Apply Early. Know Early.

In 2021, U.S. News & World Report named Trinity University as one of the top 10 universities in the nation where early applicants have an edge. Now, Trinity’s Office of Admissions has been working on ensuring that students interested in applying Early Decision can feel as financially secure in their college choice as they are academically sure. 

Trinity’s early application plans allow prospective students to get ahead of the competition and stand out among a smaller applicant pool. Being admitted early also means students are notified early and can fully enjoy their senior year knowing they are officially a Tiger.

"We find that high school students who begin to thoughtfully craft their college list during their junior year put themselves in a more competitive position for admission as a senior," says Justin Doty, dean of Admissions. "Early applicants often remark that being notified of admission and merit scholarship before winter break allows them more time to make campus visits and strategically weigh important factors before the looming national candidates reply date of May 1."

Trinity offers three early application plans: Early Decision (ED) I and II, which are binding decisions, and Early Action (EA), which is a non-binding option. ED I and EA applications are due on Nov. 1, 2022, and students are notified of admissions decisions by mid-December. ED II applications are due on Feb. 1, 2023, with a notification date of March 1.

Selected from a record-breaking nearly 11,500 applications, the Class of 2026 boasts multiple successes in competitiveness, academic strength, and diversity. Furthermore, 74% of the Class of 2026 enrolled through either ED or EA, demonstrating their confidence in their choice to become Tigers. 

This year’s early applicant population is diverse both racially and socioeconomically. Students of color comprise 49% of first-years enrolled this fall and 51% of the ED population. Additionally, this year, Trinity enrolled 17 students from the Trinity Community Investment (TCI) partnership with the San Antonio Independent School District, 13 of whom enrolled through either ED or EA.  

"We have been intentional the past few years about providing access opportunities for students from under-resourced high schools and low-income neighborhoods to apply to Trinity through Early Decision,” Doty says. “The cost of attendance is typically the most significant barrier for many of these populations, which prevents high-achieving students from applying Early Decision because they haven't received financial aid packages at that stage of the process.” 

Thus, to ensure that Trinity’s nationally ranked liberal arts education is accessible to all students regardless of their socioeconomic status, the Office of Admissions has been working on providing early financial aid estimates for ED-interested students and families.

“We developed a system where prospective students can receive an early financial aid estimate prior to submitting their application so they are fully aware of the net cost upfront,” Doty says. “This initiative equips students from every economic level to have full knowledge of merit scholarships and need-based aid in order to make an informed decision about applying Early Decision. For students who are considering Early Decision but have affordability concerns, we direct them to a button on our ED website, which initiates the early financial aid estimate process.”