At $598/yr net price, Florence-Darlington Technical College graduates earn $32,748/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $598 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $2,392 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,748/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,252/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $208/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $471/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,508/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $3,089/yr |
| $110,001+ | $4,064/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $52,420 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $48,823 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,668 | |
| 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 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $30,499 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Certificate | $30,409 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,926 | $6,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Certificate | $28,019 |
The Risk Factor
20.1% of students at Florence-Darlington Technical College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Florence-Darlington Technical College delivers strong return on investment with a net price under $600 annually and graduates earning over $32,000 within ten years. Your total education cost stays minimal while positioning you for solid middle-class earnings in South Carolina's Pee Dee region.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $52,420 annually against minimal debt. Electrical engineering technology also pays well at $48,823, reflecting strong demand from the area's manufacturing base. Allied health programs and automotive repair both generate respectable returns above $35,000, making them solid choices for stable employment.
The school's low graduation rate of 20% presents the biggest financial risk. You must commit to completing your program to realize any return. The affordable cost means failure won't devastate you financially, but incomplete credentials leave you with debt and no marketable skills.
This college works best if you need career training without major debt and plan to work locally. The Pee Dee region's healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and service industries actively hire FDTC graduates. You'll find strong job placement support and employer connections.
Financial aid covers nearly half of students, though the low sticker price means most pay out of pocket easily. Work-study opportunities and local scholarships can further reduce costs. Consider this school if you want practical skills training, local employment prospects, and minimal financial risk. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree or want to relocate after graduation, as the credentials may not transfer well to other regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florence-Darlington Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of just $598 per year, Florence-Darlington Technical College offers strong value for students who complete their programs. The low cost means minimal debt risk, though the 20% graduation rate indicates many students don't finish.
What programs at Florence-Darlington Technical College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return, with graduates earning around $52,000 annually. Electrical engineering technology and allied health programs also provide solid earnings potential above $35,000.
How much debt do Florence-Darlington Technical College graduates typically have?
Graduates who borrow typically owe $12,250 in student loans. Given the low annual cost of attendance, this debt level is manageable for most career programs.
Do Florence-Darlington Technical College graduates earn good salaries?
Graduate earnings vary significantly by program, from $32,000 for HVAC technicians to over $50,000 for nurses. The overall average of $32,748 reflects the mix of career fields available.