Trinity University
San Antonio, TX, USA

Reviews

Trinity University

Kayleigh from Waco, TX

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at Trinity University are all very knowledgeable in their fields and outside and are passionate about what they do, which makes the classes interesting and challenging. However, the professors truly care about their students and will try their hardest to help you understand the course material.
Also, the structure of Trinity's degree plans allows and encourages students to explore other areas of study outside of their major's.
Am enjoying being here
Located in downtown San Antonio, Trinity University is surprisingly peaceful and serene, but you can drive three minutes to the Riverwalk or the Alamo. With the small class sizes and numerous organizations, you will quickly get to know, personally, most of your peers and professors. There are several programs each week designed to engage students in ways that classes can't. These events may expose students to new cultures and ways of life in fun, interesting ways but they won't contradict or condemn a student's beliefs.
Bang for the buck
With the hundreds of opportunities available to its students, Trinity University will easily be one of the best investments that you make in your life. Besides the cool events on campus, students can choose to participate in intramural, club and/or varsity sports, work closely with a professor on his/her research, and/or express themselves through art. Moreover, because Trinity has so many compassionate, giving alum and because the financial aid office is helpful in making sure that the tuition and other expenses are affordable to prospective and current Trinity students, Trinity University is relatively cheap compared to the big state colleges.
Tips for prospective students
Complete the FAFSA form early! Make sure to get it to your future college/university at least the day of their posted deadline, if not before, because that is when financial aid starts allocating their resources to students and if you are tardy in handing in yours, the money might be already promised to someone else.
Great for these types of students
Trinity University is the perfect school for intelligent or ambitious students who are seeking an academic challenge, want to learn about and experience other cultures and ways of life, or are interested in exercising their artistic muscles, attending eye-opening lectures, or taking advantage of ample research opportunities.

Daniel from Alvarado, TX

accepted here and planning to attend soon
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Here's the truth: Trinity University is an overlooked, academically solid liberal-arts college with a lingering, somewhat-deserved reputation as being filled with upper class, suburbanite, WASP-y Texans. While some students fit the bill, there are also plenty of out-of-staters, international students, and middle-class kids on scholarships (like me!)
The academic flexibility and rigor is a big draw, as well as the small class sizes, bountiful internships and undergraduate research opportunities (and being in the heart of San Antonio doesn't hurt either.)
Tips for prospective students
Getting in is fairly straightforward: break 1300 on your SAT (or a get a 30-ish on your ACT) write good essays, have a good GPA, etc., etc.
If you want merit aid, especially show effort in your essays and EC's. The process is surprisingly holistic, and you may end up getting more than you counted on. Conversely, don't assume that having that shiny score will guarantee you a full-ride.
Academic Rigor
The rigor starts in your Freshman year with seminars like HUMA 1600 (a Western Civ. survey seminar which manifests itself as a six-hour class that requires multiple papers per week and tons of reading) and it certainly doesn't end there.
There are a fair number of kids that major in things like Business Administration, but the work can always be as rigorous as you allow it to be.
However, flexibility is also definitely a major part of the curriculum. Just about everyone double-majors, or at least takes a minor. It's so common you often find yourself automatically asking another student what his or her majors are. Furthermore, the GPA requirement to maintain a scholarship is a mere 2.5, simply because the school wants to encourage students to take classes outside of their comfort zone.
Lastly, it is important to note that the University really does prepare its students quite well. Internships are plentiful, and they always come with either class credit or good old $. Being a LAC, there's no grad-students, so guess who gets to help out on research?
To illustrate: 65% of graduates end up attending grad school within six years, and plenty of them go to programs with shiny names.
Dorm Life
They spoil you. Suite-style dorms, residence mentors that actually help you out, room-cleaning service -- it's all there. CosmoGirl once called Trinity's dorms the nicest in the nation. They're not half wrong.
The downside? You will inevitably get sick of paying for said luxuries, but you're required to live on-campus until your Senior year.
Food and Dining
Food is limited to the cafeteria and a few small places on campus (Einstein Bros., a Java City cafe, and a little grocery store called the POD.) There's a lot of nice restaurants a few blocks away, if you get really sick of cafeteria food.
What to do for fun
Downtown San Antonio is a couple miles away, and there's no shortage of activities on campus, either. If you're bored at Trinity, you're doing it wrong.
Bang for the buck
A lot of kids come here for the scholarships. They're not disappointed.
Trinity is consistently listed on those Best Value College lists, so that's something.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Free nachos every Wednesday at 3:33pm. You get to sign a brick when you graduate. Oh, and tell everyone your birthday is in the Summer. They throw you in the fountain at midnight on your birthday.
There's a few more mischievous ones, like the Calvert Ghosts, which involves streaking through campus.
Great for these types of students
Students who are:
Laid-back
Smart
Down-to-earth
Active
Rich
Greek Life
It's there if you want it.
There's been a lot of controversy about some alleged hazing on campus, (which ultimately amounted to underage drinking and a required trip to a strip-club) and a couple of fraternities have been suspended. Greek alumni are not taking kindly to it, but no one else really seems to care.
Campus Safety
No public streets run through campus, and there's an emergency security button every few feet. We have our own parking garage, and the entire campus has the feel of a gated community. You're fine.

