Computer Science at Trine University sits within the Allen School of Engineering and Computing, alongside a cluster of related majors (Computer Engineering, Computer and Information Technology) that together make Trine one of the more common landing spots for international, especially Indian, students seeking a low-cost, STEM-OPT-eligible US degree. It's worth being upfront about what Trine's CS program is and isn't: it's a legitimate, regionally accredited program at an institution best known for engineering rather than computing specifically, and it does not carry the research profile or name recognition of a large public flagship. This article covers exactly what the acceptance, cost, and requirements picture looks like.
Acceptance Rate
Trine does not publish a Computer Science-specific acceptance rate, at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The only available reference point is the university-wide undergraduate figure reported by US News & World Report at roughly 86% (a third-party estimate, not an official Trine number), and there is no indication CS is admitted more selectively than the university average, since Trine's process is largely GPA- and document-based rather than program-capped.
Trine's graduate Computer Science and related master's programs (frequently taken as hybrid or online degrees by international students) similarly have no published acceptance rate; admission is evaluated against a fixed bar (bachelor's degree, transcripts, English proficiency) rather than a competitive seat-limited process.
Fees and Cost of Attendance
Undergraduate Computer Science falls under Trine's standard (non-engineering-premium) tuition rate:
| Cost item | Undergraduate (per year, 2026-2027) |
|---|---|
| Standard tuition | $37,750 |
| Mandatory fees | ~$400-$800 |
| Housing | $7,600-$8,600 |
| Meal plan | $450-$5,700 |
| Estimated total per year | ~$51,500-$53,200 |
There is no separate international tuition rate for undergraduates; a one-time $1,000 international enrollment fee applies to new international students.
Graduate Computer Science / related master's programs are billed at Trine's standard graduate rate of $575 per credit hour, with no international surcharge. A typical 30-36 credit master's therefore runs roughly $17,250-$20,700 in total tuition, notably cheap by US master's standards, which is a major part of why Trine appears on so many "affordable US STEM master's" lists for Indian applicants.
Admission Requirements
- Completed international application (undergraduate or graduate)
- Official transcripts (secondary school for undergraduate; bachelor's degree for graduate), with certified English translation if needed
- English proficiency score (see below), or a qualifying SAT/ACT sub-score for undergraduate exemption
- Passport copy and financial documentation for I-20 issuance
- GRE/GMAT are not typically required for Trine's graduate CS-related programs, one of the more accessible aspects of applying here compared to universities that still require standardized graduate tests
Trine does not publish a hard minimum GPA specifically for Computer Science; the practical bar mirrors the university's general standard, roughly a B-average (3.0/4.0) or equivalent, with basic quantitative/coding aptitude expected but not gatekept by a separate entrance exam.
How to Get Into Trine's Computer Science Program
-
Submit a complete, accurate application early. Since Trine's process is criteria-based rather than deeply comparative, the main risk to admission is an incomplete document set (missing transcripts, translations, or financial proof), not being "out-competed" the way you would be at a highly selective CS program.
-
Clear the English-proficiency bar with margin. CS coursework involves substantial written documentation, group project reports, and (at the graduate level) research or capstone writing; the bare-minimum IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 71 undergraduate floor is workable but tight, aim higher where your timeline allows.
-
If considering the graduate route, verify the current curriculum and delivery format (on-campus, hybrid, or online) directly with Trine, since Trine markets several of its graduate CS-adjacent degrees as hybrid or online programs, which affects both the F-1 visa eligibility calculus and the CPT/OPT timeline you should plan around.
-
Apply early to be considered for the International Award scholarship, awarded as part of the standard admissions review based on academic merit rather than a separate application.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
Computer Science follows Trine's standard university-wide English proficiency thresholds:
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 71 (Trine's institution code: 1811), PTE 50, or Duolingo 95
- Graduate: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 minimum per section), TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 58, or Duolingo 95
- Waiver: Undergraduate applicants are exempt if they score at least 560 on SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, or at least 21 on ACT Reading
For the full breakdown of Trine's testing policy and practical advice on aiming above the stated minimum, see Trine University's full IELTS/TOEFL guide.
Career Outcomes
Trine reports a university-wide "career outcome" rate above 99% for 13 consecutive graduating classes (employed, in further education, or military service within six months), though this is not broken out by major or for international students specifically. Geographically, Trine's outcomes skew regional, over 60% of recent graduates stayed in Indiana and over 90% in the Midwest, so CS graduates should expect a Midwest-weighted, industrial/manufacturing-adjacent tech employer base rather than a Silicon Valley or major-metro tech pipeline; Trine's Career Services office did not have a specific, named list of top tech recruiters publicly available at the time of this research.
Computer Science is a STEM-designated major, so international graduates on F-1 status qualify for the standard 12-month OPT period plus the 24-month STEM OPT extension, up to three years of total US work authorization post-graduation. For many international applicants, this OPT runway, combined with Trine's low tuition, is the entire strategic rationale for choosing the program over a more expensive, higher-prestige CS degree elsewhere.
FAQ
What is the acceptance rate for Trine's Computer Science program? Trine doesn't publish a CS-specific figure. The best available reference is the university-wide undergraduate acceptance rate of roughly 86% (a third-party US News estimate), with no indication CS is gated more tightly.
How much does a Computer Science degree at Trine cost for international students? Undergraduate: standard tuition of $37,750/year, with total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals) around $51,500-$53,200/year. Graduate: $575/credit hour, roughly $17,250-$20,700 total for a 30-36 credit master's. No international tuition surcharge applies at either level, though a one-time $1,000 international enrollment fee applies to new undergraduates.
What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for Trine's CS program? IELTS 6.0 overall or TOEFL iBT 71 for undergraduate admission; IELTS 6.5 (6.0 minimum per section) or TOEFL 79 for graduate programs.
Is the GRE required for Trine's graduate Computer Science programs? No, Trine's graduate CS-related programs typically do not require the GRE, though you should confirm current policy for your specific program before applying.
Is Trine's Computer Science program eligible for STEM OPT? Yes. It carries a STEM CIP code, qualifying graduates for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in addition to standard 12-month OPT.
Is Trine a well-known school for Computer Science specifically? Not in a research or brand-prestige sense, Trine is primarily known for engineering, and independent rankings (e.g., EduRank) place its CS program well outside the national top tier. Its practical value for CS applicants is cost and STEM-OPT eligibility, not academic prestige or a large tech-recruiting pipeline.