Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,354
In-state $6,242
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
2,106
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
40.4%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 45.5%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (OCTC) is a prominent educational institution located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. As a community college, it focuses on providing technical and vocational training to equip students with the skills necessary for the workforce. The college offers a wide range of programs in various fields such as healthcare, information technology, and business, ensuring that students can find a path that suits their career aspirations. With a commitment to accessibility and affordability, OCTC plays a vital role in the local community, helping to foster economic development by preparing a skilled workforce.
The college prides itself on its strong emphasis on student support and engagement. OCTC offers various services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services, to help students succeed in their studies and transition into their careers. The faculty at OCTC is highly qualified and dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Additionally, the college promotes a vibrant campus culture through various student organizations, events, and activities, creating a supportive and dynamic environment for learning and personal growth. With its focus on hands-on training and community involvement, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking to advance their education and career prospects.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Over the years, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College has experienced notable trends in tuition fees, student retention rates, graduation rates, and gender ratios among undergraduates. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $4,767 in 2014 to $5,954 in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 25%. This rise in costs can significantly impact student affordability and access to higher education, particularly for low-income families.
In contrast, the retention rate has shown a positive trend, rising from about 50.3% in 2013 to an impressive 67.7% in 2023. This increase indicates that more students are choosing to continue their studies at the college, which can be attributed to improved support services or favorable learning environments. Retention is critical as it reflects the institution's ability to engage students and provide them with the resources they need to succeed academically.
Similarly, the graduation rates have also improved. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates has increased from 6.1% in 2013 to 15.5% in 2023, and the 150% graduation rate has risen from 10.4% to 26.3% in the same period. These statistics suggest that more students are not only completing their studies but are doing so in a timely manner, which is essential for their future career prospects.
Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduates has remained skewed towards females, with women making up approximately 71% of the undergraduate population by 2022. This consistent trend raises important questions about gender representation in various fields of study and the potential implications for workforce diversity.
Overall, while tuition costs continue to rise, the college's improvements in retention and graduation rates are positive indicators of institutional effectiveness. It will be crucial for the college to maintain this momentum and address the challenges posed by rising tuition fees to ensure equitable access to education for all students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Distant town
- Nearest major city
- Columbia, about 35 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 60 mi
- Also known as
- OCtech
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Walt Tobin, PhD (President)
- Phone
- 8035360311
- City
- Orangeburg, South Carolina
- Address
- 3250 Saint Matthews Rd, Orangeburg, SC 29118-8299
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
The graduation data from Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College reveals significant insights into the trends and focuses of the institution. Among the various programs, Registered Nursing stands out with the highest number of graduates at 65, reflecting a strong emphasis on health professions, which is consistent with the growing demand for healthcare workers in the United States. This demand is further accentuated by the ongoing challenges posed by public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which have highlighted the critical need for skilled nursing professionals.
In contrast, programs in engineering, such as Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology, and other technical fields show a reasonable number of graduates as well, with 20 and 5 graduates respectively. However, it is noteworthy that there are no graduates in the bachelor's, master's, or doctorate categories across all programs, which may indicate a targeted focus on associate degree offerings. This focus aligns with a national trend where many students are pursuing shorter, more affordable pathways to employment, particularly in technical and vocational fields.
Moreover, the data indicates a complete absence of international students graduating in these programs, which could suggest potential areas for growth in attracting a diverse student body. This absence might limit the college's global perspective and potential collaborations, which are increasingly valuable in today's interconnected world.
Overall, the data portrays a college that is effectively meeting local workforce needs, particularly in healthcare, while also signaling opportunities for growth in attracting a broader range of students and expanding academic offerings beyond associate degrees.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | - | |
| Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $74,959 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $27,105 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician. | $80,632 | |
| Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - | |
| Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care and Support Services Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | - |
Students
2,106 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 29:71 · Freshman retention 65.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,029
- First-year undergraduates 198
- Transfers and others 879
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,106)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Overview of Student Demographics at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College in 2023
The student composition at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College for the year 2023 reveals significant insights into the diversity and gender distribution among its undergraduate and graduate populations. The institution hosts a total of 234 undergraduate freshmen, 1002 undergraduate sophomores, 167 undergraduate transfer students, and 609 graduate students.
Notably, the gender ratios within these groups indicate a predominance of female students. For instance, female students represent approximately 63.7% of the freshman cohort, while the sophomore and transfer categories show similar trends with 76.9% and 76.0% female representation, respectively. The graduate population also reflects this pattern, with women making up 61.6% of the students. These trends align with national observations in higher education, where women increasingly outnumber men in college enrollment across various levels of study.
Moreover, the demographic breakdown by race highlights a diverse student body, although specific figures for ethnicity were not detailed. The presence of a significant number of white, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and African American students suggests a commitment to inclusivity.
