TrineOnline Common Questions

Choosing to pursue a degree as a busy adult is a big decision. TrineOnline staff and faculty understand the demands of your life and are available to help every step of the way. Below are answers to a few of our most common questions. If you don't see an answer you're looking for, or just want to talk through your options, feel free to use our chat option, email us or give us a call at 877-701-3343. 

Undergraduate Programs (Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees)

Undergraduate Application

Graduate Programs (Master's Degrees)

Graduate Application

Non-Degree/Guest Student (Interested in taking 1-2 classes with TrineOnline?)

Non-Degree/Guest Application

 

About TrineOnline

 

Yes, it is accredited. All Trine University programs uphold the same quality regardless of delivery method. Your diploma and transcript will read Trine University. Trine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more about all of TrineOnline's accreditations. 
TrineOnline offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Visit our full list of online degree programs.
No. While you are always welcome on campus, you are not required to come to Angola, Indiana. You can take your online class anywhere you can access the internet. 
Yes! Commencement takes place once a year (typically May) on the main campus in Angola, Indiana, for all Trine University students.
You are a full-time student if you take six credits (two courses) per eight-week term.
You are a part-time student if you take three credits (one course) per eight-week term.
Yes. You set your pace during the semester cycles. If your schedule allows for you to take two classes simultaneously (full time), go for it! If your time is more restricted, there is nothing wrong with completing your degree one class at a time.

If you're seeking an undergraduate degree, your semester cycles are the following:
Fall semester - two terms, eight weeks each
Spring semester - two terms, eight weeks each
Spring semester - two terms, six weeks each

If you're seeking a graduate degree, your semester cycles are the following:
Fall semester - two terms, eight weeks each
Spring semester - two terms, eight weeks each
Spring semester - one term, eight weeks

View our academic calendar to find out when the next term beings.

Absolutely. Our degrees are designed for busy adults like you who are juggling a lot of responsibilities like family and work. The flexible online format makes it convenient and practical to get your degree.

TrineOnline Admissions Process

 

  1. Complete and submit an application

  2.  An Admissions Director will contact you to help you finish the application process. This includes working with you to get:

    1. A government-issued ID (e.g. driver’s license or state ID) with address verification OR a photo ID (e.g. passport, staff ID, college ID, high school ID) and documentation with address verification (e.g. utility bill, bank statement).
    2. Your official transcripts. Our Admissions Director, with your permission, can secure these for you at no cost to you.

  3. Receive your letter of acceptance

  4. Register for classes with the help of your Academic Director

There is no fee to apply to most TrineOnline programs.

For most degrees, your Admissions Director will request your transcripts at no cost to you. To have your transcripts requested on your behalf, fill out the form on this page

The RN to BSN degree application does have a fee associated because applicants apply through NursingCAS.com.

There are different requirements depending on whether you are applying to an undergraduate or graduate program. 
Absolutely. Learn more about our undergraduate and graduate admissions requirements.
If you graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, TrineOnline waives the GRE/GMAT. If you graduated from a nationally accredited college or university, you will need to take the entrance exam. If you aren't sure, just ask through our chat option, email or call us at 877-701-3343. 
Once you are admitted, you can enroll. Undergraduates will take an online learning orientation course, which is offered every four weeks. 
No. TrineOnline is all about flexibility. We have many start dates each year, so any time is a great time to start your classes! See our academic calendar for start dates.

Cost and Financing

 

Visit our Cost and Investment page to find our current tuition.
No, our tuition is a flat rate for all students.
No, we do not have any special lab fees.
The cost of books is in addition to tuition. Financial aid can be used for the purchase of your books and many of our classes use open educational resources (OER) that are free.
TrineOnline does not offer scholarships; however, our Financial Aid Office or your Academic Director may be able to assist you with finding external scholarships.
Visit our Bill Payment page to learn more.
Visit our Financial Aid FAQs page.

Technology

 

Yes. Trine University issues a secure email account for each student. It is required that students check their email regularly as important information is sent to this email account including: emails from financial aid, business office, academic advisor, and faculty regarding online courses.

As a student with TrineOnline, you will be eligible to receive a free Microsoft Office 2016 Suite. This software is valid as long as you are registered at Trine University/TrineOnline.

Trine University also utilizes a student portal "MyPortal", where students can check schedules, account information, FAFSA, and other important information. Moodle is the online learning environment for TrineOnline.

Technology standards/recommendations are designed to meet our student needs. The university operating system standard is Windows 7 with Microsoft Office 2010.

All new students admitted to TrineOnline are required to have or purchase a computer that meets the IT minimum specifications below before starting their first class.

Trine University minimum specifications:

  • Windows 7 operating system or newer
  • Intel i5 processor or faster
  • 8GB RAM or more
  • 128GB or larger (1TB of cloud storage through OneDrive is provided)
  • Optical Drive (optional)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • 802.11 AC Dual Band or better

For students majoring in information systems, please use the following minimum specifications:

  • 64 bit versions of Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, or 10
  • 3 Ghz or greater processor speed
  • 8 GB RAM or more
  • 128 GB or larger with 10GB of available hard drive space (this amount is needed to install software and provide a reasonable amount for storage of drawings, etc.) 
  • Graphics display and monitor capable of 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • 802.11 AC Dual Band or better

To ensure a stable network connection for online courses, a reliable internet connection is required. WiFi hotspot devices may not be adequate.

TrineOnline students who qualify may be able to use their financial aid money to purchase a computer through the university bookstore. Students should contact the financial aid office for specific requirements and eligibility.
Chromebooks are NOT compatible with IT specifications.

Student Experience

 

You can purchase your textbooks online through the university bookstore or from other online services and ship them to your home.
TrineOnline is asynchronous, meaning your classes will not occur at a predetermined place or time, allowing you to manage your learning schedule while meeting course deadlines. You have a diversity of needs and obligations, and our team will support you with the tools and resources you need to be a successful student, beginning with the free one-credit-hour online learning orientation course. With a desire to succeed, you will find success.
While our quality degrees do require dedicated studying and hard work, TrineOnline provides ample support through our accessible professors, academic directors and student services such as tutor.com. You never have to worry about feeling alone and can always reach out for help when you feel like you are struggling with any subject. 
Yes. All Trine students are welcome to attend events and use resources on the main campus with a student ID. Please note that some events and facilities require a fee (i.e. Zollner Golf Course).
Absolutely! Lifelong access to the Career Center is available to all Trine University students. 
Your Academic Director can assist you with changing your major.
Your Academic Director can help you change your address, or you can change it in myPortal.
 You can add  and drop courses with 100% reversal of charges through the first week of classes. Please see the academic calendar for specific dates. Your Academic Director can help you with adding or dropping classes.
View the details of your account hold in myPortal. Please contact the respective department listed on your hold (i.e. Student Accounts, Student Services, Library, etc.) if you have questions. An account hold can prevent you from registering for classes or receiving your diploma.
We use an online service called Parchment for transcript requests. The cost for this service is $10. For more information, please visit the Registrar's transcript request page on our main website.

To order Trine University diplomas, place your order at Parchment.com. Please note there is a four-to-five-week processing time and a $25 charge per diploma. 

Trine University
Office of the Registrar
1 University Avenue
Angola, IN 46703-1764