Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / SC / Charleston
Trident Technical College logo

Trident Technical College

Public Charleston, SC · Urban · Southeast · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
29%
Graduation Rate
$38,253
Earnings (10yr)
$1,406
Net Price
10,512
Enrollment

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

With over 10,500 students enrolled, Trident Technical College serves a diverse population looking to gain practical skills in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Culinary Arts. This college is a solid choice for those seeking a hands-on education that can lead directly into the workforce. The focus is clear: students are here to learn skills that matter in today’s job market, making it an appealing option for anyone wanting to start their career journey.

When it comes to what life looks like after graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $38,253 within a decade of completing their studies. This figure reflects a pathway to financial stability, particularly important for those who may have started in the bottom 20% of their high school class. Affordability is also a key aspect, with a net price of just $1,406 after aid. This makes it accessible for many, especially considering that 28% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps to ease the financial burden.

Looking at the practical side, students usually graduate with a median debt of $13,029, which is relatively manageable compared to potential earnings. Those who thrive here are often those who are ready to dive into their studies and make the most of the support available. With a focus on community and practical skill development, Trident Technical College can be a great stepping stone toward a fulfilling career.

Rankings

How Trident Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation29%Earnings 10yr$38KNet Price$1KRetention59%Median Debt$13KPell Grant Rate28%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$1K$0-30K$1K$30-48K$1K$48-75K$7K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1677.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%917.0%MOBILITY153.83%

Cost & Financial Aid

$4,546
In-State Tuition
$8,620
Out-of-State
$1,406
Avg Net Price
$13,029
Median Debt
28%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$1,057
Family Income $0–$30K
$516
Family Income $30K–$48K
$1,141
Family Income $48K–$75K
$6,542
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$33,306
6 Years After Entry
$35,256
8 Years
$38,253
10 Years
0.34x
Debt-to-Earnings
49%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$33,306 6yr $35,256 8yr $38,253 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

153.83%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
917.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1677.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$63,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.80
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.10
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.2%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 59%
Full-Time Faculty 46%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,683
Diversity Index 0.67
First-Gen Students 43%

Top Programs

Humanities 22%
Health Professions 21%
Business & Marketing 15%
Computer Science & IT 11%
Culinary & Personal Services 7%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 3%
Transportation 2%