Union College in Schenectady, New York, and Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, are both private liberal arts colleges known for their rich histories and small campus settings. Each school provides a wide undergraduate education but has unique features in academics, admissions standards, student life, faculty involvement, financial aid, and post-graduate success. Both colleges have a similar student population, with around 2,100 undergraduates enrolled at each. They focus on fostering close-knit learning communities. This essay compares Union and Trinity in important areas, pointing out both similarities and differences based on data and stories from the institutions.


Academics and Curriculum

Curricular Offerings: Union College and Trinity College share a foundation in the liberal arts tradition, but they have different academic focuses. Union combines liberal arts with engineering and technical fields, showcasing an interdisciplinary approach. It is one of the few liberal arts colleges that offers full engineering programs, such as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, alongside humanities and sciences. Trinity College also provides a liberal arts curriculum but tends to emphasize social sciences and humanities. However, it does offer engineering, albeit on a smaller scale. In fact, Trinity is among a select group of liberal arts colleges with accredited engineering degrees, graduating about 28 engineering majors in 2022. Trinity’s most popular undergraduate majors are often in Political Science, Economics, and Psychology, highlighting its strengths in social sciences. By contrast, Union’s top majors also include Economics and Political Science, with a significant group in Mechanical Engineering, having 40 graduates in 2022, along with other STEM fields. Both colleges promote interdisciplinary study; for example, Union has programs that merge science and engineering with the humanities, and Trinity offers interdisciplinary majors like International Studies.

Academic Calendar and Special Programs: A key difference is Union’s trimester system, which consists of three terms each academic year, compared to Trinity’s traditional semester system. Union’s trimester calendar gives students more flexibility for internships, research projects, or study abroad during off-terms. Trinity follows a semester schedule common among many colleges, while leveraging its location and partnerships to offer unique academic experiences, such as urban studies and policy research in Hartford. Trinity also operates a study-away campus in Rome, Italy, which provides students with broader global perspectives through an immersive international program. This Rome campus plays a central role in Trinity’s global education focus and aligns with its strengths in political science and international studies. In contrast, Union is known for its strong undergraduate research program and a long history of involving students in faculty research dating back decades. Both colleges have high student participation in study abroad programs and independent research, reflecting a shared commitment to experiential learning within a liberal arts framework.

Distinctive Academic Initiatives: Union’s curriculum closely integrates engineering and computer science with liberal arts, making it somewhat unique among peer colleges. This interdisciplinary approach allows a Union student to major in mechanical engineering while still experiencing a broad liberal arts core. This educational philosophy emphasizes producing well-rounded graduates in technical fields. In contrast, Trinity focuses on using its urban setting for academic enhancement. Many Trinity courses and programs involve Hartford-based internships, community learning, and research on urban issues. Trinity’s curriculum also includes a significant global learning component, with many students studying abroad, including the program in Rome, and partnerships that connect real-world learning with academics. Both colleges maintain low student-to-faculty ratios, around 9:1, ensuring small class sizes and personal attention. This setup allows faculty at both institutions to closely mentor undergraduates. In summary, both Union and Trinity provide rigorous liberal arts education, but Union is notable for its engineering and technical offerings within a trimester calendar, whereas Trinity takes advantage of its city location and global programs to enhance the liberal arts experience.‍


Admissions Selectivity and Student Profile

‍Selectivity and Admission Rates: Both Union and Trinity are selective colleges, but Trinity has become more competitive in recent years. For the fall 2024 entering class (Trinity’s Class of 2028), Trinity College received about 7,600 applications and accepted around 29% of applicants, placing it in the more selective category nationally. Union College’s admissions for the fall 2025 cycle (Class of 2029) had an acceptance rate of about 43-44%, meaning Union’s admit rate is higher and less selective compared to Trinity’s. This difference is also reflected in standard academic measures: the middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students are about 1370-1490 at Union and around 1300-1440 at Trinity (for those who submit scores). In practice, both schools attract students with strong academic credentials, and Trinity’s enrolled students have a slightly higher testing profile on average. It is worth noting that Trinity has been test-optional since 2015, and only about one-third of its freshmen submit SAT/ACT scores, which can make direct score comparisons imprecise. Nonetheless, both colleges have incoming classes with high academic achievement in high school, with the average GPA of incoming freshmen around the A-/A range.

