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$5,715Tuition
2,388Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$32,603Earnings
Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Central Carolina Technical College

Central Carolina Technical College builds careers through hands-on training in healthcare, manufacturing, and business programs. The college serves 2,388 students in Sumter's small-city setting, focusing on practical skills that lead directly to employment. Students here aren't chasing liberal arts degrees but mastering trades that power South Carolina's economy.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $5,027 after aid, with many lower-income families paying even less at $3,922 for those earning $48,000-$75,000. Graduates earn a median of $32,603 ten years out, while carrying just $9,977 in debt with monthly payments of only $106. The college delivers solid return on investment for students seeking stable, middle-class careers without crushing debt loads.

Women make up 69% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. Nearly half the students are Black (48%) and another 42% are white, creating a diverse learning environment. With a 94% employment rate after graduation, Central Carolina gets students into jobs quickly. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know their students personally, crucial for hands-on technical training.

Academics & Faculty

Central Carolina Technical College focuses on career-ready programs that connect directly to regional job markets. The school specializes in healthcare training, advanced manufacturing, and business programs that respond to South Carolina's growing industries. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on attention in labs and clinical settings. The 30.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Nearly 94% of graduates find employment, demonstrating the practical value of the college's technical training. Popular programs include nursing, automotive technology, and industrial maintenance, all designed to prepare students for immediate entry into skilled trades and healthcare careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
44.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,603

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $50,995
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Associate $36,141
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $29,461
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $26,353
Data Processing. Associate $25,194
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $23,087

View all 40 programs →

Campus Life

Central Carolina Technical College sits in Sumter, a small South Carolina city about an hour from Columbia. With 69% female enrollment, the campus reflects the strong healthcare and nursing programs that drive much of the student body. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since 99% of students come from in-state communities.

Most students commute to the semester-based campus rather than live on-site. Sumter's mild Southern climate means light jackets for winter but plenty of heat and humidity from spring through fall. The 2,388 students often juggle work schedules alongside classes, reflecting the college's focus on career preparation. Weekends typically involve family time and part-time jobs rather than traditional college social events. The technical programs in manufacturing and healthcare create a practical, goal-oriented atmosphere. With a 93.8% employment rate after graduation, students stay focused on skills that translate directly to local job markets. The Titans compete in intramural activities, though athletics take a backseat to hands-on training in labs and clinical settings.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1962

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
32°–54°F
July Avg
69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
46.9"
Annual Snowfall
-777.3"

Student Demographics

Central Carolina Technical College draws students from across South Carolina who need practical career training without leaving home. Nearly all students come from in-state, reflecting the school's role as a local workforce pipeline. Women make up about 70% of enrollment, driven by popular nursing and healthcare programs that dominate the curriculum. The student body splits almost evenly between white and Black students, mirroring the demographics of Sumter and surrounding rural counties. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to stable careers.
Men
30.7%
Women
69.4%
White
42.0%
Black
48.2%
Hispanic
4.8%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
99.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
43.8%

Location

Central Carolina Technical College sits in Sumter, South Carolina, about 45 miles east of Columbia. The school draws 99.80% of its students from within state borders. Sumter serves as a regional center for the rural Pee Dee area, blending small-city amenities with Southern agricultural roots. The city hosts Shaw Air Force Base, which influences the local economy and creates opportunities for military-connected students. With 2,388 students enrolled, the college maintains strong ties to the surrounding farming and manufacturing communities. The campus operates on a semester system in this historically military town. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Central Carolina Technical College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sumter, South Carolina 29150-2499

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,603
Median Earnings (5 years)
$40,928
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$24,100
Loan Repayment Rate
23.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,977

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Central Carolina Technical College?

Central Carolina Technical College operates as an open-access institution, meaning students can enroll without competitive admissions. The college serves 2,388 students with 99.80% coming from South Carolina. Students typically need a high school diploma or GED to begin career-focused programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and business.

How much does Central Carolina Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,027 after financial aid, with in-state tuition set at $5,715. About 43.84% of students receive Pell Grants, and families earning under $75,000 typically pay less than $5,400 annually. The college keeps education affordable for working-class families in the Sumter area.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Central Carolina Technical College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 15:1, providing solid access to instructors in technical programs. The college focuses on hands-on learning in fields like healthcare and manufacturing. Women make up 69.35% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in the college's nursing and allied health programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Central Carolina Technical College?

Graduates achieve a 93.8% employment rate, with median earnings of $32,603 ten years after starting college. The college's technical focus translates into practical job skills for South Carolina's growing manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $9,977 and monthly loan payments of $106.

Where is Central Carolina Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Sumter, a small South Carolina city known for its military connections and growing economy. With 2,388 students spread across career-focused programs, campus life centers around practical learning rather than traditional college activities. The Titans compete in athletics while most students balance work and family responsibilities.

Does Central Carolina Technical College have strong completion rates for a technical school?

The six-year graduation rate of 30.80% reflects the challenges facing community college students who often attend part-time while working. Many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing degrees. The college has served the Sumter region since 1962, adapting its programs to meet local workforce needs.