Kara from Las Cruces, NM

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors have an invested interest in every student. Class sizes are small usually not more then 30-50 students. The biggest class is Intro Bio with between 80-120 students, and my professors still knew my name. They have 5 office hours a week and encourage students to stop by, even if you only have one question. Thats how you build relationships with the professors. I have had 4 professors that have been Department Head at the time I had them, every one is accessible. Trinity is the school for you if you learn best when you're engaged.
Am enjoying being here
I love Trinity. There is always something to do on campus. Whether it be a student programming board or residential life activity, to a music or theater show, the whole campus is very involved.
Bang for the buck
Full costs are about 42K a year. However, most students receive some form of financial aid.
I truly believe that every dollar is worth it. We have some of the nicest, biggest dorms in the country. The Real Foods On Campus dining program allows for an all you can eat one-price meal center where you have lots of varieties. We also have a Java City and an Einsteins Bagel Brothers on campus.
Tips for prospective students
You need to stay overnight, or at least visit if you can. You really will know right away if it is for you. I visited April 25th of my senior year, yep thats right 5 days before decision day, and I called the other school I had sent my deposit to and let them know I was going to be attending Trinity instead. That may not be everyone's case, but the visit is what changed my mind. Meeting the students and professors, and they were all so friendly and welcoming, it felt like home.
Great for these types of students
Its a small campus, less then 2500 undergraduates. It would be good for the type of student that wants to play a sport, but also still get a wonderful education. For the student who wants to do undergraduate research with professors. For the student who needs a little extra help and support academically (dont be shy, I'll admit this is me). For the student that want a fun, safe, loving environment to go to school in, and get a degree that will matter.

Meredith from Carmel, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love Trinity and am so happy with my decision to come here! The people are really friendly, the staff and professors really care about you, and the climate is great! The academics are excellent with small classes and all my classes are taught by brilliant professors with Phd's.
Tips for prospective students
In order to receive a good academic scholarship, have atleast a 3.5 unweighted GPA and prep hard for your SAT/ACT tests because the amount you receive is directly tied to those 2 things. Also, you really should come visit the school and spend the night with a student to get a feel for the campus community.
Academic Rigor
The workload is heavy, but it's manageable, and.be prepared to write a lot! The professors push you to do your best and don't give A's easily, but A's are attainable if you really put in the effort. The academics are great and Trinity has a great reputation which really helps when you're looking for internships and jobs.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is really fun and not overly strict. You will be randomly assigned your roommate freshman year which is a gamble, but at least if you don't like him/her, you may like your suitemates, so your chances are good there. The dorms have study rooms which are great so you can get work done without leaving the dorm.
Food and Dining
The food in Mabee pretty much sucks, but there are some other options on campus where you can use your Tiger Bucks money. And, there are lots of great dining options in San Antonio and a lot of people have cars, so it's pretty easy to get off campus to restaurants and shopping.
What to do for fun
Outdoor Recreation Club sponsors really great and cheap outdoor trips on the weekends that are a lot of fun. Going into the city of San Antonio is great and there's always a lot going on. And, the Greek Life sponsors a lot of activities and rush starts mid-October which is fun.
Bang for the buck
I think Trinity is a great school for the money! It's a great Liberal Arts school with expanded majors which really gives you the best of both worlds! Also, the tuition, room and board, while not inexpensive, isn't as expensive as some comparable small universities that I was considering. Their academic scholarships are pretty generous if you have at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA and score pretty well on your SAT which is really nice. Trinity also has a big endowment for a small school, so the money is there for both academic and need-based scholarships.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
As a freshman, at convocation, you walk up to the top of the Bell Tower to shake the University President's hand. You do this again when you graduate which is pretty cool.
Great for these types of students
Smart, hard working, outgoing, friendly, and accepting of others.
Clubs and Activities
Greek Life, Outdoor Recreation, and Young Life - these are the activities I'm involved with. There are so many clubs here that everybody will surely find at least one that they connect with.
Greek Life
Not as intense as big state schools, but still a pretty active presence on campus with a lot of really fun people. You can participate in Greek Life or not and, either way, you'll have a great time!
Campus Safety
Campus safety is good. I've never felt threatened or afraid anywhere on campus and campus police are always closeby, if needed. I do recommend going around with friends, just to be safe.

