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Public, 2-year

Trident Technical College

Charleston, South Carolina · www.tridenttech.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$8,620

In-state $5,050

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

13,552

Student-faculty ratio 21:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

28.7%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 33.5%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

Trident Technical College (TTC), located in North Charleston, South Carolina, is a prominent community college known for its commitment to providing quality education and workforce development. Established in 1976, TTC has grown to become one of the largest two-year colleges in South Carolina, serving approximately 16,000 students each year. The college emphasizes accessibility and affordability, offering a wide range of degree and certificate programs that cater to various career paths, including healthcare, information technology, business, and engineering. The college's strong focus on practical skills and hands-on training ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce, contributing to their high employment rates.

TTC prides itself on its diverse and inclusive campus culture, which fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation. The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Creating Opportunities for Success." This dedication to student success is reflected in the extensive support services it offers, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling. The campus boasts modern facilities, including advanced laboratories, a state-of-the-art library, and dedicated spaces for student activities. Furthermore, TTC encourages student engagement through various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, promoting a well-rounded college experience. As a result, Trident Technical College not only equips its students with the necessary skills for their chosen careers but also nurtures a vibrant community that supports personal and professional growth.

Analysis of Key Trends at Trident Technical College

Trident Technical College has experienced notable trends in tuition fees, student retention, graduation rates, and gender ratios over recent years. Tuition for in-state undergraduates has increased from approximately $4,238 in 2014 to $5,059 in 2024, reflecting a steady upward trajectory. This increase places a financial burden on students, especially in light of stagnant wages and rising costs of living, which may deter potential applicants.

On the retention front, a positive trend is observed, with retention rates rising from around 50.8% in 2013 to approximately 60.2% in 2023. This increase suggests that the college has made significant strides in supporting its students, possibly through improved academic resources and student services that enhance the overall educational experience.

Furthermore, the graduation rates have shown substantial improvement, particularly the timely graduation rate, which jumped from just 4% in 2013 to an impressive 21.2% in 2023. Such progress indicates that more students are completing their degrees within the expected time frame, which can enhance their job prospects and contribute positively to the college's reputation.

The gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently making up around 60% of the undergraduate population. The maintenance of this ratio highlights the college's appeal to female students, which is an important aspect of fostering a diverse academic environment.

Overall, while tuition costs continue to rise, the college's efforts in improving student retention and graduation rates are commendable. These factors, alongside a stable gender ratio, position Trident Technical College as a competitive institution in the higher education landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Charleston, about 8 mi
Nearest international airport
Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 2 mi
Charleston, South Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Vicky Wood (President)
Phone
8435746111
City
Charleston, South Carolina
Address
7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC 29423-8067

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1,7880 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
593
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
222
Business/Commerce, General
111
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
97
Business Administration and Management, General
84
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
73
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
71
Commercial and Advertising Art
54
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician
37
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
35

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Trident Technical College

The graduation data from Trident Technical College for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the trends of associate degrees awarded across various fields. Notably, the total number of graduates for associate degrees is significant, with Registered Nursing leading the count at 171 graduates. This highlights the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing, reflecting national trends driven by an aging population and increased healthcare needs.

In contrast, fields such as Business Administration and Management, and Accounting also show promising numbers with 69 and 26 graduates respectively. This indicates a stable interest in business-related disciplines, which is essential as economies evolve and the job market demands versatile skills.

Interestingly, the data exhibits a complete absence of international students graduating in bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs, which may reflect the ongoing impacts of global events, including travel restrictions and changing immigration policies. This situation emphasizes the potential need for institutions to reevaluate their recruitment strategies for international students to foster a more diverse educational environment.

Moreover, the prevalence of graduates in applied and technical fields—such as Medical Radiologic Technology and Physical Therapy Assistant—points to a trend towards practical and vocational training that aligns with workforce needs. As industries increasingly prioritize skills over degrees, such programs may see continued growth.

