Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Angola, Indiana
84.7% Acceptance Rate
Trine University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
84.7%Acceptance Rate
3.51Avg GPA
1135Avg SAT
$50,004Annual Cost
$57,165Grad Salary
15.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
84.7%
Avg GPA
3.51
Avg SAT
1135
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1095–1165
Need-Based Aid
15.6% receive Pell
Trine University is a private institution in Indiana renowned for its focus on engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Through its commitment to high-impact, career-oriented education, the university provides hands-on learning experiences and strong industry connections, preparing students for professional success in a rapidly evolving global market.
Trine University Acceptance Rate
Trine University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 84.7%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 84.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.51 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.31 – 3.50
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.06
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Trine University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Trine University is 3.51. Trine University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.71-3.91 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.21 and 3.51, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Trine University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Trine University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.51, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.51 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.31 – 3.50
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.11 – 3.30
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.10
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Private nonprofit in Angola, IN, founded 1884 with an engineering school dating to 1902 (ABET-accredited; nationally recognized biomedical engineering); ~90%+ acceptance, free application, no essay required, test-optional, rolling decisions in ~2?3 weeks.
- Direct Entry health pathways guarantee graduate seats to qualifying freshmen - notably just 20 first-come PA (MPAS) seats per year via 3+2.5 or 4+2.5 tracks (requires ~200 healthcare hours and a Trine bachelor's) - plus direct entry to DPT and OTD.
- Accelerated structures: "Three-Year Full Throttle" bachelor's, Four-Plus-One bachelor's+master's, dual enrollment and Project Lead the Way credit; ~99% reported placement and a four-part Lifetime Guarantee including on-time graduation.
- Graduate health programs (MPAS, DPT, OTD) are based in Fort Wayne, not on the Angola campus; the MPAS launched in 2018 under provisional ARC-PA accreditation - confirm current accreditation and campus/cost details before committing.
- The Rigor Metric: At Trine University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Trine University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Trine University'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.
Trine University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Trine University Without SAT or ACT?
Trine University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Trine University Average SAT Score: 1135
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Trine University is 1135 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1135 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1135 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1165 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Trine University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1095, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Trine University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1135 | 1095 | 1165 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1095 then you are below most of the admitted students at Trine University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1165 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Trine University with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Trine University are good but the admission staff at Trine University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Trine University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Trine University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Apply Free and Essay-Free, but Front-Load Grades for Scholarship Tiers
Trine's traditional undergraduate application is free, essay-optional, and test-optional, with decisions in about 2?3 weeks on unofficial transcripts - so there's no reason to delay. But because Trine is rolling and merit awards are tied to your academic record (SAT ~1030+ helps scholarships even though it's optional, and admitted GPAs cluster around 3.5), the leverage is applying early with your strongest grades locked in. Early applicants learn their scholarship, grant, and aid package sooner and get first pick of residence-hall rooms. Send unofficial transcripts immediately to trigger a fast decision and an early financial-aid offer, then submit officials before enrollment.
Target Direct-Entry Health Seats - Especially the 20 PA Slots - as a Freshman
Trine's most valuable hidden pathways are its Direct Entry health-profession programs, which reserve guaranteed graduate seats for incoming freshmen. The Master of Physician Assistant Studies holds just 20 Direct Entry seats per year, filled first-come, first-served via a 3+2.5 (accelerated) or 4+2.5 track, requiring a Trine bachelor's, ~200 hours of healthcare experience, and maintained standards; similar direct-entry guarantees exist for the DPT and OTD through the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences. If health professions are your goal, apply as a freshman specifically for Direct Entry the moment applications open - waiting means competing later through CASPA against a national pool for the same program.
Use the Accelerated Degree Paths to Cut Time and Cost
Trine is built for speed, and choosing the right structure up front is a strategy in itself. The "Three-Year Full Throttle" path compresses a bachelor's into three years; the Four-Plus-One earns a bachelor's and master's in five; and Direct Entry combines undergrad with a professional doctorate. Pair these with dual-enrollment and Project Lead the Way credit earned in high school to shave semesters and tuition. Decide your acceleration track before you enroll and tell your admission counselor, because the course sequencing (especially in engineering) has to be planned from the first semester to make three-year or 4+1 timelines work.
Lean on the Lifetime Guarantee and Engineering Heritage in Your Decision
Trine backs its career-focused model with a four-part Lifetime Guarantee - including a promise of on-time graduation and lifetime access to career services and free audited return courses for alumni - reinforced by a reported ~99% placement rate and an engineering school dating to 1902 with ABET accreditation and a nationally recognized biomedical engineering program. For engineering and health-science applicants, this outcomes guarantee is the real differentiator versus larger public schools. In interviews and your counselor conversations, signal that you chose Trine for its guaranteed-outcomes, hands-on model; it aligns you with exactly what the university markets and funds.
Expert Insight:
Trine's ~90%+ acceptance rate and no-essay application make undergraduate admission easy, but that ease does not extend to its guaranteed health-profession pipelines: the PA Direct Entry program holds only 20 seats filled first-come, first-served, and missing that freshman window forces you into the far more competitive national CASPA applicant pool later. Also verify program accreditation status before committing to a specific health track (the MPAS launched in 2018 under provisional ARC-PA accreditation), and note the professional programs are based in Fort Wayne, not on the Angola campus - a location and cost detail applicants routinely overlook.
Trine University Profile
Full Name
Trine University
City
Angola
State
Indiana
ZIP Code
46703-1764
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Trine University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Trine University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Trine University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Trine University is $60,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3%.
How much does a degree from Trine University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Trine University is $50,004. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Trine University is much less than this.
15.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 40.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Trine University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Trine University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Trine University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Trine University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $57,165. An average Trine University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Trine University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Trine University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | 1133 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Trine University. 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 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Trine University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Trine University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Trine University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $57,165 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $50,004 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
15.6% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Trine University is 84.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.51. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.21, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.21, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.11 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.51, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Trine University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1135 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1095–1165.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.