Trine University

Trine University is also featured in our ranking 50 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Informatics.

BS in Computer Science and Information Technology

Trine University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology that appeals to students interested in health informatics. Health informatics is a growing field. It focuses on the ways in which professionals use computers and other forms of technology on a daily basis. These professionals are responsible for protecting and securing the databases and software that maintains patient records.

This Trine program allows students to learn through some practical experiences. It features a capstone course that students take during their senior years. They’ll work in small groups to tackle a real-life problem or situation. The university expects students to present their solution at the end of the class. Those with an interest in health informatics can focus on a serious issue that affects a health organization in this class. Trine added this requirement to the program because it wanted to better prepare students for the future.

Computer science and information technology majors must take 42 credits of required classes, including:

  • Digital Forensic Science
  • Network Security
  • Operations Research
  • Database Concepts and Applications

Data Mining and Visualization is a unique course that focuses on the growing trend of data mining. Students learn how to mine data and how to protect the data of their clients.

Trine offers a few options for those who want to study health informatics. Those students can do an independent study project or an internship. During an internship, the student will work for a company or client over the course of at least one semester. Students who do an independent study project can focus on a health informatics area such as patient confidentiality and create their own projects.

About Trine University

Trine University is a small college in Indiana that allows students to enjoy a quiet environment while living close to major cities. Located in the town of Angola, its campus is just a short drive away from both Fort Wayne and South Bend. Established as the Tri-State Normal College in 1884, its original name reflected the location of its campus. Angola is close to both Michigan and Ohio. As a normal school, it offered practical training programs for students who wanted to work as teachers. A change in its curriculum led to the school adopting a new name in 1906 of the Tri-State College. It then became Tri-State University and later Trine University. The board chose the name Trine to show that the university was a private institution and not affiliated with one specific state.

Most refer to the Angola campus as a rural campus. It has around 450 acres of land and has a number of residence halls and buildings that students use every day. Trine established some smaller campuses across the state that compete directly with larger schools in those cities. It also operates a campus in Michigan. More than 5,100 students take classes from Trine every year. The enrollment on its main campus includes more than 2,100 students. There are a number of clubs and organizations that help them have fun and make new friends.

Trine University Accreditation Details

Any student who thinks he or she might need financial aid can apply to Trine University and get aid because it has regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS). The NCACS is a division of the Higher Learning Commission. This form of accreditation is also important for transfer students and any high school graduate who earned college credits. Though Trine doesn’t have as many types of specialized accreditation as some colleges do, it does have this form of accreditation for its teaching and physical therapy degree programs.

Trine University Application Requirements

Trine University accepts around 78% of the students who apply annually. As the university has a rolling policy, it does not have an early decision or a traditional application deadline. The university will accept new students throughout the year as long as it has space. Students can use the university’s own application system or use the Common Application. Those who use the Common Application can create one account and use the same information to apply to Trine and other schools that interest them.

The only requirement that the university has beyond the application is an official test score. It will accept both ACT and SAT scores. The university recommends that students talk with an admissions counselor. They can then have the College Board submit their test scores directly to their counselors. The scores they receive on these exams can help them qualify for the merit scholarships available from the university. Trine also requires an official high school transcript or record. This record must show the student’s placement in his or her class and a grade point average. Trine will accept advanced placement and college credits that students earned in their high schools after receiving their official transcripts.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Trine estimates that incoming undergrads will pay $31,700 a year. This amount includes tuition only and does not include the technology fee that the university charges or its health fee, which allows students to use the health center on its campus. Students can take up to 18 credits and pay this same amount. Those who take any more courses will pay a $990 overload charge for each added credit that they take. Trine students will pay more than $9,000 a year for room and board, plus their personal expenses.

Once the university accepts a student, it expects that individual to put down a deposit, which the university will use to secure his or her spot. Students can cover many of their other costs with financial aid. The university will use the test scores and transcripts supplied to determine if students qualify for merit scholarships, which go to the best and the brightest. Need scholarships are available for students who cannot afford to attend the university.

Incoming Trine students must submit the FAFSA to qualify for other types of aid. This can include grants and loans from the federal government and grants from the state government. The university will use the FAFSA to determine if students qualify for need scholarships too. Trine University also allows students to use the GI Bill and their military benefits.