Student Body Profile: The undergraduate enrollment at both institutions is small, each with just over two thousand students. Both draw students from across the country and around the world. Trinity’s student body, with approximately 2,150 students, has a high proportion of out-of-state students; over 80% of Trinity undergraduates come from outside Connecticut. Union, with around 2,100 students, also enrolls many students from outside New York, although it attracts a fair number of Northeastern students due to its location in upstate New York. Both colleges have diverse populations, though they are less ethnically varied compared to larger universities. International students make up about 10-13% of the student body at each school (Trinity about 12.6%, Union about 9.8% according to recent data). In terms of gender balance, Trinity’s student population is almost evenly split, with about 49% male and 51% female. Union has historically had a higher male percentage, around 55%, partly due to its engineering programs, which often attract more male students. However, Union has been moving toward gender balance in recent years as well. Both schools look for well-rounded students; their admissions processes consider not just grades and test scores, but also essays, recommendations, extracurricular leadership, and personal qualities. Trinity’s admission process is need-aware, as is Union’s, but both colleges meet the full demonstrated need for those they admit, which will be discussed in the financial aid section.

Enrollment Trends: Trinity, as a member of the NESCAC consortium of elite Northeastern liberal arts colleges, has seen steadily high application numbers and a correspondingly low admit rate, typically in the mid-20s to 30% range in recent years. Union’s admit rate in the 40% range still indicates a selective institution, but with a slightly broader intake. The yield rate, or the percentage of admitted students who enroll, tends to be higher at Trinity, around 25% in a recent year, compared to Union’s approximate 16%. This suggests that Trinity is often a top-choice school for a larger share of its admitted students. This could be due to Trinity’s slightly higher ranking and perhaps the appeal of its urban location and NESCAC affiliation. In terms of rankings and reputation, both colleges are well-regarded nationally. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Trinity College among the top 40 national liberal arts colleges, with Union College not far behind, around 40th. Both are sometimes referred to as "Little Ivies," highlighting their academic rigor and prestige in the Northeast. Overall, Trinity’s admissions are somewhat more competitive, but both institutions attract high-achieving students who are passionate about a liberal arts education.


Student Life and Campus Culture

‍Residential Life and Campus Community: Both Union and Trinity offer a residential college experience, with most students living on or near campus and actively participating in campus life. Union College is in Schenectady, a small city in upstate New York. Trinity College is located in Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. Despite Hartford's urban feel, Trinity's campus stands out with collegiate gothic architecture and green quads. Students often say it feels like a contained community within the city. Trinity uses its urban location to encourage students to connect with the city through internships, community service, and social activities. The closeness to state government offices, businesses, and cultural venues in a capital city is a significant advantage for Trinity students, especially for those interested in public policy, urban issues, or community involvement. On the other hand, Union's setting in Schenectady is more small-town and campus-focused. While Schenectady has a historic downtown and is part of New York's Capital Region, Union students usually center their social and extracurricular activities on campus or in the immediate college area.

Union features a unique Minerva House system, which creates a residential community centered around intellectual and social engagement. Every Union student and faculty member belongs to one of seven Minerva Houses, serving as centers for events, discussions, and socializing across class years. The Minerva Houses host lectures, dinners, and intramural competitions, strengthening Union’s sense of community and providing an inclusive alternative to traditional fraternities and sororities. This system is somewhat similar to residential college systems at universities like Yale, giving each student an immediate community. Trinity does not have a similar house system; its students typically build a community through dorm living (first-years reside in designated halls) and involvement in co-curricular organizations.

