Trident Technical College: $4,564 Tuition

$4,564Tuition

11,091Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,253Earnings

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

About Trident Technical College

Trident Technical College serves Charleston's workforce development needs through hands-on career training programs. The college enrolls 11,091 students across multiple campuses in the Charleston metropolitan area. Nearly 97% of students come from South Carolina, reflecting the school's role as a local pipeline for skilled workers. Founded in 1973, Trident has built strong partnerships with regional employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality industries that drive Charleston's economy.

Students here get an strong financial deal. The average net price is negative $3,220, meaning most students receive more in aid than they pay in tuition costs. Graduates earn a median of $38,253 ten years after starting, while carrying just $13,029 in debt. Monthly loan payments average only $138, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in the region.

The student body is 64% women and diverse, with 30% Black students and 9% Hispanic students. An impressive 97.4% employment rate shows how well the college connects graduates to jobs. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than at smaller schools, but the focus stays practical. Students come here to learn specific skills and enter the workforce quickly rather than transfer to four-year universities.

Academics & Faculty

Trident Technical College serves the Charleston area with career-focused programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The college enrolls over 11,000 students across multiple campuses and offers associate degrees, certificates, and diploma programs. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at four-year institutions, requiring students to be self-motivated. The 28.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and school. Trident is particularly known for its nursing, culinary arts, and maritime programs, taking advantage of Charleston's healthcare facilities and coastal location. The college emphasizes hands-on training and industry partnerships to prepare students for immediate employment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 45.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,253

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$42,682
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$33,993
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$31,133
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs.	Certificate	$23,456

View all 76 programs →

Campus Life

Trident Tech sprawls across multiple campuses throughout the Charleston metro area, putting students within minutes of historic downtown and pristine beaches. The college serves 11,091 students who experience humid subtropical weather year-round, pack light jackets for winter lows in the 40s and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering summers. Nearly all students commute since the college offers no dormitories, with 97% coming from in-state.

The student body skews older and more diverse than typical colleges, with women making up 64% of enrollment. Students balance classes with work and family responsibilities, creating a pragmatic campus culture focused on career preparation rather than traditional college social life. The 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio means larger classes but accessible instructors who understand adult learners' needs. Weekends often involve study groups at local coffee shops, internships at Charleston's thriving hospitality and healthcare sectors, or enjoying the Lowcountry's outdoor recreation. The college's strong industry connections help explain why 97.4% of graduates find employment, making this a place where students come to launch careers rather than extend adolescence.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1973

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Burglary	4	0
Aggravated Assault	0	1
Rape	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–60°F
July Avg: 73°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students come from South Carolina, making Trident Technical College a true community institution serving the Charleston region. The student body is almost two-thirds women, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare, early childhood education, and business programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus draws a diverse mix of students, with nearly half being white and about a third Black. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Trident serves working families seeking practical career training. The college fulfills its mission as an accessible pathway to middle-class careers in the Lowcountry.

Men: 36.0%
Women: 64.0%
White: 49.3%
Black: 30.3%
Hispanic: 9.5%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 97.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.3%

Location

Charleston serves as home to Trident Technical College, a community college in South Carolina's coastal region. The city sits along the Atlantic coast and ranks as the state's second-largest city. Charleston's historic downtown draws millions of tourists annually to its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture. The college's 96.95% in-state enrollment reflects strong local ties to this port city. Students attend classes in a metropolitan area known for its culinary scene, maritime industry, and growing tech sector. The nearby beaches and subtropical climate create year-round outdoor opportunities. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Trident Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charleston, South Carolina 29423-8067

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,253
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,226
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,029

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Trident Technical College?

As a community college, Trident Technical College maintains an open admission policy for most programs. The school serves over 11,000 students and focuses on providing accessible education rather than selective admissions. Students typically need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in most programs.

What does Trident Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students actually receive more in financial aid than tuition costs, with an average net price of negative $3,220. In-state tuition runs $4,564 while out-of-state students pay $8,606. About 27% of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most affordable college options in South Carolina.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Trident Technical College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 23:1, which is typical for community colleges. Trident Tech specializes in career-focused programs like culinary arts, nursing, and maritime technology. The college operates on a semester system and draws heavily from the Charleston area's growing job market.

What are employment outcomes like for Trident Technical College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 97.4% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong ties to local industries. Median earnings reach $38,253 ten years after graduation with relatively low debt burdens averaging $13,029. The college's location in Charleston provides access to jobs in healthcare, hospitality, and the growing tech sector.

Where do most Trident Technical College students come from?

Nearly 97% of students come from South Carolina, making this primarily a local institution. The student body is 64% women and reflects Charleston's diversity with 49% white students and 30% Black students. The college draws heavily from the tri-county area around Charleston.

Does Trident Technical College have strong industry connections?

The college maintains deep partnerships with Charleston's maritime industry, aerospace manufacturers like Boeing, and the region's booming culinary scene. Founded in 1973, Trident Tech has built programs around local economic strengths including the Port of Charleston and tourism industry. The college's culinary program particularly benefits from Charleston's reputation as a food destination.