Trident Technical College is a public 2-year college in Charleston, South Carolina with 10,512 undergraduates. It has open admission and graduates 33% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Trident Technical College acceptance rate and admissions
Trident Technical College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Trident Technical College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $4,836 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $9,108 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $12,130 |
Trident Technical College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 33% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $42,433 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $10,808 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 25% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Trade and career programs at Trident Technical College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 108 | $38,928 | $36,449 | $10,084 |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 89 | $46,801 | $52,266 | $5,834 |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 63 | $37,040 | n/a | $11,000 |
| Truck driving (CDL) | Certificate | 59 | n/a | n/a | $3,750 |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 54 | n/a | n/a | $10,361 |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 39 | $33,732 | $32,849 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 37 | $47,741 | n/a | $6,686 |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 37 | $59,375 | n/a | $14,166 |
| HVAC | Certificate | 31 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 27 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Construction trades | Certificate | 27 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Associate degree | 20 | $73,176 | n/a | $12,442 |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 18 | $41,894 | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 15 | $43,719 | n/a | n/a |
| Dental assisting and hygiene | Certificate | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Associate degree | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Heavy equipment mechanic | Certificate | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 10 | $36,814 | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 10,512 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 65% women, 35% men
- 21 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Trident Technical College?
No. Trident Technical College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Trident Technical College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $4,836 for in-state students and $9,108 for out-of-state students.
What is the graduation rate at Trident Technical College?
33% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Trident Technical College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $42,433 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in South Carolina · colleges in Charleston · Trident Technical College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.