Greek Life and Social Scene: A key difference in campus social life is the role of Greek life. Both colleges have fraternities and sororities, but their impact varies. Trinity College has a Greek system with a long history of over 165 years and currently about 13 organizations that involve roughly 20% of the student body. This means one in five Trinity students joins a fraternity or sorority, contributing to social events, traditions, and philanthropy on campus. Trinity is one of the few NESCAC liberal arts colleges that still has an active Greek life, while several peers have reduced or eliminated their Greek systems. That said, the social scene at Trinity also includes athletics, student clubs, and outings in Hartford; students not involved in Greek life still find plenty of social opportunities.

Union College has historically seen an even larger portion of students actively participating in Greek life, earning it the nickname “Mother of Fraternities” since many 19th-century American fraternities started at Union. In recent years, nearly half of Union's eligible students, primarily sophomores and above, have joined fraternities or sororities, but recent reports indicate a decline in Greek involvement. In the early 2000s, Union's administration reformed Greek housing and introduced the Minerva Houses to ensure social life wasn't solely focused on Greek life. Now, only sophomores, juniors, and seniors can join Greek organizations at Union, with about 30-40% of these students participating (this figure changes yearly). As a result, Union offers a dual social system: students can engage in Greek life, join a Minerva, or participate in both. Many Union students find the campus atmosphere quite inclusive; even those not in fraternities often attend open campus events and parties hosted by Minervas or student clubs. Students frequently express that Union has “a strong sense of community” that goes beyond social group boundaries. In contrast, Trinity's social scene is more traditional, with a core group of students involved in Greek life and off-campus parties. However, numerous events such as speakers, art performances, and campus festivities unite the entire student body.

Extracurricular Opportunities: Both colleges provide a wide range of extracurricular activities typical of residential liberal arts colleges. Each school has hundreds of student clubs and organizations, covering academic societies, cultural and identity groups, performing arts, and special interest clubs. Trinity’s urban location allows unique opportunities like volunteering in city schools, internships with government offices or businesses in Hartford, and partnerships with local organizations. For example, Trinity students can intern with the State Legislature or nonprofits, gaining practical experience alongside their studies. Union also supports internships and maintains strong connections with industries in the Capital District, including technology and finance sectors in Albany and Schenectady. Many Union students engage in research with faculty or use the longer winter break afforded by the trimester system for internships elsewhere.

Athletics: In athletics, both colleges compete in NCAA Division III for most sports, highlighting a balance between athletics and academics. Trinity is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), known for combining strong athletics with rigorous academics. Trinity's athletic teams (nicknamed the Bantams) have a strong history in sports like squash, men’s squash being known for its national dominance, as well as lacrosse and hockey. Conversely, Union competes in the Liberty League for Division III sports. However, Union's men’s and women’s ice hockey teams compete at the Division I level in the ECAC Hockey conference. Union’s men’s hockey team notably won the NCAA Division I national championship in 2014, a remarkable feat for a small college. This makes hockey games at Union a significant aspect of campus life and school spirit, more so than at many liberal arts colleges. Aside from hockey, most other sports at Union (soccer, basketball, etc.) are Division III, comparable in intensity to Trinity’s programs. Generally, athletics play an important role in student life at both schools. A significant number of students are varsity athletes, and many others participate in club or intramural sports. School spirit is present but modest; students take pride in their schools, even if the atmosphere is not on the same scale as larger universities.

In summary, student life at Union and Trinity provides a lively residential experience, but with different characteristics. Union's campus life centers around living-learning communities (Minerva Houses), a historically strong but evolving Greek life, and the charm of a small upstate town, highlighted by a passion for hockey and campus traditions. Trinity's student life benefits from its urban setting, where students enjoy both a close-knit collegiate environment and the cultural and social opportunities in Hartford, combining traditional college social elements with community engagement. Both colleges nurture tight-knit communities where undergraduates make lasting friendships, and alumni maintain strong loyalty.


