Trinity Washington University logo

Trinity Washington University

Washington, DC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1897
Founded
Private university
Type
1,800
Total Students
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Patricia McGuire

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington empowers women through pioneering education and diverse professional pathways since 1897.

Trinity Washington University stands as a beacon of educational innovation, particularly for women. Founded in 1897 as the nation's first Catholic liberal arts college exclusively for women, Trinity has a proud legacy of empowering its students. It's known for its deep historical roots in women's higher education and its dynamic evolution to meet the needs of diverse communities.

For over seven decades, Trinity dedicated itself to educating middle-class Catholic women, a group often underrepresented in higher education. As the landscape shifted, Trinity demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Under the visionary leadership of presidents like Donna Jurick, who pioneered a weekend college for working women in the early 1980s—the first of its kind in Washington D.C.—and later, alumna Patricia McGuire, Trinity transformed. It strategically expanded its outreach to Black and Hispanic women, further solidifying its commitment to inclusion and access.

Today, Trinity offers a robust academic portfolio structured across three distinct schools. The historic College of Arts and Sciences maintains its liberal arts tradition, while the School of Education prepares future leaders in teaching. The thriving School of Professional Studies caters specifically to adult learners and those seeking career advancement, reflecting Trinity's innovative approach to higher education. Students at Trinity join a vibrant, supportive community that values both academic excellence and practical, career-focused learning, making it an ideal choice for women seeking an empowering and relevant education.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1897 as the nation's first Catholic liberal arts college for women.
  • Pioneered the first weekend college for working women in Washington, D.C., in the early 1980s.
  • Led by alumna Patricia McGuire, who became college president in 1989.
  • Successfully expanded enrollment in professional schools from 639 in 1989 to 974 in 1999.
  • Gained university status in 2004, becoming Trinity Washington University.
  • Serves a current student body of approximately 1,800 students.
  • Committed to educating diverse populations, including Black and Hispanic women from Washington, D.C.

Timeline

1897
Founded as the nation's first Catholic liberal arts college for women by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
1969
Full-time enrollment reached 1,000 students.
Early 1980s
Opened a groundbreaking weekend college for working women from the District of Columbia.
1989
Patricia McGuire, an alumna, became college president; full-time enrollment was 300 students.
2004
Gained university status, becoming Trinity Washington University.
🏛️
129 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Trinity Washington University

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

The historic women's college, maintaining its liberal arts tradition and offering a wide range of academic programs.

📚

School of Education

A robust teacher college focused on preparing future educators and leaders in the field of education.

🏫

School of Professional Studies

Designed for adult learners and working professionals, offering continuing education and career-focused programs.

Leadership

via Wikipedia

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Trinity Washington University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search