Fastest-growing Indiana private school

Trine's enrollment climbs higher

ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University’s enrollment numbers continue to climb, and administrators are projecting that the Allen School of Engineering & Technology will see its largest student enrollment in 30 years.

Trine’s School of Professional Studies, which serves working professionals, is also anticipating at least 3 percent growth this fall, which would bring Trine’s total enrollment to nearly 2,400 students, the highest in the school’s history.

“We have been recognized as the fastest-growing private institution in the state over the last five years with 68 percent growth, and it looks as though our efforts to grow and diversify our student body are paying off,” said Trine University president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “We are especially pleased with the growth of our nationally recognized engineering school.”

The continued increase – especially in the engineering school – is directly related to improved retention over the past six years. In addition, Trine is welcoming an incoming class of approximately 480 freshmen from the United States and abroad, as well as nearly 30 transfer students.

Financial assistance also played a distinct role in retaining and attracting quality students. The university, again, increased its amount of institutional aid for students to more than $20 million annually. For the 2012-2013 academic year, according to the financial aid office, each student is receiving an average gift (from all sources) of $22,549, dropping the cost to roughly $5,000 per year or $7,200 per year for engineering students.

“We are excited to have such dedicated donors who make scholarships possible for our deserving students,” Brooks said. “When you take into account scholarships, grants and institutional aid, our average cost can be less than the cost of an education at public universities such as Indiana, Purdue, Ball State and Indiana State.”

Brooks also pointed to the success of Trine’s graduates as a reason for the increase. In 2011, 91 percent of graduates found meaningful employment or entered graduate school within six months of graduation. This year, Trine’s administration expects a higher job-placement rate, as companies continue to recruit students on campus and offer internship and co-op opportunities.  Additionally, more graduates are pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at prestigious institutions across the country.

In addition, 700 students took classes online or on Trine’s main campus this summer, which was the largest number of students in 15 years. 

“Our numbers indicated that students are continuing to see the benefits of a quality, affordable Trine education,” Brooks said. “We hope to continue to impact the community, students and their families in meaningful ways.”

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.