Angela from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A beautiful campus filled with supportive professors and driven students is what you will find here. There are so many opportunities for any interest you may have. A fine choice when making the big decision of where you will attend university.
Tips for prospective students
If you're unsure of what you want to study, Trinity University offers so much flexibility and opportunity for discovery. The Common Curriculum they have is also designed to introduce subjects you have never considered looking at, but may want to study even more once you are more familiar.
Academic Rigor
Trinity makes small class sizes a priority. Students are able to meet the high standards set by the university when given the attention they are able to receive from professors. These standards help to promote a strong understanding of the subjects being taught.
Dorm Life
If you're scared about living away from home from the first time, know that Trinity's first year area works to build a support system for incoming freshmen. This support system puts you into contact with a caring Resident Mentor, who works with residents to ensure an enjoyable transition into dorm life. Not to mention, the dorms are all spacious and in close proximity to the dining hall.
Food and Dining
Eating at Trinity isn't sure to leave you feeling like you're in a rut. Mabee Dining Hall features varieties of food that span from hamburgers to vegan stir fry. There are also a variety of options located on campus, most notably the Commons, where a mall food court meets a college campus.
What to do for fun
Located just minutes from downtown San Antonio, there's so much you can do if you just get off campus and explore the city. Whether you want authentic Mexican food, want to enjoy stand-up comedy, or quote along to your favorite movie playing at the Alamo Drafthouse, there's always something to do in your free time! The city of San Antonio is also home to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, for those who are thrill seekers.
Great for these types of students
If you're unsure of your major, and want an environment that supports exploration, Trinity is a great place to do that exploring. The way your advisor works along with you in making those choices is more personal than the attention you would receive at a large state school made up of thousands of students.
Campus Safety
Trinity is home to safety conscious students and faculty. Should you leave your things at cubicle in the library during a long study session to take a bathroom break, your things will be where you left them when you return. Dorms require electronic key card access, helping to keep students secure in knowing their living spaces remain unbreached.

Margaret from Omaha, NE

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Trinity University has challenged me as a student, an athlete, and a young adult. Throughout my experiences thus far, I have learned life-long lessons and developed friendships and connections with individuals who will be an integral part of my future. I am grateful to attend such a prestigious university that offers academic rigor and opportunity to all of its students and alumni.
Tips for prospective students
I suggest that students apply for as many scholarship opportunities as possible before their first fall semester, because costs add up very quickly. Another tip is to develop strong relationships with all of your professors, especially if said professors are knowledgable and well-respected, both on campus and off campus. Finally, get involved on campus as much as possible, whether it be athletics, volunteer work, Greek life, or simply attending campus activities.
Academic Rigor
The academic caliber of Trinity University is not only recognized in the surrounding area of San Antonio, TX, but nationally and internationally. After graduating from the very competitive and rigorous high school I attended, most students felt well-prepared for their first several college courses. Though I felt prepared, I still found classes at Trinity to be an intellectual challenge. I was required to put in long hours of studying and dedicate most of my time to schoolwork, which is more than many of my past high school classmates can say. This is what makes me feel that the academics at Trinity University are superior to many other schools across the nation.
Dorm Life
The dormitories at Trinity University are very well-kept, especially in the first-year and sophomore quads. They offer laundry, trash and recycling services, as well as a sort of housekeeping service for bathroom sanitation and dorm room vacuuming.
Food and Dining
This is tough to rate, due to the fact that I have eaten at very few dining halls outside of Trinity University. However, post-renovation, Trinity's dining service has proven to be pretty good. They offer a large variety of cuisine and always offer vegetarian/vegan, delicatessen, pasta, and homestyle service among others.
What to do for fun
Trinity does a fantastic job of providing on- and off-campus opportunities for students and individuals in the surrounding area. They encourage everyone to participate as much as possible, especially in a student's first year on campus. There's something to do on campus almost every week night, be it a movie screening or a distinguished lecture series.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Cat alliance is a group of students who volunteer to feed, water, and care for the stray cats that are located all over campus. That's a weird tradition, mainly because there aren't many campuses that even host stray cats on campus....
Great for these types of students
Academically-inclined students who also like to be social on the weekends. It is also great for students who want to participate in athletics, because school always comes first. This way, students can play and stay in shape while focusing on the pursuit of their degree.
Campus Safety
I have never once felt threatened on campus. The area is very secure and campus is located in a safe neighborhood.

