Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) vs Northeastern Technical College

Tri-County Technical College and Northeastern Technical College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking technical and career-oriented programs. While they share a commitment to providing quality education, they differ in several key aspects. Tri-County boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while Northeastern maintains a more selective admissions process. In terms of student demographics, Tri-County has a larger and more diverse student body, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. Northeastern, on the other hand, has a smaller student population, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, graduation rates, and other crucial factors that will help you make an informed decision about your educational journey.
Northeastern Technical College logo

Northeastern Technical College

Tri-County Technical College logo

Tri-County Technical College

Overview

Location Cheraw, South Carolina Pendleton, South Carolina
Campus setting Rural: Fringe Suburb: Large
College type 2 year 2 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate 63.0% 30.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees $30 $30
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $22,214

Out of state: $24,976
In state: $19,985

Out of state: $24,459
Average net price $6,989 $8,121
Tuition
In state: $4,460

Out of state: $7,222
In state: $5,648

Out of state: $10,112
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

86.0%
Average amount $6,529
95.0%
Average amount $7,786
Students receiving federal student loan 20.0%
Average amount $5,070
Students taking out private loans 4.0%
Average amount $12,973

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,717
Men 30.0% Women 70.0%
5,617
Men 46.2% Women 53.8%
Graduate students N/A N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 0.0% 12.0%
International students N/A N/A
Campus local/setting Rural: Fringe Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity N/A N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from South Carolina South Carolina North Carolina Georgia New Jersey Maryland

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Precision Production
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Automotive Technology
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Business
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 19:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 36.1% 36.2%
Dropout rate 48.7% 26.4%
Transferred out 6.3% 31.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business/Commerce, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $16,663
  • Year 3: $18,826
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: N/A
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,416
  • Year 3: N/A
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,890
  • Year 2: $60,049
  • Year 3: $64,792
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,523
  • Year 2: $55,693
  • Year 3: $59,913
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,789
  • Year 2: $44,595
  • Year 3: $45,968
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $38,567
  • Year 2: $34,704
  • Year 3: $39,069
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,874
  • Year 2: $35,594
  • Year 3: $38,103
Data Processing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,996
  • Year 2: $33,637
  • Year 3: $37,762
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: $37,123
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,930
  • Year 2: $30,305
  • Year 3: $33,893
Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,236
  • Year 3: $30,565
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $28,943
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $29,145

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in the geographic locations of Tri-County Technical College and Northeastern Technical College?

    Tri-County Technical College is located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, serving Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties. Northeastern Technical College is situated in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, and primarily serves the northeastern part of the state. Consider which location best suits your personal and professional needs, as well as your proximity to family and other support systems.

  • How do the tuition and fees compare between Tri-County Technical College and Northeastern Technical College?

    Tuition and fees are generally comparable between the two institutions, as both are part of the South Carolina Technical College System. However, specific costs can vary slightly depending on the program of study and the number of credit hours taken. It's recommended to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date and detailed information on tuition, fees, and potential financial aid opportunities.

  • What types of academic programs are offered at Tri-County Technical College versus Northeastern Technical College?

    Both colleges offer a wide range of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to a four-year university. While there is overlap in programs like business, healthcare, and technology, the specific program offerings can vary. Tri-County Technical College might have a stronger emphasis on certain programs based on the needs of the Upstate region, while Northeastern Technical College may focus on programs relevant to its local economy. Review the program catalogs of both colleges to determine which best aligns with your career goals.

  • Are there opportunities for transferring to a four-year university after attending either Tri-County Technical College or Northeastern Technical College?

    Yes, both colleges have established transfer agreements with various four-year universities in South Carolina and beyond. These agreements facilitate a smooth transition for students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree. The specific transfer requirements and guaranteed admission policies may vary depending on the university and the program of study. It's advisable to consult with academic advisors at both colleges to understand the transfer process and ensure your coursework aligns with your desired university's requirements.

  • How do the student support services compare at Tri-County Technical College and Northeastern Technical College?

    Both colleges provide a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and disability services. The availability and specific details of these services are generally similar. However, the size and scope of these services may vary slightly depending on the size of the student body and the resources available at each campus. Contact the student services departments at both colleges to inquire about specific support programs that meet your needs.

  • What is the campus environment like at Tri-County Technical College versus Northeastern Technical College?

    The campus environment at both colleges is generally considered to be welcoming and supportive. The atmosphere is typically more intimate than a large university, fostering a sense of community among students and faculty. The specific campus culture and available extracurricular activities may differ. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, to get a feel for the environment and determine which one feels like the best fit for you.

  • How do I apply for admission to Tri-County Technical College and Northeastern Technical College?

    The application process for both colleges is generally straightforward and similar. You will typically need to complete an online application, submit official high school transcripts or GED scores, and provide any required placement test scores. Both colleges may have specific deadlines for application and financial aid. Visit the admissions pages on the official websites of both colleges for detailed instructions and application requirements.

  • Are there any specific programs or areas of study where one college excels over the other?

    While both colleges offer a broad range of programs, they may have areas of specialization or particular strengths based on the needs of their local communities and industries. Research the specific programs you are interested in at both colleges. For example, one college might have a more established program in a specific area of technology or healthcare due to local industry partnerships. Reviewing the faculty profiles and program outcomes can provide insights into the strengths of each institution.

  • How can I find out about financial aid and scholarship opportunities at Tri-County Technical College and Northeastern Technical College?

    Both colleges offer various financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans. Both colleges also offer institutional scholarships and may have information about external scholarship opportunities. Visit the financial aid offices of both colleges or their websites for detailed information on available aid and application procedures.

  • What are the job placement rates or career services like at Tri-County Technical College and Northeastern Technical College?

    Both colleges provide career services to assist students with job placement and career development. These services typically include resume writing assistance, interview preparation, job search resources, and career fairs. While specific job placement rates can vary depending on the program of study and the local job market, both colleges are committed to helping their graduates find employment. Contact the career services departments at both colleges to learn more about their services and placement rates for specific programs.