends historic Catholic architecture with modern facilities, though students often venture into the city for weekend activities since on-campus housing is limited. Many students work part-time jobs to help with expenses, reflected in the 51.31% who receive Pell Grants. The diverse student body, with 58.09% Black and 33.71% Hispanic students, creates rich cultural exchanges in classrooms and dining areas. Students frequently take advantage of internship opportunities throughout DC, preparing for careers that lead to a median salary of $53,804 ten years after graduation.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
240 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1897

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–44°F
July Avg
70°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
45.6"
Annual Snowfall
9.7"

Student Demographics

Trinity Washington University serves an almost entirely female student body, with women making up 98% of enrollment. The Catholic institution draws primarily Black and Hispanic students, who together represent over 90% of the 1,415 students. About half of students qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving lower-income women. The student body splits roughly evenly between local DC-area residents and those from other states. This demographic mix aligns with Trinity's mission as a Catholic women's university dedicated to helping diverse students in the nation's capital.
Men
2.3%
Women
97.7%
White
1.5%
Black
58.1%
Hispanic
33.7%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
48.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
51.3%

Location

Trinity Washington University sits in the heart of Washington, DC, giving students direct access to the nation's capital. The campus occupies 26 acres in the Brookland neighborhood, just minutes from downtown DC's political and cultural centers. Students can reach the White House, Capitol Hill, and Smithsonian museums via the nearby Metro system. The university draws heavily from the local area, with 48.52% of students coming from in-state. Washington offers endless internship opportunities in government, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations that align with Trinity's social justice mission. The urban setting provides rich cultural diversity that mirrors the student body's demographics. Students considering colleges in Washington DC may also compare Trinity Washington University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Washington, District of Columbia 20017-1094
TrinityUniv
TrinityUniv

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,804
Median Earnings (5 years)
$62,913
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,400
Loan Repayment Rate
33.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$299/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Trinity Washington University?

Trinity Washington University accepts 96.97% of applicants, making it highly accessible to prospective students. This Catholic women's university prioritizes serving diverse students in the nation's capital, with a strong commitment to educational opportunity over selectivity.

How much does Trinity Washington University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Trinity Washington University is $12,233, lower than the published tuition of $26,110. Over 51% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Trinity Washington University?

Trinity Washington University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,415 students. This small class environment allows for personalized attention in the school's programs focused on helping women in various fields.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Trinity Washington University?

Trinity Washington University has a 44.40% six-year graduation rate and achieves a 95.2% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $53,804 ten years after graduation, with many pursuing careers in education, healthcare, and public service.

Where do students live at Trinity Washington University?

Trinity Washington University has housing capacity for 240 students, with room and board costing $11,860 annually. The campus sits in Washington DC, giving students access to internships and career opportunities in government, nonprofits, and business.

What makes Trinity Washington University unique as a women's college?

Trinity Washington University is 97.74% women, making it one of the few remaining Catholic women's universities in the country. The student body is predominantly Black (58.09%) and Hispanic (33.71%), reflecting the school's historic commitment to serving underrepresented communities since 1897.