At $12,233/yr net price, Trinity Washington University graduates earn $53,804/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,804/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,233 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,804/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,804/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,164/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,256/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,393/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,830/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,561/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $87,604 | $34,167 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,446 | $27,250 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,303 | $41,001 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,931 | $20,500 |
| 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 | $65,942 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,127 | $30,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Trinity Washington University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Trinity Washington University gives you one clear financial winner and several majors that leave you underwater. The nursing program is the standout: it pays roughly double what most other bachelor's degrees here return, and it does so while carrying less debt than psychology or business. If you graduate from nursing, the math works. Almost everywhere else, it gets shaky.
The problem is that business, psychology, and criminal justice all land in the mid-$30k range ten years out, which is barely above what many high school graduates earn. Research psychology is the worst deal on paper: you take on more debt than any other program here and end up with roughly the same paycheck as general psychology. Sitting in DC helps for nursing and criminal justice, since the region has hospitals and a large government footprint, but a $34,704 salary against $28,500 in debt is a slow climb no matter the city.
Two numbers should worry you before you enroll: fewer than half of students finish, and about three in ten don't return after the first year. Debt does not disappear if you leave without a degree, and that is the single biggest risk here. You can pay the low net price and still walk away with loans and no credential.
The net price stays flat and low if your family earns under $48k, so if you come from a lower-income household and enroll in nursing, this is a genuinely affordable path to a solid salary. If your family earns over $110k, you pay nearly double, and only nursing justifies that cost. Pick anything else at the higher price tiers and you should compare a cheaper public option first. Come here for nursing, finish what you start, and treat the softer majors with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trinity Washington University worth the cost?
Trinity Washington University offers decent value with a low net price of $12,233 annually, but graduates earn only $53,804 after 10 years. The school's 44% graduation rate and $28,250 median debt create significant risk for students who don't finish their degrees.
What are the highest paying programs at Trinity Washington University?
Educational Administration graduates from Trinity Washington University earn the highest salaries at $87,604, followed by nursing programs at $73,446. Business and teaching programs produce lower returns, with teachers averaging $56,931 annually.
How much student debt do Trinity Washington University graduates have?
Trinity Washington University graduates carry a median debt of $28,250. With post-graduation earnings of $53,804, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Trinity Washington University?
Only 44% of students graduate from Trinity Washington University. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree, making the financial risk substantial despite the affordable tuition.