Overall, the data presents a commendable picture of student diversity and gender representation at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College. The trends observed here resonate with broader educational patterns, where institutions strive to create welcoming environments for all students, regardless of gender or background. This focus on diversity is critical, as it enriches the educational experience and prepares students for a multifaceted world.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
The age distribution of students at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College reveals several noteworthy trends. The majority of the student body is concentrated in the younger age brackets, particularly those under 18 and aged 18-19, which together account for approximately 62% of the total female student population and about 61% of all male students. This suggests that the college is appealing to traditional college-age students, which is consistent with the national trend of young adults pursuing higher education immediately after high school.
As we move through the age ranges, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment numbers, particularly among males. For instance, the number of male students drops significantly as the age increases, with only 10 males aged 35-39 and even fewer in the subsequent age brackets. This pattern indicates a potential gap in attracting non-traditional students, particularly older adults who may be seeking to enhance their skills or change career paths.
It is also interesting to note that there are no graduate male students enrolled, which could point to a need for targeted outreach or programs that encourage graduate studies among males. Conversely, females maintain a more consistent presence across age groups, especially in the 22-24 and 25-29 ranges, where they comprise a larger proportion of the female student body compared to their male counterparts.
Overall, the data highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that not only caters to younger students but also encourages older individuals to pursue their educational goals. This could enhance the diversity and richness of the learning community at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
The data reveals a fluctuating trend in international student enrollment at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College over the years examined. In the early years from 2004 to 2008, the number of international students remained consistently low, with only one international student enrolled each year, resulting in a mere 0.04% of the total undergraduate population. This indicates a significant lack of diversity among the student body during that period.
A noticeable change occurred in 2010 when the enrollment of international students sharply increased to nine, elevating the percentage to 0.28%. This spike could suggest a strategic effort by the college to attract more international applicants, aligning with broader trends in higher education where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of global perspectives in academic settings.
However, the following years saw a return to minimal enrollment numbers, with only one international student recorded in both 2011 and 2012, resulting in percentages of 0.03%. This inconsistency raises questions about the college's recruitment strategies and support systems for international students, especially in a global context where many colleges are striving to enhance their international appeal.
The overall trend highlights the importance of sustained efforts in marketing and support to ensure a stable and growing international student population, which not only enriches the college community but also contributes to its financial sustainability. As global education continues to evolve, it will be crucial for institutions like Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College to adapt and innovate their approaches to attract and retain international talent.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$13,354
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,354
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $6,242
- Room and board
- $5,000
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 23% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 28%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$29.5M
Expenses$27.3M
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.
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
-
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia · 33.2 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Wofford CollegeSpartanburg · 116.3 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte · 121.8 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Furman UniversityGreenville · 132.5 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Davidson CollegeDavidson · 135.1 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
Clemson UniversityClemson · 139.0 mi
U.S. News #80
-
University of GeorgiaAthens · 148.9 mi
U.S. News #52
-
Mercer UniversityMacon · 170.4 mi
U.S. News #148
-
University of North Carolina--WilmingtonWilmington · 175.8 mi
U.S. News #219
Data insights
Here are some notable colleges and universities near Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College:
-
University of South Carolina-Columbia - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Wofford College - A liberal arts college ranked 59th, Wofford is known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and student engagement.
-
Furman University - This top liberal arts institution, ranked 46th, offers a rigorous academic environment and a vibrant campus life.
-
Davidson College - Ranked 16th, Davidson is a highly selective liberal arts college with a strong commitment to liberal arts education and community service.
-
Clemson University - A comprehensive university ranked 86th, Clemson is well-known for its engineering, business, and agricultural programs.
-
Duke University - One of the top-ranked universities in the nation, Duke is ranked 7th and is renowned for its research programs and strong athletic tradition.
-
Emory University - Ranked 24th, Emory is recognized for its outstanding health sciences programs and vibrant campus culture.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
The crime statistics from Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College over the past decade reveal a notable decline in reported incidents. Analyzing the data, we see that the average crime rate per 1,000 students dropped significantly, with a peak in 2013 at 0.73, followed by a steady decrease to 0.00 in several subsequent years. This decline suggests a concerted effort by the college to improve campus safety and reduce crime.
Interestingly, the only notable crimes recorded in recent years include a few incidents of gun arrests and domestic violence, but these occurrences are minimal relative to the student population. For instance, the year 2016 and 2018 saw no recorded crime, reflecting a positive trend in campus safety. In 2023, the average crime rate slightly increased to 0.50, indicating a need for continued vigilance, but still remains lower than the historical peak.
The significant drop in crime rates can be attributed to various factors, including enhanced security measures, increased awareness programs, and community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering a safer environment for students. However, the college must remain proactive in addressing even minor incidents, as they can impact the overall perception of safety among students and staff.
Overall, the campus environment seems to be heading in a positive direction, with efforts to maintain safety and security being crucial in ensuring that students feel secure in their learning environment. For those interested in a detailed methodology of crime rate calculations, you can refer to this 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.