Faculty and Teaching

‍Faculty Credentials and Accessibility: Both Union and Trinity take pride in their excellent teaching and strong faculty-student interactions. At each college, professors, not teaching assistants, handle nearly all courses, including introductory classes. This feature distinguishes liberal arts colleges from larger research universities. The faculty at Union and Trinity are highly qualified; most hold terminal degrees, mainly PhDs in their fields, and many engage in active research. Students at both institutions benefit from small class sizes, often averaging in the teens. This setup fosters discussion-based learning and personalized mentorship. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 at both schools, professors are easily accessible, often extending learning beyond the classroom through office hours, research collaboration, and advising. 

Teaching Philosophy: Both Union and Trinity follow a liberal arts teaching philosophy. Faculty are seen as teacher-scholars who value undergraduate education. Trinity College’s mission emphasizes close faculty-student engagement; professors often involve students in research projects, especially in the sciences and social sciences, where students may act as research assistants or co-authors. Union College also has a strong tradition of undergraduate research; it was among the first liberal arts colleges to establish formal research opportunities for undergraduates in the early 20th century. This legacy continues, requiring all students to complete a senior capstone project or thesis in many majors. Faculty at Union mentor students through these capstone experiences one-on-one. For instance, an engineering student at Union could collaborate closely with an engineering professor on a design project, while a history major might write an honors thesis under a professor’s guidance. Trinity encourages similar senior exercises in many departments, although it is not mandatory for all majors.

Research and Academic Opportunities: While neither Union nor Trinity primarily serves as a research university, both colleges secure grants and funding to support faculty research, which in turn offers opportunities for undergraduates. For example, science faculty at both schools often have NSF or NIH-supported research projects that involve students. Union’s focus on engineering and science allows students to engage in laboratory research in areas like bioengineering or neuroscience and present their findings at Union’s annual undergraduate research symposium. Trinity, with its strong social science faculty, offers students chances to conduct field research, such as data collection and analysis on urban issues in Hartford or archival work in Trinity’s Watkinson Library, known for its rare books and manuscripts collection. Faculty frequently act as formal academic advisors, and students at both colleges mention their close relationships with professors as a highlight of their education.

Faculty Diversity and Community: Both colleges have made strides to diversify their faculty in recent years, aiming to recruit scholars from diverse backgrounds and improve inclusive teaching methods. Each institution has active faculty development programs focused on enhancing teaching techniques and updating course materials. With small class sizes, faculty at Union and Trinity can use interactive and innovative teaching methods like seminars, project-based courses, and tutorial-style classes. Trinity offers small enrollment seminars similar to Oxford/Cambridge tutorials, and Union’s terms allow for immersive courses. Evaluating teaching quality plays a significant role in tenure and promotion at both schools, indicating that teaching standards are taken seriously.

In summary, students at Union College and Trinity College receive a highly personalized education from dedicated professors. The student-faculty ratio is effectively the same, around 9:1, with both institutions prioritizing teaching excellence. Union might have a slight advantage with its strong faculty in engineering and applied sciences, reflecting its interdisciplinary mission. In contrast, Trinity excels in public policy and international studies, benefiting from its connection to Hartford and global programs. Nevertheless, both colleges ensure that undergraduates learn from professors who know them by name, closely mentor them, and adequately prepare them for careers or graduate studies through challenging coursework and research experiences.
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Financial Aid and Affordability

‍Tuition Costs: Trinity and Union are private colleges with high tuition and fees, but they also offer significant financial aid. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board, ranges from $85,000 to $90,000 per year at each school. Trinity’s total fee is about $89,660 for 2025–26, while Union’s is around $89,316 for the same year. These amounts can change slightly each year. Such costs are similar, reflecting the financial realities of small liberal arts colleges, which include faculty-intensive teaching and campus maintenance. However, very few families actually pay the full price because of financial aid.

