Tri-County Technical College: $4,448 Tuition

$4,448Tuition

4,960Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,101Earnings

#10 in South CarolinaPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Tri-County Technical College

Tri-County Technical College trains students for in-demand careers across the South Carolina Upstate. The college serves 4,960 students on its suburban Pendleton campus, focusing on hands-on technical education and workforce development. Students choose from programs in manufacturing, healthcare, business, and skilled trades that connect directly to regional employers.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. Average net price sits at $5,807 after aid, with low-income families paying just $4,316. Graduates typically earn $40,101 within ten years of completing their programs. Students graduate with a median debt of only $9,000, leading to manageable monthly loan payments of $95. The employment rate hits 93.4%, reflecting strong job placement in technical fields.

The student body skews slightly female at 53.3% and draws heavily from South Carolina, with 89.7% of students staying in-state for their education. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention in lab-intensive programs. While the six-year completion rate of 39.1% reflects the challenges many working adults face, the college's focus remains on getting students job-ready quickly rather than traditional four-year timelines.

Academics & Faculty

Tri-County Technical College builds careers through hands-on workforce training programs that serve South Carolina's Upstate manufacturing corridor. The college specializes in technical education with strong programs in automotive technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and computer technology. Students work closely with faculty in a 19:1 ratio that emphasizes practical skills over theory. The 39% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees. Nearly 94% of graduates find employment within six months of finishing their programs. The college's partnership with local industries like BMW and Michelin creates direct pathways from classroom to career in advanced manufacturing.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,101

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology.	Associate	$60,049
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,693
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$44,595
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$35,594
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$34,704
Data Processing.	Associate	$33,637
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$30,305
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,685
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$28,236
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$28,164

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Tri-County Tech sits in the foothills of South Carolina, about 30 miles southwest of Greenville and an hour from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 89.73% in-state student body creates a close-knit community feel on this commuter campus. You'll need light jackets for mild winters and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers that stretch into September.

Most of the 4,960 students drive to campus each day, creating busy parking lots during peak class times. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention in hands-on programs like automotive technology, nursing, and manufacturing. Campus life centers around the academic buildings and student center rather than dormitories. Students often grab lunch between classes or study in small groups before heading to jobs or internships.

Weekends see many students working at local manufacturing plants, hospitals, or automotive shops where they apply classroom skills. The Hawks compete in intramural sports, but the real action happens in the labs and workshops where students build portfolios for careers. The 93.4% employment rate reflects strong local industry connections that help graduates land jobs quickly.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1962

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
Burglary	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–52°F
July Avg: 68°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students at Tri-County Technical College reflect the working-class communities of South Carolina's Upstate region. Nearly 90% come from in-state, showing the college's strong local roots and reputation for career training. The student body is 53% women and 47% men, a balance that mirrors the college's diverse technical programs spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and business fields. About 40% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves students from modest economic backgrounds seeking practical skills for middle-class careers. The Hawks attract students who want job-ready training close to home.

Men: 46.7%
Women: 53.3%
White: 74.3%
Black: 10.1%
Hispanic: 7.8%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 89.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.4%

Location

Tri-County Technical College sits in Pendleton, South Carolina, about 30 miles southwest of Greenville in the heart of the state's Upstate region. The campus serves a suburban area surrounded by rolling hills and small towns near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearly 90% of the college's 4,960 students come from in-state, reflecting its strong ties to local communities. The region blends manufacturing heritage with outdoor recreation opportunities, including nearby lakes and state parks. Pendleton itself maintains a small-town feel while providing access to larger employment centers in Anderson and Greenville counties. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Tri-County Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pendleton, South Carolina 29670

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,101
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,802
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Tri-County Technical College?

Tri-County Technical College operates with an open admissions policy typical of community colleges. The school enrolls 4,960 students and serves as a gateway to technical careers in the South Carolina Upstate region. Students need a high school diploma or equivalent to begin most programs.

How much does Tri-County Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,807 after financial aid at Tri-County Technical College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,316 on average. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most affordable pathways to technical training in South Carolina.

What programs is Tri-County Technical College known for?

Tri-County Technical College specializes in two-year technical and career training programs. The student-faculty ratio of 19:1 allows for hands-on learning in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive technology. The college has served the region since 1962, building strong partnerships with local employers.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Tri-County Technical College?

Graduates achieve a 93.4% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the area. The median earnings reach $40,101 ten years after graduation with typical student debt of just $9,000. Monthly loan payments average only $95, making this education highly affordable relative to earning potential.

Where is Tri-County Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in Pendleton, a mid-sized suburban community in South Carolina's Upstate region. Nearly 90% of the 4,960 students come from in-state, creating a close-knit community focused on career preparation. The Hawks compete in athletics while most students balance work and family commitments.

How long does it typically take to complete programs at Tri-County Technical College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 39%, which reflects the school's working student population who often attend part-time. Many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce before completing associate degrees. The semester calendar system allows flexibility for students balancing education with other responsibilities.