Welcome, Class of 2029

Trinity University’s Class of 2029 is its most selective class yet!

With 11,902 applications, these incoming first-years brought the University’s admission rate down to an astonishing 25%, the lowest in the school’s history.

“This record-low acceptance rate reflects both the growing demand for a Trinity educational experience among talented high school students and an increasingly competitive applicant pool,” says Justin Doty, dean of Admissions.

Following the University’s recent 19-spot jump to No. 40 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of national liberal arts colleges, the Class of 2029 arrives as both a result and driver of Trinity’s momentum as a university on the rise.

The Class of 2029 represents 604 enrolled students with not only high-achieving academic profiles but also unique talents and backgrounds.

The Class of 2029 has a GPA of 3.74 out of an unweighted 4.0 scale. Still operating in a test-optional environment, the class’s mean ACT is 32.2, and its average SAT is 1417 (an increase from 2024's 32.1 and 1411, respectively).

But the Class of 2029 isn’t just ready to excel academically. This year’s 165 recruited athletes were so excited to show their Tiger Pride on Trinity’s fields and courts that nearly 50% identified Trinity as their top choice and applied Early Decision (ED).

“The quantity and quality of our varsity athletes this year are incredible and a big win for Trinity, with more than a quarter of the class being recruited athletes,” Doty says.

Our incoming Tigers are also artists, musicians, and performers ready to make their mark on the stage, in the studio, and through the arts. Nearly a quarter of the incoming class will ultimately participate in Trinity’s fine arts scene.

New Tigers in the Class of 2029 are coming to campus from near and far. The incoming class represents 32 states and 20 countries. The top five home states among out-of-state students include California, Washington, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. This year, Trinity is welcoming 29 international first-year students to campus. Trinity saw the most international first-years from Vietnam, followed by Ecuador and Canada.  

While Trinity’s rise in the rankings reflects its growth in national recognition, the University’s record-high ED stats reveal prospective students’ growing interest and trust in Trinity as the college for them. This year, 32% of the Class of 2029 applied ED, a striking rise from 24% in the previous cohort. This year’s ED record number represents nearly a doubling of enrolling ED students over the past three years and speaks to the astounding progress Trinity is making within the higher ed landscape.  

With its liberal arts curriculum that prioritizes hands-on learning and a supportive small school environment, Trinity continues to stand out to prospective students. Yet, 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. Nearly 85% of ED students in the Class of 2029 received an early financial aid estimate, a 30% increase from last year’s Class of 2028, which helped them commit to Trinity as their top choice. 

“We continue to see enormous success with the early financial aid estimates provided to families that outline true net cost,” Doty says. “This information is critical for the vast majority of students who are considering making a binding commitment like ED. The opportunity to request an early financial aid estimate ensures Trinity can enroll incredible students no matter their economic background.”

Trinity’s Class of 2029 is already setting new records, and we can’t wait to see what exciting discoveries and connections these Tigers will make in their next four years!