Trident Technical College, located in Charleston, South Carolina, was founded in 1964 to serve the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester. Over the years the college has expanded, including the absorption of the private business school Palmer College, adding a large number of new programs and facilities to TTC. The school is dedicated to helping its 17,000 member student body achieve their varied and diverse goals through the programs and courses available.
Academics
Trident Technical College offers over 150 programs that result in diploma, certificate or degree. As a two year institution, the school provides transfer opportunities and career/vocational training opportunities to its students. Academic transfer programs allow students to pursue a bachelor's degree at a college or university after first completing two years of lower division/general education courses at TTC. Transfer is accomplished through application to one‘s desired schools, and the requirements for admission may vary. As a result, interested students should meet with a counselor to identify transferable credits and to establish a curriculum that meets the criterion for admission of the desired school or schools.
Technical and career programs provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce as a professional. This is accomplished through a variety of classes that provide theoretical and practical experience, allowing students to practice and implement methodologies and techniques learned in controlled simulated environments in order to refine important skills and utilize them in the real world. Programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and allows an individual to seek employment in one's field at the entry level.
Some programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, any student wishing to enroll at TCC should complete the application for admission and submit it along with the application fee, transcripts and SAT or ACT test scores. Students who do not have SAT or ACT test scores will be asked to take a placement exam. New students are encouraged to participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to discuss program enrollment and curriculum based on the student's future plans. Some programs may have additional requirements.
Financial aid is typically offered in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school's financial aid department to determine a student's needs and aid program eligibility prior to putting together a financial aid packet. Due to changes in an individual's financial circumstances from year to year, students are required to reapply for financial aid prior to each academic year. Students may also be chosen at random to provide additional information to compare to the FAFSA and verify its accuracy as per recent government regulations governing the disbursement of financial aid.
Clubs and Organizations
A variety of clubs and organizations are available on campus to expose students to new interests or allow them to develop already existent interests. Clubs and organizations are based on a variety of topics including student government, academics, social and cultural issues, extracurricular activities and more. Students are encouraged to experiment and participate with any clubs and organizations that pique their interest, as it is an excellent way to meet others, socialize and get involved in campus life and with the community.
Clubs and organizations include:
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- Gaming Club
- Japanese Anime Educational Club
- International Club
- Roots and Shoots
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,700. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $30 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range:
- State Residents: $3,900-$4,700
- Out-of-State: $7,500-$9,004
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $180-$220 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $330-$400 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 95% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 94% | $5,811 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 26% | $5,724 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Trident Technical College may provide student services like those listed below:
- Distance learning
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Helping students find work after graduation
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges offer a variety of career and transfer options for students. The following table shows the graduation and transfer-out rates for Trident Technical College, versus those community colleges in South Carolina, which can be valuable information for determining which school to attend.
| Trident Technical College | Charleston County | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 10.0% | - | 12.0% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 19.6% | - | 17.6% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1970)
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1990)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1990)
- See a list of all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in South Carolina
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1999)
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1973)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Trident Technical College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Horticulture (A, C)
- Landscaping (C)
- Turf Management (C)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Data Entry Technology (C)
- Accounting (A, C)
- Business Administration (A)
- Commerce (A, C)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Entrepreneurship (C)
- Sales Manager
Communication Technology
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (A, C)
- Data Processing Technology (A, C)
- Computer Programming (C)
Construction Trades
- Lineworker (C)
- Building Construction Technology (C)
Education
- Technical Teacher Education
Engineering
- Pre-Engineering (C)
Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (C)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A)
- Survey Technology (C)
- Environmental Control Technologies
- Construction Engineering Technology
English Language and Literature
- English (C)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care (A, C)
- Child Care Provider (C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Pre-Nursing Studies (C)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Radiology Technician (A)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (C)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Medical Assistant (C)
- Veterinary Assistant (A)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A, C)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Pharmacy Technician (C)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Health Preparatory Programs (C)
- Nursing Assistant (C)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (C)
- Aircraft Mechanic (C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (C)
- Industrial Mechanics (C)
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies (A)
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology (C)
- Industrial Electronics Technology (C)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (C)
- Culinary Arts (A, C)
- Institutional Food Workers (C)
- Baking And Pastry (C)
Precision Production
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (A)
- Social Work (C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Physical Fitness Technician (C)
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (A, C)
- Homeland Security (A)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Aviation (C)
- Transportation and Materials Moving (C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Commercial and Advertising Art (A, C)
- Drawing
- Cinematography And Film
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Trident Technical College.
- Williamsburg Technical College in Kingstree, SC (50 miles away)
- Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort, SC (52 miles away)
- Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College in Orangeburg, SC (63 miles away)
- Denmark Technical College in Denmark, SC (69 miles away)
- Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter, SC (72 miles away)