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Public, 2-year

Technical College of the Lowcountry

Beaufort, South Carolina · www.tcl.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$11,916

In-state $6,756

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

2,461

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

12.1%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 16.6%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) is a prominent institution located in Beaufort, South Carolina, known for its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education in a variety of technical fields. Established in 1968, TCL offers an array of programs that cater to the needs of local industries, focusing on workforce development and skill enhancement. The college is particularly recognized for its robust programs in healthcare, information technology, and industrial technologies, which are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in their chosen fields. With a student-centered approach, TCL emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experiences, which are crucial for fostering a competent workforce.

The college is well-equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms that enhance the learning experience. Students benefit from personalized attention due to small class sizes and a dedicated faculty that comprises experienced professionals committed to student success. TCL's strong ties with local businesses and industries facilitate internship opportunities, ensuring that students gain valuable real-world experience. The college also promotes a vibrant campus culture with various student organizations and activities that encourage community engagement and personal growth. With a mission to empower individuals through education, TCL continues to play a vital role in the economic development of the Lowcountry region by equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics

The data from the Technical College of the Lowcountry presents several noteworthy trends, particularly in tuition rates, graduation rates, and student retention. Over the years from 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition has increased significantly from $4,540 to $6,100, showcasing a 34.4% rise. Similarly, the out-of-state undergraduate tuition has escalated from $8,548 to $11,044, marking a 29.2% increase. This trend reflects the ongoing challenge of rising education costs, which can deter prospective students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

Additionally, the graduation rates reveal a concerning trend. The percentage of students graduating on time (within 100% of the expected time) fluctuated significantly, with a peak of 11.8% in 2020, followed by a drop to 3.8% in 2023. Such low rates are alarming and may indicate underlying issues such as inadequate support systems for students, which could be further exacerbated by financial burdens.

Retention rates also present a mixed picture. After a peak of 56.1% in 2017, the retention rate has seen a decline, dropping to 42.3% in 2022, before slightly recovering to 48.4% in 2023. This fluctuation may suggest that while some students are finding the environment conducive to their studies, many are still leaving before completing their programs.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has varied over the years, with a notable decline from 16 in 2013 to 12 in 2023. A lower ratio often indicates more personalized attention for students, which is crucial for enhancing both retention and graduation rates. Overall, these metrics highlight critical areas that require strategic intervention to improve student outcomes and institutional effectiveness.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Charleston, about 50 mi
Nearest international airport
Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), about 35 mi
Beaufort, South Carolina
Also known as
TCL, , Lowcountry
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Richard Gough (President)
Phone
8007688252
City
Beaufort, South Carolina
Address
921 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29901-1288

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2410 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
68
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
48
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
21
Business/Commerce, General
17
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
12
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
11
Culinary Arts/Chef Training
11
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
9
Physical Therapy Assistant
8
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Technical College of the Lowcountry

The graduation data from the Technical College of the Lowcountry in 2023 reveals some significant trends and insights regarding the distribution of degrees conferred across various disciplines. Notably, the highest number of graduates was recorded in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with 58 individuals earning associate degrees. This aligns with national trends that show a growing interest in general education, which provides a broad foundation for students before they specialize in their career paths.

In the healthcare sector, Registered Nursing produced 31 graduates, showcasing the persistent demand for healthcare professionals, a trend that has been emphasized in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, Surgical Technology and Medical Radiologic Technology had no graduates this year, indicating potential challenges in enrollment or program attractiveness that may require attention from the institution.

The business-related fields, particularly Business/Commerce, also showed a notable number of graduates, with 16 students receiving associate degrees. This reflects the ongoing emphasis on business education, which is critical in today’s economy. However, it is surprising to see no international students graduating in any program, which may highlight barriers such as visa issues or the impact of global events on international education.

Overall, while certain programs like Liberal Arts and Nursing show strong graduation numbers, the absence of graduates in other fields raises questions about program viability and student interest. Addressing these issues could help enhance enrollment and better meet workforce demands in various sectors.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 68 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$43,331
Health professionshas 68 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Therapy Assistant.$35,579-$55,477
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.$58,949
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$58,949
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$77,128
Businesshas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.-
Computer and information sciencehas 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Culinary has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef.-
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.-
Legal professionshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Human science has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care and Support Services Management.-
Homeland security has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Mechanic and repair has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician.-

Students

2,461 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 34:66 · Freshman retention 58.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,461)

White
1,066 · 43.3%
Black
686 · 27.9%
Hispanic
529 · 21.5%
Two or more races
103 · 4.2%
Unknown
29 · 1.2%
Asian
26 · 1.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
28.1%
18–19
19.3%
20–21
11.0%
22–24
11.0%
25 and over
30.6%

Data insights

Demographic Analysis of Students at Technical College of the Lowcountry in 2023

The demographic data from the Technical College of the Lowcountry for 2023 reveals significant insights into the composition of its student body. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 436 students, with a notable gender distribution of approximately 38.8% male and 61.2% female. This suggests a strong representation of female students in this category, which could reflect broader trends in higher education where women are increasingly pursuing degrees.

The undergraduate juniors show an even more pronounced disparity, with 1,149 students, consisting of 24.7% male and a striking 75.3% female representation. This could indicate a sustained interest among female students in continuing their education at this level, perhaps influenced by evolving societal norms and increased support for women in academia.

