Welcome, Class of 2028

Trinity University’s Class of 2028 is already breaking records. With a new record high of 12,508 applications, these incoming first-years brought the University’s admission rate down to a record low of 26%. These stats reflect a near 10% increase in applications from last year’s 11,425 and a 2% decrease in the admissions rate from last year’s 28%.

“The acceptance rate this year signals a visible indicator of increased selectivity among this entering first-year class,” says Justin Doty, dean of Admissions. “While this new percentage is making Trinity history, it is just one of many metrics used to assess competitiveness among this entering class. Ultimately, our end goal is to attract and enroll students who are a good fit for our institution and who will thrive both academically and socially in the Trinity community.”

The Class of 2028 has a GPA of 3.75 out of an unweighted 4.0 scale, which mirrors the average GPA of 3.75 from the prior year. Still working in a test-optional environment, 48% of admitted students submitted a standardized test score, and ultimately 38% of those who enrolled submitted official test scores. The mean ACT is 32 (an increase from 2023's 31), and the average SAT is 1411 (an increase from 2023's 1398).

“To enroll the desired first-year class number and the right types of students requires part art and part science,” Doty says. “We are beyond grateful to have a campus community that is extremely committed to our recruitment efforts,” Doty says.  

Thankfully, Trinity’s admissions team has help from faculty, coaches, staff, alumni, and current students to recruit these talented students. In fact, 161 of the enrolled students (24% of the class) were recruited as Tiger student-athletes who will participate across Trinity’s 18 varsity intercollegiate athletics teams. Approximately a quarter of the new students will ultimately participate in Trinity fine arts.

Another testament to the growing interest and awareness of Trinity is this year’s record-high number of transfer students and Early Decision (ED) applicants. A total of 36 students transferred to Trinity, and 163 of the incoming first-years applied ED, representing 24% of the Class of 2028 and a percentage that is steadily increasing each year. As a stark contrast, Early Decision students only represented 5% of the incoming class a decade ago. Transferring to a new school and committing to a binding application for a school can be hard decisions, but Trinity’s interdisciplinary, hands-on academics and strong athletic and fine arts offerings, along with our small-school environment, help potential Tigers see that Trinity will support them in pursuing all of their interests, not just one.

Beyond knowing that the University will support them academically and personally, prospective students feel secure in naming Trinity as their top choice because they know the University will also support them financially. Amidst the previous enrollment cycle’s FAFSA delays, which negatively impacted many colleges across the country, Trinity was able to reassure its applicants thanks to the University’s use of the CSS Profile. This allowed the admissions and financial aid teams to release financial aid awards on time and ensure financial assurance to admitted students and their families.

The Class of 2028 also represents a diverse mix of economic backgrounds, with 21% of the incoming students receiving Pell Grants, which are provided to families demonstrating the greatest financial need.

The Class of 2028 is also a geographically diverse group, with the incoming class representing 35 states and 22 countries. Trinity’s top-producing states within the first-year class come from California, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Washington. The 37 first-year international students join an impressive range of countries represented on the Trinity campus. Over the past four years, the countries with the largest Trinity student representation include Vietnam, Ecuador, Mexico, India, and the United Kingdom.

Before even hearing their first Murchison Tower chimes, the Class of 2028 has already proven to be our most selective and competitive class yet.