At $5,903/yr net price, Technical College of the Lowcountry graduates earn $35,090/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,090/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,903 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,090/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,090/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 21.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 12.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,787/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,585/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,267/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 | $52,822 | $9,666 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,551 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $32,569 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $21,508 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $19,455 |
The Risk Factor
12.1% of students at Technical College of the Lowcountry 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
Technical College of the Lowcountry offers strong financial returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes overall due to an extremely low graduation rate and limited high-paying career paths outside of medical fields.
The nursing program delivers excellent ROI with graduates earning $52,822 annually against modest debt of $9,666. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties reaching $42,682 in median earnings. These healthcare tracks justify the investment in South Carolina's growing medical sector.
Business support programs show concerning returns at $28,960 annually, barely above the regional average for workers without degrees. The 12% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk - most students leave without credentials and still carry debt. This completion crisis affects all programs regardless of their earning potential.
You face significant financial risk if you cannot commit to finishing your program. The school works best for students with clear healthcare career goals who can handle the academic demands. If you are exploring general education or lack strong study habits, community colleges with higher completion rates offer better odds of actually graduating.
The low net price of $5,903 makes experimentation less costly than at four-year schools. However, only 34% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs and debt accumulation.
Consider this school only if you are committed to healthcare careers and confident in your ability to graduate. Students seeking business degrees or general education should look at other South Carolina technical colleges with stronger completion track records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Technical College of the Lowcountry worth the cost?
Technical College of the Lowcountry offers decent value if you complete a nursing program, with graduates earning around $53,000 annually. However, the 12% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky for many.
What programs at Technical College of the Lowcountry have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest returns at Technical College of the Lowcountry, with graduates earning $53,000 per year. Other allied health programs pay around $33,000-$43,000, while business support roles average $29,000.
How much debt do Technical College of the Lowcountry graduates have?
Technical College of the Lowcountry graduates typically have $10,000 in debt, which is manageable for nursing graduates but harder to repay on the $35,000 average salary across all programs.
What is the graduation rate at Technical College of the Lowcountry?
Only 12% of students graduate from Technical College of the Lowcountry. This extremely low completion rate means most students leave without a degree and may still carry debt from their time there.