In the case of undergraduate transfer students, the numbers are markedly lower, with only 124 students enrolled and a gender ratio of 25% male to 75% female. This trend may suggest that transfer pathways are still underdeveloped or less accessible for these students, especially for males.

The overall demographics demonstrate a greater female presence across all categories of students, which raises questions about the engagement and retention strategies employed by institutions to attract and support male students. Moreover, understanding the ethnic diversity within these groups is crucial, as it can inform outreach and support initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Overall, the data from Technical College of the Lowcountry serves as a snapshot of current trends in student demographics and highlights the need for institutions to continually adapt their strategies to meet the evolving landscape of higher education.

Age Distribution of Students at Technical College of the Lowcountry

The age demographics of students at the Technical College of the Lowcountry reveal interesting trends in enrollment patterns, particularly among undergraduate students. A significant portion of the student body, approximately 44% of total students, is under the age of 18, highlighting the college's role in catering to younger individuals entering higher education.

Students aged 18-19 represent another substantial group, comprising about 36% of the total. This suggests that recent high school graduates are actively pursuing further education soon after graduation, which aligns with national trends of increasing college enrollment among this age group.

As we look at the age range of 20-21, the enrollment begins to taper off, with only about 14% of students falling within this category. This decrease continues in the 22-24 age group, which accounts for about 10% of the student body. Such a trend may indicate that older students are either entering the workforce directly after high school or opting for alternative educational paths.

Interestingly, there are no graduate male or female students enrolled, which may reflect the college's focus primarily on undergraduate programs. The data shows that as age increases, the number of students significantly decreases, particularly after the age of 30. This aligns with findings from other educational institutions, where mature students often face more challenges in balancing education with career and family responsibilities.

Overall, the age distribution at the Technical College of the Lowcountry underscores a strong foundation in serving younger students, while also indicating potential areas for growth in attracting older and graduate-level students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Technical College of the Lowcountry

The data regarding international student enrollment at Technical College of the Lowcountry over the years presents a rather limited engagement with global learners. From 2004 to 2019, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population fluctuated, achieving a peak of only 0.30% in both 2005 and 2006. This indicates a minimal attraction for international students, which is concerning given the increasing global trend of higher education institutions seeking to diversify their student demographics.

In the majority of the years, the percentage of international students remained below 0.15%, with some years even recording as low as 0.04%. Such a low representation is not only a missed opportunity for the college to enrich its educational environment with diverse perspectives but also reflects the potential challenges the institution may face in attracting a broader student base amidst fierce competition from other colleges and universities that actively promote global engagement.

The lack of data on graduate students further compounds the concern, as it suggests that the institution may not have a robust graduate program that appeals to international students. As higher education continues to globalize, colleges like Technical College of the Lowcountry may need to re-evaluate their strategies for attracting international talent, perhaps by enhancing their marketing efforts, developing partnerships with foreign institutions, or offering programs that meet the needs of a global student population.

Overall, this data highlights a critical area for growth and improvement, as fostering a more inclusive and diverse student body could greatly enhance the educational experience for all students at the college.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$35,298

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$11,916
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$6,756
Room and board
$23,382
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 31% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 215%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$32.0M

Government grants and contracts
$20.4M63.5%
Tuition and fees
$5.1M16.0%
Investment return
$583K1.8%
Gifts and private grants
$132K0.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$126K0.4%
Sales and services of educational activities
$103K0.3%
Other
$5.6M17.6%

Expenses$28.4M

Instruction
$12.4M43.5%
Institutional support
$5.0M17.5%
Student services
$4.8M16.9%
Academic support
$4.2M14.9%
Scholarships
$2.8M9.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$49K0.2%
Other
-$777K-2.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$60,305peers $68,588

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities surrounding the Technical College of the Lowcountry:

  1. University of South Carolina-Columbia - Ranked 124th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Georgia - With a rank of 47, this prestigious university is renowned for its research initiatives and strong academic programs across various disciplines.

  3. Clemson University - Ranking 86th, Clemson is known for its engineering and business programs, as well as its beautiful campus and spirited athletic culture.

  4. University of Florida - This highly regarded university ranks 28th and is noted for its strong emphasis on research and comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. Emory University - With a rank of 24, Emory is recognized for its excellent liberal arts education and strong graduate programs, particularly in medicine and law.

  6. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is a leading public research university known for its engineering and technology programs.

  7. Davidson College - This liberal arts college, ranked 16th, is famed for its rigorous academics and commitment to the holistic development of its students.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Campus Crime Data at Technical College of the Lowcountry

The crime statistics from the Technical College of the Lowcountry reveal a significant decline in criminal activities over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the campus recorded a crime rate of 0.41 per 1000 students, with one incident classified as a gun-related arrest. This figure has notably decreased, with no crimes reported in the subsequent years from 2014 to 2023, reflecting a robust improvement in campus safety.

The data indicates that the college has successfully implemented measures to create a safer environment for its students. Such initiatives may include increased campus security, educational programs on safety, and community engagement efforts. The absence of reported incidents in recent years may also suggest a cultural shift among the student body towards responsible behavior.

It is important to recognize that a low crime rate can enhance the college's appeal to prospective students and their families. A safe learning environment is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. Furthermore, this trend aligns with broader national discussions about campus safety and the importance of preventive measures against violence and substance abuse.

In conclusion, the Technical College of the Lowcountry's crime data reflects a positive trajectory in campus safety. Continued vigilance and proactive strategies will be essential in maintaining this trend. For more insights on calculating crime rates, please refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.