Need-Based Aid Policies: Both Trinity College and Union College fully meet the financial needs of admitted students. This is an important similarity that increases accessibility. If a student gets accepted but cannot afford the full cost, each college provides a financial aid package that includes grants, work-study, and limited loans to cover the difference between the total cost and the Expected Family Contribution. For example, Union states that it meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students who submit all required financial aid materials by the deadlines. Trinity has a similar approach; while it considers financial need during admissions, it guarantees to fully meet the demonstrated need of admitted students. This places both schools among a select few colleges in the U.S. that are committed to affordability.

Scholarships and Aid Distribution: About two-thirds of undergraduates at these colleges receive need-based grants or scholarships. Trinity reports that roughly 66% of its students receive such aid, with average need-based grants often exceeding $50,000. Union has about 60% of its students on aid and also offers merit scholarships to top applicants, with around 25% of students receiving merit awards. Trinity mainly provides need-based aid, with limited merit scholarships, as its policy focuses on meeting financial need. The average net cost after aid shows the impact: Trinity’s average net cost for aided students is about $30,000 to $33,000 per year, while Union’s is about $39,000 to $41,000. This indicates that Trinity may help lower and middle-income families more, possibly due to a larger endowment per student or financial aid budget. As of 2023, Trinity’s endowment is around $790 million, which is higher than Union’s $500 million to $600 million, enabling strong aid offers. Both colleges participate in federal aid programs and have their own grant funds, ensuring that students do not have to take on significant loans; loan portions in aid packages are relatively small to keep debt manageable.

Both Union and Trinity also promote socioeconomic diversity through their aid programs. They actively recruit students from various economic backgrounds, including partnerships with organizations that support first-generation college students. Their full-need-met policies mean that admitted students from low-income families can attend with most costs covered. For middle-income families, aid policies often reduce costs to levels comparable to in-state public universities in some cases.

Merit Aid Differences: One key difference is merit scholarships. Union College, in addition to need-based aid, automatically considers all applicants for merit scholarships based on academic excellence. These merit awards at Union range from $10,000 to $46,000 per year for outstanding students. About a quarter of Union students receive merit aid, which helps families who may not qualify for need-based support. On the other hand, Trinity College traditionally offers very few merit scholarships, which is typical for NESCAC colleges that prioritize need-based aid. Although Trinity appears in some “best merit aid” lists, suggesting it may have a limited number of merit awards or special scholarships, the primary basis for aid at Trinity is still financial need.

In conclusion, while both colleges may seem expensive, they provide strong financial aid that makes them affordable for admitted students. Both Trinity and Union fully meet demonstrated need, which gives assurance to those who require financial support. Families considering these schools should use the colleges’ net price calculators to estimate aid, as actual costs vary based on individual circumstances. Neither college intends for cost to prevent accepted students from enrolling, showing a significant commitment to affordability at both Union and Trinity.


Post-Graduate Outcomes and Alumni Success
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A key measure of a college’s impact is the success of its graduates. Both Union College and Trinity College have strong post-graduate outcomes, with many alumni finding employment, attending graduate or professional school, or pursuing other meaningful paths at high rates.

Graduation Rates: Both schools have high graduation rates, which reflect student success and satisfaction. Union’s overall six-year graduation rate is around 85%, meaning most students finish their degree on time or with just one extra year. Trinity’s six-year graduation rate is similarly in the mid-80s, around 84 to 85%. These rates are well above national averages and show a supportive academic environment, as each college retains about 90% of first-year students into their second year. Essentially, if a student attends Trinity or Union, they have a very high chance of earning their degree on time.