Robert from Austin, TX

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great School! Has terrific law school. Great education and easy to get in to.
Academic Rigor
Hard Classes but worth it.
Dorm Life
NICEST DORMS!!!
Food and Dining
Food was ok, but who cares!
Greek Life
Crazy good

Celia from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Trinity has a beautiful campus filled with wonderful people. The entire staff is dedicated to making students comfortable and enabling them in their research. All around, it is a great place to be.
Tips for prospective students
NSO can be a bit overwhelming, but overall it is a fun experience. Don't be uptight and just let yourself go with the flow!
Academic Rigor
Trinity is a very challenging university, but any degree you receive will be well earned and well respected.
Dorm Life
The dorms are very spacious and fairly nice. Even the older dorms are pleasant. Sound and light are an issue though so I'd suggest bringing ear plugs and eye covers.
Food and Dining
The food is okay at the dining hall, but there are plenty of good restaurants in the surrounding area.
What to do for fun
The library is a nice place to relax, and one could also swim to cool down some afternoon. Walks around campus are pleasant, and if none of that fits your fancy you'll be in the center of a very large city!

Taylor from Colleyville, TX

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Trinity University is a challenging school and most of the people that attend it are intelligent and ambitious. It is in a great city that is full of cultural opportunities. The professors are also very knowledgeable and really enjoy teaching and helping students.
Tips for prospective students
Expect to work hard for your grades. You don't have the luxury of slacking at Trinity.
Academic Rigor
The courses, for the most part, are challenging. There is no honors college but the work I do in my classes is oftentimes harder than the work my friends are doing in honors classes at other schools.
Dorm Life
The dorms are AMAZING at Trinity! The rooms are large and well lit. There is tons of storage. Every room at Trinity either has a balcony or opens to an outdoor walkway. Downsides some of the carpet in the older rooms is gross and the walls are very thin, so you can hear everything going on.
Food and Dining
Einstein Brothers and Coates have good food. Mabee has items that are always good, like their mac and cheese, curries, and tacos but overall is not very good.
What to do for fun
The rooms are big enough where it is very easy to host a big group of friends in your room for a movie/game night or just sitting around talking. We sometimes go out to clubs to dance. The theater department puts on a lot of shows throughout the year that are almost always great. But overall, San Antonio is a huge city with tons to do during the weekend.
Bang for the buck
A very good school but it is by no means cheap.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On your birthday your friends will throw you into the fountain. The most unusual tradition we have though is on halloween night guys will streak through campus covered in baby powder. Its called Calvert Ghosts.
Great for these types of students
Great for smart, hardworking students
Clubs and Activities
There are a ton of clubs on Trinity's campus and if you cant find one you like it is easy to create one.
Greek Life
The greek organizations on campus are fun to be part of and all, but one fraternity, are local organizations. There are no greek houses so if you are looking for the movie version of greek life, Trinity isn't the place.
Campus Safety
Campus is well lite and safe. I often walk back to my dorm from the library late at night and I have never felt unsafe.

Lyndsay from Portland, OR

a past student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
The art program has many fantastic resources and all of the professors are wonderful.
Did enjoy being here
So many nice people and everyone has a variety of interests, though there is a sizable party scene.
Bang for the buck
Very expensive but Trinity is wonderful about scholarships and financial aid.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved to make your experience worthwhile, but don't just check out the parties--there are a lot of amazing clubs and people who aren't involved in the party scene. If you make a big effort with your school work (and there will be quite a lot of it) and get to know your professors, it will pay off.
Great for these types of students
Well-rounded go-getters, people who are organized and hardworking but also know how to have fun.