Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Buffalo, New York
83% Acceptance Rate
Trocaire College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
83%Acceptance Rate
$29,500Annual Cost
$55,318Grad Salary
50%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
83%
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
50% receive Pell
Trocaire College, founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy in Buffalo, New York, is a private Catholic institution specializing in health sciences and professional studies. The college offers 30+ programs through its School of Nursing and School of Professional Studies, with particular strengths in nursing, radiologic technology, and healthcare administration. Trocaire's urban campus features simulation labs, imaging suites, and clinical partnerships with leading Western New York healthcare providers. The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes hands-on learning through its Mercy Center for Clinical Excellence.
Trocaire's location provides students with clinical experiences at top medical centers including Buffalo General Hospital and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. The college's career-focused programs boast high licensure exam pass rates and job placement statistics. Trocaire's Catholic identity informs its commitment to serving underserved populations through programs like its Mobile Health Clinic. The college offers flexible scheduling options including evening, weekend, and hybrid courses to accommodate working adult students.
Trocaire College Acceptance Rate
Trocaire College (TC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 83%, 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 — 83% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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 TC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Trocaire College's verified institutional data
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Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Trocaire College (TC) 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 TC Without SAT or ACT?
Trocaire College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for TC
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
TC is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Know You Are Applying to a Two-Year Career College - Not a Traditional Four-Year Institution
Trocaire is Buffalo's only independent private two-year college, founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, with a primary mission of career-focused healthcare and allied health education. The student body averages age 27, there are no on-campus dormitories, and there is no traditional campus athletics program. The college operates from its main campus on Choate Avenue in South Buffalo and an extension center in Williamsville. Applicants who are seeking a residential four-year liberal arts experience are choosing the wrong institution - but for a working adult, career-changer, or high school graduate with a clear healthcare career goal and a preference for a commuter model, Trocaire's structure and accelerated clinical access are genuine strengths relative to larger universities.
Nursing Applicants: Complete the HESI A2 Before Committing to Enrollment
Both Trocaire's RN (AAS) and PN nursing programs require the HESI Admissions Assessment Exam (A2) as a mandatory part of the admissions criteria. Admission is based on the combination of GPA, prerequisite completion, and HESI A2 scores - not just transcript review. Nursing clinicals begin in the first semester, which is an unusually early start that accelerates hands-on learning but also means students who are not academically prepared from day one face immediate performance pressure. Speak with an admissions counselor about HESI readiness before applying rather than after receiving a conditional offer, as nursing is the college's highest-demand program.
The Veterinary Technology Program Is New and Carries a Specific, Higher Admission Bar
Trocaire's Vet Tech AAS program received initial accreditation recently and represents a genuine institutional expansion following the college's acquisition of Medaille University buildings. The program requires a high school diploma with a minimum 85% cumulative GPA (or GED score of 165+) and high school-level biology with lab at 85% or higher - a meaningfully higher academic threshold than general university admission. Students interested in Vet Tech should verify the program's current accreditation status directly with Trocaire, as programs in the initial accreditation phase involve some uncertainty about board exam eligibility until full accreditation is conferred.
The Mercy Action Project Is a Graduation Requirement - Plan for It from the Start
All Trocaire students must complete a Mercy Action Project of community service as a graduation requirement. This reflects the college's founding by the Sisters of Mercy and its continuing Catholic mission. For healthcare students with already-demanding clinical schedules, the project is not a heavy lift, but it does require intentional planning - it cannot be deferred to the final semester without risk. Students who use the MAP to complete service hours in clinical or community health settings that align with their program also build the professional references and portfolio entries that employers in Western New York's healthcare system look for at the associate level.
Expert Insight:
The most common failure pattern at Trocaire involves students who complete general university admission (essentially open-access, requiring only a transcript) and then discover that nursing program admission is a separate, competitive process gated by HESI A2 scores and prerequisites. The college's overall acceptance rate - reported between 68% and 97% depending on the source - reflects general admission, not nursing program admission. Students who arrive without completing the required prerequisite coursework or who underperform on the HESI A2 find themselves unable to enter nursing even after being formally admitted to the college, delaying their programs by a full semester or more.
TC Profile
Full Name
Trocaire College (TC)
City
Buffalo
State
New York
ZIP Code
14220-2094
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a TC Degree Worth It?
Getting into TC 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. TC 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 TC is $49,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.74%.
How much does a degree from TC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Trocaire College is $29,500. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Trocaire College is much less than this.
50% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 75.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to TC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Trocaire College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist TC as your choice in the form.
How much does a TC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $55,318. An average TC 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.
Degree Programs at TC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Trocaire College →
Frequently Asked Questions About TC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $55,318 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $29,500 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
50.0% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of Trocaire College is 83% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
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.