At $5,807/yr net price, Tri-County Technical College graduates earn $40,101/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,101/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,807 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,101/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,101/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,316/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,218/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,704/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,971/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,527/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $60,049 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,693 | $15,000 |
| 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 | $9,500 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
39.1% of students at Tri-County 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
Tri-County Technical College delivers strong returns for career-focused students willing to target high-paying technical fields. Your best financial bets are electrical maintenance programs that lead to $60,000+ salaries and nursing degrees that command $56,000 annually, both well above the regional average for two-year graduates.
The school's $5,800 net price and typical $9,000 debt load create manageable financial risk, especially in programs with clear job placement paths. However, you face a significant completion hurdle with only 39% of students graduating, meaning financial success depends heavily on your ability to finish your program.
Laboratory science and practical nursing programs show weaker returns relative to debt loads, with practical nursing graduates carrying nearly as much debt as registered nurses while earning $21,000 less annually. If you're considering these fields, factor in whether the lower barrier to entry justifies the reduced earning potential.
This school works best for working adults and career changers who need flexible scheduling and can commit to completion. The technical focus aligns well with upstate South Carolina's manufacturing economy, giving graduates local job opportunities without relocating costs.
Your biggest financial risk is dropping out before completing your program, which leaves you with debt but no credential. The school's below-average graduation rate suggests academic support may be limited, so assess your study skills honestly before enrolling. If you need extensive academic support or prefer traditional college experiences, consider four-year options despite higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tri-County Technical College worth the money?
At $5,807 per year with only $9,000 median debt, Tri-County Technical College offers decent value for specific career programs. However, the 39% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Tri-County Technical College?
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance pays around $60,000 annually, and nursing programs earn $55,000-$56,000. These technical fields offer the best return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Tri-County Technical College graduates have?
Graduates typically have $9,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low debt load helps offset the modest $40,000 average earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Tri-County Technical College?
Only 39% of students graduate from Tri-County Technical College. This low completion rate is a major risk factor when considering the school's value.