Trinity Washington University District of Columbia

Trinity is a private, not-for-profit four-year college located in the heart of Washington, D.C. The school has a long history of serving students from underrepresented backgrounds and first-generation college students. It's a tight-knit community in an urban setting, which means you get the resources and structure of a traditional college while being embedded in one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

Trinity enrolls 1,865 students and costs $26,110 per year in tuition, with room and board adding another $11,860, bringing the total cost of attendance to $41,300 annually. The school is very accessible in terms of admissions—the acceptance rate is 99.2%—so if you're applying, you're almost certainly getting in. That said, affordability varies by individual financial aid packages, so talk to their financial aid office about what your actual out-of-pocket cost might be.

The 44.4% six-year graduation rate is below what you'd see at many four-year colleges, which suggests that Trinity's students face real challenges—whether that's financial pressure, work obligations, or academic preparation gaps. This isn't unusual for schools serving first-generation and lower-income students. Trinity is best suited for students who want an affordable D.C. education and who are motivated to succeed despite potential obstacles. The location itself is a huge asset if you're interested in internships, networking, or being in a city with endless opportunities.