Trinity’s Health Care Administration Graduate Program Ranked Among the Nation’s Top 25

Trinity University’s Health Care Administration (HCAD) graduate program ranks 23rd in the nation according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report  “Best Graduate Schools.”  

This ranking adds to a year of distinction for the program. Earlier this year, HCAD received the CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Platinum Award, which recognizes CAHME-accredited programs for their role in equipping future health care leaders with the principles of innovation needed to drive meaningful change in the field.

In March, a team of students from Trinity’s HCAD program won the Cleveland Clinic Case Competition, topping 51 teams from 35 universities across the country. Three Trinity teams reached the quarterfinals, and two made the semifinals.

Student outcomes further reflect the program’s results. Trinity’s residential HCAD program maintains a 100% job placement rate. Among graduates of the executive program, who are mid-career professionals, 66% hold senior leadership positions three to nine years after graduation, and 70% receive a promotion within two years.

In a field defined by complexity and constant change, Trinity’s HCAD program pairs academic rigor with close mentorship. Faculty challenge students in the classroom and prepare them for leadership through community impact projects, patient experience initiatives, site visits, and alumni networking.  

San Antonio is central to the graduate experience. With a large and diverse health care sector, the city offers students access to industry leaders, professional experiences, and diverse patient populations. While deeply connected to the local health care community, the program also engages a national network of alumni, with more than 150 participating through guest lecturing, mentoring, and teaching.

“Health care needs leaders who can think critically, lead with empathy, and respond to change,” said HCAD department chair Ed Schumacher, Ph.D. “This is exactly what we work to develop at Trinity, and this recognition speaks to the dedication of our faculty, alumni, and students.”