Career and Graduate School Outcomes: Surveys of recent graduates show that within 6 to 12 months after graduation, most alumni from both colleges are engaged in their careers or pursuing further education. Trinity College recently reported that for the Class of 2024, 95.2% of graduates had secured a “first destination” (full-time employment, graduate school, military service, or volunteer work) within six months after graduation. This outcome rate is impressive and compares well with some of the top colleges in the country. Over two-thirds of Trinity’s graduates were employed full-time, and about one-quarter were enrolled in graduate or professional school within six months. Trinity’s Career and Life Design Center provides extensive support, which alumni credit for helping them achieve these results.

Union College’s outcomes are also strong. While the exact percentage varies by class year, typically over 90% of Union graduates are employed or in graduate studies within one year of graduation, many within the six-month mark. For instance, a survey of the Class of 2019 showed about 72% employed and 18% in graduate school within six months, with only a small percentage still seeking opportunities. Union’s alumni have high acceptance rates to graduate and professional programs, including medical and law schools, reflecting the rigorous preparation they receive. Common career fields for graduates include finance, consulting, engineering, education, healthcare, and public service. For example, Trinity notes that a significant portion of each class enters business and finance roles (about 46% of recent classes began careers in business, consulting, finance, or real estate), while others go into government, nonprofits, or education. Union, with its mix of liberal arts and engineering, sees many graduates entering engineering, tech industries, finance, and consulting, among other areas.

Alumni Earnings and Career Trajectory: Graduates of Union and Trinity tend to do well in the job market in terms of earnings and career advancement. Both colleges produce alumni with median early-career salaries around $51,000 per year, which is strong for liberal arts college graduates and above national averages for new college graduates. This similarity in median salary (Trinity’s median alumni salary is approximately $51,300; Union’s is also $51,300) suggests that employers value degrees from both institutions equally and that both groups of alumni enter similarly rewarding fields. Furthermore, both colleges have notable alumni networks. Trinity’s alumni are recognized for long-term career success—Trinity was highlighted in LinkedIn’s rankings for career outcomes, and its alumni network often helps new graduates find opportunities. Union alumni also report high career satisfaction, with over 85% expressing satisfaction in surveys, and many achieve leadership roles early in their careers.

Graduate and Professional School Placement: Union and Trinity have strong records of placing students in top graduate programs. Many Trinity graduates each year go on to prestigious universities for master’s and doctoral programs. A recent Trinity report highlighted graduates enrolling at Columbia, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and other elite institutions for advanced degrees. Union College offers combined degree programs in areas like law and healthcare (for example, a Leadership in Medicine program in partnership with Albany Medical College), and many Union alumni pursue advanced degrees in medicine, law, engineering, and business. The rigorous liberal arts and research experiences at these colleges help students build credentials for graduate school. Additionally, both institutions provide pre-professional advising (for pre-med, pre-law, etc.) to guide students through application processes. Trinity’s location near various hospitals and its strong science programs support medical school placements, while Union’s engineering and science students often pursue graduate research degrees or enter industry directly.

Alumni Networks and Lifelong Support: An important aspect of post-grad outcomes is the alumni network. Both Trinity and Union benefit from dedicated alumni who often give back through mentorship and recruitment. Trinity’s alumni network, particularly strong in the Northeast, provides internships and entry-level job connections for students. For instance, Trinity hosts alumni-driven “Career Trek” programs and mentoring networks in industries like finance and communications. Union’s alumni network is likewise engaged; many alumni sponsor internships or hiring pipelines, and Union’s Career Center organizes networking events that connect current students with alumni in various fields. The relatively small size of each alumni group, due to the limited graduating classes each year, helps create a sense of community. Graduates often feel a bond with their fellow alumni, which can lead to a willingness to assist newcomers in their field.

In conclusion, both Union College and Trinity College produce graduates with excellent outcomes. High graduation and placement rates highlight the effectiveness of their undergraduate education. Trinity’s slightly higher immediate placement rate (95% compared to roughly 90%+ at Union) is commendable, but both institutions successfully prepare their students for life after college. Whether a student aims to enter the workforce, attend a competitive graduate program, or join a service organization, Union and Trinity offer the preparation and support needed to achieve these goals. Alumni from both schools move on to fulfilling careers and maintain connections to their colleges, reflecting the lasting value of the education they received.