Overall, the data underscores the critical role of community colleges in shaping the workforce by equipping students with relevant skills in high-demand sectors, while also revealing areas for potential enhancement in attracting a more diverse student body.

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 593 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$31,351
Health professionshas 342 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.$73,176
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.-
Occupational Therapist Assistant.$36,814-$47,741
Physical Therapy Assistant.$36,814-$47,741
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$59,375
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.$59,375
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$59,375
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$59,375
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$73,575
Businesshas 281 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.$42,691
Business Administration and Management, General.$45,860
Accounting.$43,912
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.$39,817
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.$43,144-$55,519
Computer and information sciencehas 199 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.$40,518-$45,294
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.$49,599-$55,758
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.$48,161-$49,764
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 73 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.$44,699
Visual and Performing artshas 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Commercial and Advertising Art.$23,185
Culinary has 39 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef.$37,040-$38,928
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.$37,040-$38,928
Homeland security has 39 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$34,626
Homeland Security.-
Communications technologies has 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician.$31,684
Legal professionshas 35 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.$41,894
Agricultural has 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General.-
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.$33,506
Public administrationhas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Services, General.$35,127
Human science has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care and Support Services Management.-
Mechanic and repair has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other.-
Engineering technologieshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.-
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.-

Students

13,552 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 59.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (13,552)

White
6,738 · 49.7%
Black
3,857 · 28.5%
Hispanic
1,448 · 10.7%
Two or more races
893 · 6.6%
Unknown
290 · 2.1%
Asian
251 · 1.9%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
18.1%
18–19
20.9%
20–21
13.1%
22–24
12.1%
25 and over
35.8%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Trident Technical College in 2023

In 2023, Trident Technical College showcases a diverse student body, with a total of 10,789 students across various categories. Among them, undergraduate freshmen account for 1,954 students, with a balanced gender distribution of approximately 46.3% male and 53.7% female. This indicates a slight female predominance, which is common in many higher education institutions today.

The undergraduate continuing students represent the largest group, totaling 6,172. This category exhibits a more pronounced gender disparity, with males making up only 34.7% of the population. This trend highlights an ongoing issue in academia, where male enrollment continues to lag behind female enrollment, particularly in undergraduate programs.

Undergraduate transfer students amount to 1,068, with a similar gender ratio as the continuing students, with 34.9% male and 65.1% female. This suggests that the trend of higher female enrollment persists across different stages of undergraduate education.

The demographic breakdown also reveals the racial and ethnic composition of the student body, particularly among the undergraduate freshmen and continuing students. Although detailed numbers for the continuing students are not provided, the data indicates a significant presence of white students, along with representation from other ethnic groups, reflecting the college's commitment to diversity.

Overall, Trident Technical College's student demographics in 2023 illustrate the challenges and opportunities present in higher education, particularly regarding gender balance and racial diversity. The trends observed in this data align with broader national patterns, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to promote inclusivity and equity within academic settings.

Age Composition of Students at Trident Technical College in 2023

The age distribution of students at Trident Technical College reveals significant insights into the demographic makeup of the student body. The largest cohort is represented by students under 18 years of age, with 769 male undergraduates and 1,180 female undergraduates, highlighting the college's appeal to younger students. This trend continues in the 18-19 age bracket, where the numbers remain robust with 1,114 male undergraduates and 1,387 female undergraduates, indicating a strong influx of first-time college students.

Interestingly, as we progress to older age groups, the number of students begins to decline significantly. For instance, in the 20-21 age category, there are 624 male undergraduates and 904 female undergraduates, which shows a drop in enrollment compared to the younger groups. This pattern persists, with the 22-24 age group seeing 446 male and 819 female undergraduates, and the 25-29 age group showing similar trends.

The data also highlights that there are no graduate students enrolled in any age category, which could suggest that students at Trident Technical College predominantly pursue undergraduate degrees rather than advancing to graduate studies. The figures for those aged 30 and above are considerably lower, with only 346 males and 619 females in the 30-34 age group, and further decreases noted in older age brackets.

