At $-3,220/yr net price, Trident Technical College graduates earn $38,253/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,253/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $-3,220 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $-12,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,253/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,253/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | -3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,029 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $335/yr |
| $110,001+ | $2,562/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $33,993 | $9,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $31,133 | $10,256 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Certificate | $23,456 | $5,500 |
The Risk Factor
28.7% of students at Trident 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
Trident Technical College delivers strong financial value with a negative net price of $3,220 annually, meaning you receive more in financial aid than you pay in costs. This makes the school essentially free for most students while providing solid earning potential in key technical fields.
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies stands out as the financial winner, generating $42,682 in median earnings that far exceed the college median. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Arts programs produce more modest returns around $32,000-$34,000 but come with manageable debt loads under $11,000. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs show weaker earnings at $23,456, making them questionable investments unless you plan to transfer for further healthcare training.
The primary financial risk lies in the 28.7% graduation rate. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, potentially wasting the opportunity for career advancement. However, those who do graduate face minimal financial burden with median debt of just $13,029.
This school works best for students seeking affordable technical training in automotive fields or those using it as a low-cost stepping stone to four-year degrees. The negative net price makes it particularly attractive for students from lower-income families who qualify for substantial aid. Students should avoid programs with weak earning potential like Health/Medical Prep unless they have clear transfer plans to higher-paying healthcare careers.
With only 27% of students receiving aid, many pay even less than the already-negative net price through additional grants and scholarships available to South Carolina residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trident Technical College worth the cost?
Trident Technical College has a negative net price of $3,220 annually, meaning students receive more in financial aid than tuition costs. With median debt of $13,029 and 10-year earnings of $38,253, the financial risk is relatively low for a community college.
What programs at Trident Technical College have the best return on investment?
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies offers the highest earning potential at $42,682 after 10 years. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs show lower returns at $23,456, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Trident Technical College graduates typically have?
The median debt for Trident Technical College graduates is $13,029. This is manageable compared to four-year colleges, especially given that many students receive more in aid than they pay in tuition.
What is the graduation rate at Trident Technical College?
Trident Technical College has a 28.7% graduation rate, which is low even for community colleges. This means most students who enroll do not complete their programs, raising questions about student support and program completion.