Conclusion

Union College and Trinity College are two examples of the liberal arts college experience. They share many common characteristics, but each offers unique features that set them apart. Academically, both provide a broad and deep education for undergraduates. However, Union stands out by combining engineering and science with liberal arts on a trimester schedule. In contrast, Trinity focuses on urban-global experiential learning within a liberal arts framework. 

In terms of admissions, Trinity is more selective than Union. Still, both colleges attract highly talented students and are well-regarded in national rankings. Student life is vibrant and residential at both colleges. Trinity offers an urban-campus experience with a moderate Greek life presence, along with a history of athletic and community involvement. Union fosters a close-knit community supported by the Minerva House system, a historically significant (if evolving) Greek scene, and excitement from Division I hockey. 

Faculty at both schools are dedicated mentors and educators. They maintain low student-faculty ratios and provide plenty of opportunities for undergraduate research and personalized learning. The financial aid policies at Union and Trinity show a commitment to access and equity. Both meet full demonstrated need, and Union also offers merit awards, making these expensive institutions more affordable for students from diverse economic backgrounds. 

Both Union and Trinity boast strong outcomes for their graduates. They have high graduation rates and successful placements in jobs and graduate programs. Alumni benefit from the skills and networks they develop during their college years. 

For prospective students choosing between Union College and Trinity College, the decision may come down to personal preference regarding environment and specific programs. Those interested in engineering or a smaller city environment might lean toward Union. In contrast, those looking for a traditional liberal arts education in an urban setting might choose Trinity. Importantly, neither option compromises quality. Both colleges provide a rigorous education with close faculty interaction and support for holistic growth. 

Ultimately, Union and Trinity share a common goal: to educate undergraduates broadly and deeply so they can become informed and responsible leaders in their careers and communities. This comparison shows that both Union College and Trinity College are exceptional institutions for undergraduates, each with its unique character, while delivering experiences reflective of educational excellence. The choice between them depends on which features best match a student’s aspirations. In either case, students can expect a transformative four-year journey that is academically challenging, well supported, and prepares them for lifelong success.


References 

• Union College Office of Admissions – Class of 2029 profile (acceptance rate, test ranges, yield, enrollment)
https://www.union.edu/admissions/union
• Trinity College Office of Admissions – Class of 2028 quick facts (selectivity, SAT/ACT ranges, demographics)
https://www.trincoll.edu/Admissions/apply/first-year/class-profile
• U.S. News & World Report 2025 – Union College overview (ranking, student-faculty ratio, engineering program rank)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/union-college-2894
• U.S. News & World Report 2025 – Trinity College overview (national liberal-arts rank, 6-year graduation rate)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/trinity-college-1427
• National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) 2023-24 – head-count enrollment, retention, cost of attendance, financial-aid volume
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=union+college&id=196155
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=trinity+college&id=130607
• Union College Common Data Set 2023-24 – detailed admit rate, test scores, first-gen & Pell shares, 6-month outcomes
https://www.union.edu/common-data-set
• Trinity College Common Data Set 2023-24 – admit rate, yield, student-body composition, placement statistics
https://www.trincoll.edu/AboutTrinity/offices/presidentsoffice/institutionalresearchandassessment/common-data-set
• PayScale College Salary Report 2024 – early- and mid-career median salaries, ROI comparisons
https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report
• Union College Steinmetz Symposium page – 80 % undergraduate research participation figure
https://www.union.edu/steinmetz-symposium
• Trinity College Center for Hartford Engagement & Global Education – Rome campus enrollment, Hartford internship statistics
https://www.trincoll.edu/Centers/CenterForHartfordEngagement
https://www.trincoll.edu/Academics/Centers/RomeCampus