Head-to-Head Comparison
Trinity College vs University of San Francisco
- Trinity Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 19
- San Francisco Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Trinity College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $34,832 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, Trinity College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Trinity
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,779 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than University of San Francisco
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,832, roughly $6,599 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 29% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
San Francisco
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Trinity graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (38% of degrees); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (18%). 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 Trinity College over University of San Francisco. Median earnings of $90,779 ten years after enrollment vs $89,812.
Pick Trinity College over University of San Francisco. Net price $34,832 vs $41,431.
Pick Trinity College over University of San Francisco. 83% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Trinity College and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but Trinity College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,415 to 1,295.
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 $6,599 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $26,396 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, Trinity College graduates report median earnings of $90,779, compared with $89,812 at University of San Francisco. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Trinity College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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.
Finishing the degree
Trinity College graduates a larger share of its students, 83% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Trinity College to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Trinity College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while University of San Francisco leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Trinity College has less business program depth, and University of San Francisco offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Trinity College's $34,832.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of San Francisco's enrollment of 5,287 far exceeds Trinity College's 2,146.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
San Francisco 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) 6 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
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.
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Trinity College is featured on the Most Test-Optional-Friendly Colleges ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Trinity's top program is Sociology (38% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Trinity) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Trinity College is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions. 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 Trinity College or University of San Francisco?
Trinity College is harder to get into, admitting 29% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Trinity College or University of San Francisco?
Trinity College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,832 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Trinity College or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
Trinity College graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,779 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,812 at University of San Francisco.
Which has a better graduation rate, Trinity College or University of San Francisco?
Trinity College has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 71%.
Should you choose Trinity College or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Trinity College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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