Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Palos Heights, Illinois
88.7% Acceptance Rate
Trinity Christian College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
88.7%Acceptance Rate
3.48Avg GPA
1154Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$47,066Annual Cost
$55,700Grad Salary
33.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
88.7%
Avg GPA
3.48
Avg SAT
1154
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1200
ACT Middle 50%
23–28
Need-Based Aid
33.3% receive Pell
Trinity Christian College is a private, Christian liberal arts institution in Illinois that focuses on the integration of faith, intellectual inquiry, and service. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their academic record, evidence of strong character, and alignment with the college's Christian mission. The college seeks individuals who are not only looking for a high-quality education but who also intend to integrate their professional goals with their personal values.
Successful applicants often demonstrate significant involvement in church, youth group, or community service, as these reflect the college's core mission of service. A personal statement that reflects the student's desire to grow both intellectually and spiritually within a supportive community is strongly encouraged. The college looks for students who will contribute to its mission-focused, community-oriented campus environment and who have a track record of being responsible and engaged members of their high school or local community.
Trinity Christian College Acceptance Rate
Trinity Christian College runs an open-access admission policy. With a 88.7% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 88.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.48 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.28 – 3.47
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.03
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Trinity Christian College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Trinity Christian College follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Trinity Christian College reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Competitive scholarship priority: 2027/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Trinity Christian College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Trinity Christian College is 3.48. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.18–3.48 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.68–3.88.Trinity Christian College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.48 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.28 – 3.47
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.08 – 3.27
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.07
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Board of Trustees voted November 4, 2025 to close the college at the end of the 2025-26 academic year; final commencement was held May 8, 2026
- Formal teach-out agreements are in place with Calvin University, Saint Xavier University, and Olivet Nazarene University to preserve students' graduation timeline and net cost
- Calvin University now serves as the official record holder for Trinity diplomas, transcripts, and degree verification
- Part of a broader wave of small private Christian college closures in this period, alongside Siena Heights University, Limestone University, and St. Andrews University
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Trinity Christian College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Trinity Christian College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Trinity Christian College Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Trinity Christian College is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Trinity Christian College Without SAT or ACT?
Trinity Christian College considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Trinity Christian College Average SAT Score: 1154
The average SAT score of admitted students at Trinity Christian College is 1154 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1154 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1200 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Trinity Christian College allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Trinity Christian College. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 570 | 530 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 555 | 520 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1154 | 1050 | 1200 |
Below 1050, you're behind most admitted students; at 1200 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Trinity Christian College with a 1200 SAT?
A 1200 SAT puts you ahead of most of Trinity Christian College's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Trinity Christian College ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Trinity Christian College is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 20 | 25 |
| ACT English | 27 | 24 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 28 |
Can I get into Trinity Christian College with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Trinity Christian College's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Trinity Christian College.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Trinity Christian College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Trinity Christian College is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Do not build an admissions strategy around Trinity - it has closed
Trinity Christian College's Board of Trustees voted on November 4, 2025 to close the college at the end of the 2025-26 academic year; its final commencement was held May 8, 2026, and the school confirms it is not accepting applications for any future semester. If Trinity appears on a student's list from an older resource or a legacy recommendation, redirect them immediately - there is no live admissions cycle here to strategize around.
Redirect interested students to Trinity's formal teach-out partners
Trinity established teach-out agreements with Calvin University (Grand Rapids, MI), Saint Xavier University, and Olivet Nazarene University specifically so continuing students could finish degrees on the same timeline and comparable out-of-pocket cost. A student drawn to Trinity's Reformed Christian mission and small-college feel should look directly at these three schools, since they were chosen precisely to match Trinity's academic and financial profile.
Route transcript and diploma requests to Calvin University, not Trinity
Calvin University has been designated the primary record holder for Trinity Christian College going forward - diplomas, transcripts, and degree verification for former Trinity students are now handled through Calvin's registrar rather than Trinity directly.
Treat any prior Trinity acceptance letter or scholarship offer as void for future terms
Since Trinity is not accepting new students for any future term, previously issued acceptance letters, scholarship offers, or in-progress applications for terms beyond spring 2026 cannot be honored. Families should treat this as a closed administrative door, not a delay, and start fresh applications with another institution.
Expert Insight:
The single most important fact about Trinity Christian College right now is that it no longer exists as an admissions option. It closed following its May 8, 2026 commencement after a board vote driven by chronic operating deficits, enrollment decline (from 1,068 students in 2019 to 872 in 2024), and shrinking cash reserves. Any prior guide, brochure, or counselor advice built around a "Trinity Christian College admissions strategy" is now obsolete.
Trinity Christian College Profile
Full Name
Trinity Christian College
City
Palos Heights
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
60463-0929
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Trinity Christian College Degree Worth It?
At $47,066/year against a $55,700 median graduate salary, Trinity Christian College is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $74,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.12%.
How much does a degree from Trinity Christian College Cost?
The sticker price is $47,066/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
33.3% of students receive a Pell Grant and 64.4% take federal loans at Trinity Christian College. File your FAFSA early and list Trinity Christian College as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Trinity Christian College Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $55,700. That's about 37% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Trinity Christian College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 1119 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Trinity Christian College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Trinity Christian College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Trinity Christian College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Trinity Christian College Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Trinity Christian College run about $55,700 a year.
Trinity Christian College costs roughly $47,066 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 33.3% receive a Pell Grant at Trinity Christian College. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 88.7%, Trinity Christian College's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Trinity Christian College average a 3.48 GPA.
Trinity Christian College doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.18 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.08, Trinity Christian College becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Trinity Christian College — aim above 1154, ideally within the 1050–1200 range admitted students typically fall in.
Trinity Christian College follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Competitive scholarship priority: 2027/02/01. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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