Midlands Technical College: $4,788 Tuition

$4,788Tuition

7,731Students

16%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,701Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College trains students for real jobs in South Carolina's growing economy. The college serves 7,731 students across the Columbia metro area with hands-on programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community focused on local workforce needs.

Students pay an average of $5,462 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in the state. Graduates earn a median of $38,701 within ten years, while carrying just $12,000 in debt. The employment rate hits 93.1%, reflecting strong connections between academic programs and regional employers. Monthly loan payments average only $127, making the debt manageable on technical salaries.

The student body is 61% women and diverse, with 37% Black students and 41% White students. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in lab-heavy programs. However, the 16% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face in completing their studies. Students here are typically older, working, and focused on getting credentials quickly rather than the traditional college experience.

Academics & Faculty

Midlands Technical College specializes in career-focused technical education and workforce training programs that connect directly to South Carolina's job market. The college offers practical programs in fields like nursing, automotive technology, culinary arts, and information technology. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in hands-on learning environments. The 16.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. However, the 93.1% employment rate demonstrates the college's strength in preparing students for immediate workforce entry. Programs emphasize industry certifications and real-world skills that employers value in the greater Columbia area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 16.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,701

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,696
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,798
Data Processing.	Associate	$40,461
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$38,289
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$35,416
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.	Associate	$35,060
Legal Support Services.	Certificate	$35,060
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$32,711
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$31,670
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$30,409

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

Students commute to Midlands Technical College's suburban campus in West Columbia, just across the Congaree River from downtown Columbia. With 96.81% of students from South Carolina, most drive from nearby neighborhoods or make the short trip from Columbia proper. The campus serves a diverse student body where 61.35% are women and 40.95% are white, 36.71% are Black, creating a community that reflects the broader Columbia area.

As a community college, Midlands Tech doesn't offer dorms, so students head home after classes or work. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes in technical labs and career training programs. South Carolina's mild climate requires light jackets in winter but plenty of sunscreen for outdoor breaks between semesters. With a 93.1% employment rate, many students juggle part-time jobs with coursework. Weekends often mean family time, work shifts, or catching up on assignments. The Mavericks compete in limited athletics, but most social life happens off-campus in Columbia's restaurants, parks, and entertainment districts just minutes away.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–56°F
July Avg: 71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.6"
Annual Snowfall: 1.5"

Student Demographics

Midlands Technical College draws nearly 8,000 students who stay close to home, with 97% coming from South Carolina. The student body is 61% women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular nursing and healthcare programs. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse mix includes 41% white students and 37% Black students. Most students are adults returning to school or recent high school graduates looking for practical skills training in technical fields that lead directly to jobs in the Columbia area.

Men: 38.7%
Women: 61.4%
White: 41.0%
Black: 36.7%
Hispanic: 8.9%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 96.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.8%

Location

West Columbia sits just across the Congaree River from South Carolina's capital city of Columbia. The college serves the greater Columbia metropolitan area, which has over 800,000 residents. This suburb offers easy access to downtown Columbia's government jobs and University of South Carolina campus. The Midlands region gets its name from sitting between the mountains and coast. Students can reach the Blue Ridge Mountains in two hours or Charleston's beaches in the same time. The area blends small-town feel with state capital amenities. Major employers include the state government and healthcare systems. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Midlands Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: West Columbia, South Carolina 29170-2176

Midlands Technical College, Airport Campus - panoramio

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,701
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,681
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Midlands Technical College?

Midlands Technical College has an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning qualified applicants are generally admitted. The college serves 7,731 students and focuses on providing accessible technical education to the local workforce. With 96.81% of students coming from in-state, MTC primarily serves the greater Columbia area.

How much does Midlands Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,462 annually, making MTC one of the most affordable options for technical education. In-state tuition runs $4,788 while out-of-state students pay $13,812. Low-income families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $4,839 after aid.

What academic programs is Midlands Technical College known for?

MTC specializes in career-focused technical education and workforce training programs that connect directly to local industry needs. The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for hands-on instruction in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. Students can complete most programs within two years and enter the workforce quickly.

What are the employment outcomes for Midlands Technical College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.1% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on job-ready skills training. Median earnings reach $38,701 ten years after enrollment, with many students entering stable technical careers. The relatively low median debt of $12,000 means graduates can build careers without overwhelming financial burden.

Where is Midlands Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in West Columbia, a large suburban area that provides access to internships and jobs in the greater Columbia region. With 61.35% women and a diverse student body that's 40.95% white and 36.71% Black, MTC reflects the demographics of central South Carolina. The Mavericks compete in athletics while most students focus on completing technical programs.

Does Midlands Technical College offer good financial aid support?

About 38.83% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating significant need among the student body. Only 15.07% receive institutional grants averaging $5,955, but the low base tuition keeps education affordable. Monthly loan payments average just $127, making debt manageable for working graduates.