Trinity International University: A History of Faith and Education
Trinity International University (TIU), located in Deerfield, Illinois, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of evangelical Christian education. Founded in 1897, the university has evolved from a humble Bible course into a comprehensive institution comprising Trinity College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), and Trinity Law School. Affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), TIU has remained steadfast in its mission to "educate men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world."
The Origins: A Foundation in Faith (1897-1949)
The story of Trinity International University begins in 1897 when the Swedish Evangelical Free Church initiated a ten-week Bible course in the basement of a Chicago church. This marked the inception of what would become the Swedish Bible Institute of Chicago, later known as the Swedish Evangelical Free Church Bible Institute and Seminary.
In 1910, a parallel development occurred with the establishment of the Norwegian-Danish Bible Institute and Academy by the Norwegian-Danish Free Church. Initially located in Rushford, Minnesota, it later moved to Minneapolis and adopted the name Trinity Seminary and Bible Institute.
These two institutions, rooted in similar theological convictions, eventually merged in 1949, forming Trinity Seminary and Bible College. This union laid the foundation for the modern Trinity International University.
Transformation and Expansion (1949-1995)
The mid-20th century marked a period of significant transformation and expansion for Trinity. In 1961, the institution moved to a new campus in Bannockburn, Illinois, and a year later, it was renamed Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and Trinity College. This relocation and renaming signaled a broadening of the institution's scope and vision.
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The 1960s were a time of academic growth for Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Kenneth Kantzer was elected Dean in 1963 and had the vision to create a “divinity school” which would be a university environment of biblical studies where world class scholars would produce world class students. Some of the most notable evangelical scholars came to Trinity due to Dean Kantzer's recruiting efforts. These faculty included Robert Culver (Systematic Theology), John Warwick Montgomery (Church history), Walter Kaiser (Old Testament), Richard Troup (Christian Education), Gleason Archer Jr (Old Testament) and David Hasselgrave (Missions), among several others. Some of the academic faculty who were a part of Fuller Theological Seminary had left the seminary due to its change of stance on biblical inerrancy. The faculty who departed believed in full biblical inerrancy that the Bible doesn’t contain any error whether it is matters of faith or history or science. Trinity became a rival to Fuller Seminary for the leadership of evangelicalism.
Enrollment grew dramatically, from 51 students in 1961 to 1,400 in 1990. This expansion reflected the growing influence and appeal of Trinity's evangelical Christian education.
In 1974, the college and seminary separated, with the college also severing its ties to the Evangelical Free Church. However, these associations were restored 10 years later, strengthening the bond between the institution and its denominational roots.
Unification and the Rise of Trinity International University (1995-Present)
A pivotal moment in Trinity's history arrived in 1995 when Trinity College, Trinity College at Miami (formerly Miami Christian College), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School were united to form Trinity International University. This unification brought together diverse educational programs under a single institutional umbrella, creating a more comprehensive and integrated university.
The late 1990s saw further expansion with the establishment of Trinity Graduate School in 1997 and the incorporation of Trinity Law School, located in Santa Ana, California, in January 1998. These additions solidified Trinity International University's position as a multi-faceted institution offering a wide range of academic disciplines.
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In 1992, the university acquired Miami Christian College, establishing a branch location named Trinity College at Miami. In 1993 Trinity established a branch campus in Florida at the former Miami Christian College. The traditional undergraduate program in Miami closed in 2000 and the site has been renamed Trinity International University-Florida. Academic programs at TIU-Florida closed in 2024. Trinity College Online closed in May 2025.
Leadership and Transitions
Throughout its history, Trinity International University has been guided by a series of dedicated leaders. In 2014, David S. Dockery was elected as the 15th president, followed by Nicholas Perrin in June 2019 as the 16th president. Kevin Kompelien succeeded Perrin as president on April 1, 2024. On July 1, 2025, David W.
Academic Profile and Programs
Trinity International University offers a diverse array of academic programs across its various schools. Trinity College provides undergraduate degrees in various disciplines, fostering a foundation of faith-based learning. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is one of the largest seminaries in the world, enrolling more than 1,200 graduate students in professional and academic programs. TEDS is known for its Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, which prepares pastors, educators, and missionaries for ministry. The school also offers a range of focused Master of Arts programs in mental health counseling, theological studies, the New Testament, the Old Testament, and other disciplines. Trinity Law School, located in California, provides legal education grounded in Christian values.
Trinity International University has small class sizes and an average of 13 students per class (12:1 ratio), which offers over 50 majors and minors, including, but not limited to, theology, business, education, psychology, and communication. Students have ample opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad. The campus has faith-based groups, student organizations, NAIA athletics, and arts programs.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students is approximately $28,765 per year, while it is around $31,915 per year for graduate students. As an international student attending Trinity International University, you can expect some higher expenses than domestic students, primarily due to housing, health insurance, and living expenses. The total cost of attendance for the 2025-2026 academic year is about $43,600 per year, for all the items listed as tuition, living, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses combined.
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Trinity International University Illinois provides an array of scholarships allowing students to access educational funding and recognize academic excellence, leadership, and Christian commitment. Most scholarships offered by TIU are based on merit, but there are also need-based awards. Scholarships like the President’s Scholarship and Dean’s Scholarship are incredible financial support for the most academically successful students.
Campus Life and Student Experience
Trinity International University fosters a vibrant campus community that encourages personal and spiritual growth. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, including student government, worship teams, cultural clubs, and service organizations. The Office of Student Life plays a key role in shaping a meaningful campus experience through student-oriented events and supportive services.
The Deerfield, Illinois, campus offers essential amenities such as a dining hall, fitness suites, study spaces, and campus ministries. Its location outside downtown Chicago provides students with access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city.
Trinity International competed in nine intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's sports included baseball, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. The football program was ended in 2023.
Accreditation and Recognition
Trinity International University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Its educational programs for K-12 teachers are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. Trinity Law School is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) of the State Bar of California (CALBAR).
Trinity International University consistently earns recognition for its academic excellence and commitment to student success. In the U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges, Trinity International University is ranked 174th among National Universities. In 2006, TIU received The Robert and Susan Andringa Award for Advancing Racial Harmony, a token of the progress it had made in racial diversity and reconciliation on campus.
Notable Alumni
Trinity International University has a long history of alumni serving in ministries, churches, schools, counselling, business, non-profit and community organizations. Graduates still work in their professions and communities, and current students are inspired by their stories. The alumni network is comprised of many current pastors, teachers, counsellors, business executives, and leaders across a variety of fields.
Here are a few exemplary and influential alumni:
- Mark Batterson (Class of 1992) - Studied Pastoral Ministry and became a bestselling author and lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.
- John Piper (Class of 1975) - Studied Theology and went on to become a well-known pastor, author, and theologian, influencing evangelical thought worldwide.
- Joni Eareckson Tada (Class of 1977) - Studied Bible and Christian Ministry and became a prominent advocate for people with disabilities, as well as a bestselling author and speaker.
- Timothy Keller (Class of 1981) - Studied Theology and founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, widely respected as a pastor and author.
- Priscilla Shirer (Class of 1995) - Studied Communications and became a popular speaker, author, and actress in the Christian community.
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