Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Trinity College
- George Washington Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 17
- Trinity Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Trinity College offers a significantly safer investment tier. While George Washington University achieves a higher graduation rate (85% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,586 compared to Trinity College's $34,832 for in-state paths. Students who choose Trinity College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $90,779 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Trinity College
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
Trinity
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,832, roughly $1,754 a year less
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Trinity in Social Sciences (38%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick George Washington University over Trinity College. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $90,779.
Pick Trinity College over George Washington University. Net price $34,832 vs $36,586.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Trinity College are close on paper, but George Washington University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Trinity College is the harder admit. It takes 29% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,415.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Trinity College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Trinity College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,832, about $1,754 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,016 before any change in aid. Choosing Trinity College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $90,779 at Trinity College. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Trinity College to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Trinity College saves about $1,754 a year, yet George Washington University graduates earn $94 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Trinity College leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Trinity College's 2,146.
- Business and consulting-track students: Trinity College has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Washington offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Trinity does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Trinity, where only about 13% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Trinity College
Hartford, CT · Private nonprofit
Trinity College has a graduation rate of 83%. This strong figure indicates that most students successfully complete their degrees, reflecting a supportive environment for academic achievement. With an acceptance rate of 29%, the college attracts a competitive pool of applicants, making it a selective option for students.
According to recent data, Trinity College does not have specific metrics reported for mobility or economic connectedness. However, students can expect a solid return on investment, with graduates earning an average of $90,779 within ten years of completing their degree. This suggests that a Trinity education can lead to favorable financial outcomes, particularly for those in high-demand fields like social sciences, biology, and engineering.
The net price for attending Trinity College stands at $34,832, while the median debt among graduates is $23,000. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious and engaged, seeking a liberal arts education that prepares them for diverse career paths. With a relatively low Pell Grant rate of 14%, the college primarily serves students who are financially stable and ready to invest in their futures.
Rankings They Appear On
George Washington University is featured on the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 33% of George Washington's student body and 38% of Trinity's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Trinity).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Trinity College concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Trinity College?
Trinity College is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Trinity College?
Trinity College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,832 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do George Washington University or Trinity College graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,779 at Trinity College.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Trinity College?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 83%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Trinity College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Trinity College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do George Washington and Trinity stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
