Florence-Darlington Technical College: $4,636 Tuition

$4,636Tuition

2,890Students

20%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,748Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College serves 2,890 students with career-focused technical education and workforce development programs in South Carolina's Pee Dee region. The college sits in a rural-fringe setting outside Florence, where it has built a reputation for connecting students directly to local industry needs. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep ties to the regional economy. The Stingers compete in two NJCAA sports with 72 total athletes, though academics clearly take center stage at this workforce-oriented institution.

The financial picture here tells a compelling story about affordability and return on investment. Students pay an average net price of just $598 after financial aid, with the lowest-income families paying only $208 annually. Graduates earn a median of $32,748 ten years after enrollment, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $12,250. The monthly loan payment of $130 represents a manageable burden given typical graduate earnings. An impressive 93.3% employment rate demonstrates strong job market connections.

Women make up 67% of the student body, while the demographics reflect the region's diversity with 46% Black students and 38% White students. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio allows for hands-on technical training that employers in the Pee Dee region clearly value.

Academics & Faculty

Florence-Darlington Technical College focuses on career-ready technical education that gets students into the workforce quickly. The college serves the Pee Dee region with programs designed around local industry needs, from healthcare and manufacturing to business technology. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to instructors, though the 20.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. The school's strength lies in workforce development rather than academic transfer programs. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community focused on practical skills training. The 93.3% employment rate shows employers value graduates from this technical college.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,748

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$52,420
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Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$35,952
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Certificate	$32,382
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$31,848
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Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Certificate	$28,019

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Campus Life

Florence-Darlington Technical College sits in the rural Pee Dee region, about 80 miles from Columbia and Charleston. With 67% women and 46% Black students, the campus reflects the diverse working-class communities it serves. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention in hands-on technical programs.

Most of the 2,890 students commute from nearby towns since there's no on-campus housing. The Stingers compete in just two NJCAA sports with 72 total athletes, so campus life centers more around study groups and career prep than athletics. South Carolina's humid subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and light jackets for mild winters.

Weekends often involve work or family time since many students balance jobs with classes. The 93.3% employment rate shows this practical approach pays off. Students gather in the library and common areas between classes, building networks that help with job placement after graduation. The focus stays firmly on gaining skills that translate directly to careers in the region's manufacturing and healthcare industries.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–55°F
July Avg: 71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.5"
Annual Snowfall: -1,555.3"

Student Demographics

Florence-Darlington Technical College draws overwhelmingly from South Carolina, with 95% of students staying close to home for practical career training. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, early childhood education, and other fields that traditionally attract female students. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway to middle-class careers for working families in the Pee Dee region. The diverse student body is split almost evenly between white and Black students, mirroring the local community demographics.

Men: 32.9%
Women: 67.1%
White: 38.4%
Black: 46.0%
Hispanic: 0.9%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 94.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.1%

Location

Florence-Darlington Technical College sits in Florence, South Carolina, about 80 miles east of Columbia and 90 miles northwest of Charleston. The Pee Dee region surrounds the campus with agricultural landscapes and small communities. Florence serves as a regional center for healthcare and transportation in this rural-fringe setting. The college draws 94.70% of its students from within South Carolina. This area lacks the amenities of major metropolitan centers but offers affordable living and strong connections to local industries. The campus serves a diverse student body where 46.02% of students are Black and 38.41% are White. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Florence-Darlington Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Florence, South Carolina 29501-0548

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,748
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,201
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 21.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $130/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,250

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Florence-Darlington Technical College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is just $598, making it one of the most affordable options in South Carolina. Students from low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying only $208 annually. This technical college focuses on making career training accessible to working-class families in the Pee Dee region.

What programs is Florence-Darlington Technical College known for?

The college specializes in career-focused technical education and workforce development programs. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students get hands-on training in trades and technical fields. The school serves as a primary pipeline for skilled workers in rural South Carolina.

What are the graduation rates at Florence-Darlington Technical College?

The six-year graduation rate is 20.10%, which reflects the college's open-access mission and part-time student population. Despite lower completion rates, graduates achieve strong employment outcomes with a 93.3% employment rate. Many students attend part-time while working, which extends their time to completion.

How much do Florence-Darlington Technical College graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $32,748 ten years after enrollment, with strong early career prospects. One-year post-graduation earnings reach $31,645, demonstrating the immediate job market value of technical training. The college's focus on workforce development translates into practical skills that employers in the region demand.

What is the student body like at Florence-Darlington Technical College?

The college enrolls 2,890 students, with women making up 67.13% of the student body. The diverse campus is 46.02% Black and 38.41% White, reflecting the demographics of rural South Carolina. Nearly 95% of students are from in-state, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.

Does Florence-Darlington Technical College offer athletics?

The Stingers compete in NJCAA athletics with 2 varsity sports and 72 total athletes. The college provides $80,000 in athletic scholarships to help student-athletes pursue both education and competition. Athletics remain a smaller part of campus life compared to the college's primary focus on technical training.