At $10,862/yr net price, Piedmont Technical College graduates earn $35,768/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,768/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,862 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,448 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,768/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,768/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,778/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,509/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,097/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,539/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,497/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. | Associate | $56,234 | $17,035 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,941 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,856 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,886 | $18,750 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $37,424 | |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $32,391 | $7,500 |
| Data Processing. | Associate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Piedmont 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
Piedmont Technical College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection makes all the difference. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $56,234 annually against just $17,035 in debt. The technical programs in electromechanical instrumentation and electrical engineering also pay off well, with graduates earning over $50,000.
Your biggest risk at Piedmont Tech is the 33% graduation rate. Two-thirds of students don't finish, which means no credential and often still carrying debt. The $15,000 median debt load is manageable for graduates in high-paying programs but becomes problematic if you don't complete your degree.
This school works best if you're targeting healthcare or skilled trades in South Carolina's manufacturing corridor. The regional job market supports these technical fields well. Avoid programs outside these core areas, as the earnings data shows a sharp drop-off beyond the top specialties.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the $10,862 annual net price keeps costs reasonable. You can likely work while attending since many programs offer flexible scheduling for working adults. Focus on programs with clear job placement records and consider whether you're genuinely committed to finishing. The low graduation rate suggests many students underestimate the demands or choose programs without clear career paths.
If you're unsure about your commitment level or interested in fields outside healthcare and technical trades, community colleges with higher completion rates might serve you better. Piedmont Tech rewards students who pick the right program and see it through to completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Piedmont Technical College worth the money?
Piedmont Technical College offers reasonable value for specific programs, with nursing graduates earning around $56,000 annually against typical debt of $15,000. However, the overall graduate earnings of $35,768 after 10 years barely justify the cost for many programs, and the 33% graduation rate means two-thirds of students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Piedmont Technical College?
Nursing programs at Piedmont Technical College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $56,234 annually. Electromechanical instrumentation ($52,941) and electrical engineering technology ($50,856) also offer solid returns that justify the typical $15,000 in student debt.
How much debt do Piedmont Technical College graduates have?
Piedmont Technical College graduates typically carry $15,000 in debt, which is manageable for high-paying programs like nursing or electrical technology. This debt level becomes problematic for graduates in lower-paying fields who earn closer to the school's $35,768 average.
What is the graduation rate at Piedmont Technical College?
Only 33% of students graduate from Piedmont Technical College, meaning most students leave without a credential. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's value proposition and increases the risk of debt without degree benefits.