This age composition reflects a broader trend in higher education, where traditional-age students dominate enrollment figures, while older adults increasingly seek alternative education paths or community engagement. Understanding these dynamics is vital for institutions aiming to tailor their programs and services to meet the needs of their diverse student populations.

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

International Student Representation at Trident Technical College

The data from Trident Technical College for the year 2004 reveals a remarkably low representation of international students in the undergraduate population, with only 1 out of 11,791 total undergraduate students, translating to a mere 0.01% of the student body. This statistic highlights a significant gap in the college's appeal to international students at that time, suggesting possible barriers to entry such as limited recruitment efforts, lack of resources for international students, or insufficient support systems.

In contrast, the absence of data regarding graduate student enrollment raises questions about the college's graduate program's attractiveness to international students. The trends in higher education globally indicate an increasing interest among international students in pursuing degrees in the United States, driven by the quality of education and the diverse cultural experiences offered. However, colleges like Trident Technical may need to enhance their marketing strategies and support services to attract a more diverse student body.

Furthermore, as the global landscape of higher education evolves, institutions that fail to adapt may miss opportunities for enrichment through a diverse international community. As seen in more recent years across various colleges, international students contribute significantly to the academic environment, bringing diverse perspectives and enhancing the learning experience for all. It would be beneficial for Trident Technical College to assess and potentially revise its strategies to increase international student enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs moving forward.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$18,220

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$8,620
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$5,050
Room and board
$9,600
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 13% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 11%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$133M

Government grants and contracts
$101M75.9%
Tuition and fees
$21.1M15.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.4M4.0%
Investment return
$2.7M2.0%
Gifts and private grants
$913K0.7%
Sales and services of educational activities
$97K0.1%
Other
$1.9M1.4%

Expenses$128M

Instruction
$60.0M46.8%
Institutional support
$22.0M17.2%
Student services
$18.8M14.7%
Scholarships
$16.4M12.8%
Academic support
$11.8M9.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$7.4M5.8%
Other
-$8.4M-6.5%

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
$60,150peers $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 schools surrounding Trident Technical College:

  1. 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.

  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - This prestigious institution is ranked 22nd and is known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant campus life.

  3. Duke University - A top-tier university with a rank of 7, Duke is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and research opportunities.

  4. Davidson College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Davidson is ranked 16th and offers a close-knit community and a strong focus on undergraduate education.

  5. Clemson University - With a rank of 86, Clemson is known for its engineering and technology programs, along with a spirited campus atmosphere.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to a vibrant academic community in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
6
Aggravated assault
4
Weapons arrests
4
Drug arrests
3
Rape
1
Fondling
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Trident Technical College Crime Rates Analysis

The data from Trident Technical College reveals a fluctuating trend in crime rates over the years, with the average incidents per 1,000 students showing significant variation. In 2013, the crime rate was relatively low at 0.46, but it peaked in 2019 with a rate of 2.09, indicating a concerning increase in criminal activities. This spike may correlate with broader societal issues such as rising crime rates in regions surrounding colleges or increased reporting and awareness of campus crimes.

Notably, the arrest rates for drug offenses and alcohol-related incidents are particularly alarming, highlighting the need for colleges to enhance their prevention and intervention strategies. The year 2018 marked a record high of 15 total crimes, with a notable increase in arrests related to weapons and drug offenses. This pattern suggests that colleges are struggling with substance abuse and related violence, issues that have garnered attention in recent years within higher education circles.

The reported decrease in crime rates in 2023, down to 0.34, offers a glimmer of hope, but it remains crucial for the college administration to continue fostering a safe environment for students. Regular assessments and community engagement initiatives can help address the root causes of crime on campus. Overall, while the data reflects varied crime rates, it underscores the ongoing challenges that educational institutions face in ensuring student safety. For further information on calculating crime rates, 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.