Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) vs Suffolk CC

Tri-County Technical College and Suffolk County Community College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking a solid foundation for their academic and professional pursuits. While they share the common goal of providing quality education, they differ in several key aspects. Tri-County Technical College boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with varying academic backgrounds. Suffolk County Community College, on the other hand, offers a wider range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses, catering to a more diverse student body. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into the specifics of each institution, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, to determine which college best aligns with your unique educational aspirations.

	Suffolk County Community College	Tri-County Technical College
Overview
Location	Selden, New York	Pendleton, South Carolina
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	58.0%	30.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees	$40	$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: $20,258 Out of state: $25,728	In state: $19,985 Out of state: $24,459
Average net price	$5,707	$8,121
Tuition	In state: $5,470 Out of state: $10,940	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)	58.0% Average amount $5,654	95.0% Average amount $7,786
Students receiving federal student loan	14.0% Average amount $3,798	20.0% Average amount $5,070
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $4,989	4.0% Average amount $12,973

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	20,549 Men 44.0% Women 56.0%	5,617 Men 46.2% Women 53.8%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	0.0%	12.0%
International students	0.3%	N/A
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	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	New York North Carolina	South Carolina North Carolina Georgia New Jersey Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting Visual & Performing Arts	Liberal Arts Health Professions Automotive Technology Engineering Technologies Business
Students to faculty ratio	25:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	25.5%	36.2%
Dropout rate	45.8%	26.4%
Transferred out	13.4%	31.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $75,300 Year 2: $71,686 Year 3: $82,572 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $35,904 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $57,299 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $49,203 Year 2: $49,918 Year 3: $53,544 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $49,657 Year 2: $45,128 Year 3: $48,208 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $47,871 Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $33,422 Year 2: $36,324 Year 3: $42,196 Legal Support Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $39,729 Year 3: $42,170 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $39,718 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $40,317 Legal Support Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $28,221 Year 2: $29,832 Year 3: $40,180 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $30,074 Year 2: $34,495 Year 3: $40,157	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 main differences between Tri-County Technical College and Suffolk County Community College?

Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) is located in Pendleton, South Carolina, and primarily serves the Upstate region. It's known for its strong focus on technical and career-oriented programs. Suffolk County Community College (SCCC), on the other hand, is a multi-campus institution serving Suffolk County, New York. SCCC offers a broader range of programs, including liberal arts and sciences, in addition to career-focused options. The size and geographic reach are significant differences.
Which college is larger, Tri-County Technical College or Suffolk County Community College?

Suffolk County Community College is significantly larger than Tri-County Technical College. SCCC has multiple campuses and a much higher student enrollment, offering a wider variety of courses and programs.
What types of programs are offered at Tri-County Technical College?

Tri-County Technical College specializes in technical and career-focused programs. You'll find strong offerings in areas like manufacturing, engineering technology, healthcare, business technology, and computer technology. They emphasize hands-on training and preparing students for immediate employment.
What types of programs are offered at Suffolk County Community College?

Suffolk County Community College offers a comprehensive range of programs, including associate degrees in liberal arts and sciences, which are designed for transfer to four-year institutions. They also have career-oriented programs in fields like business, healthcare, technology, and criminal justice. SCCC provides a broader academic spectrum than TCTC.
Which college is more affordable, Tri-County Technical College or Suffolk County Community College?

Tuition costs can vary depending on residency and specific programs. However, community colleges are generally more affordable than four-year institutions. It's best to check the most recent tuition and fees on each college's website to determine which is more affordable for your specific situation and residency status. Also, consider the cost of living in South Carolina versus New York.
Where are Tri-County Technical College and Suffolk County Community College located?

Tri-County Technical College is located in Pendleton, South Carolina, serving the Upstate region. Suffolk County Community College has multiple campuses across Suffolk County, New York, including locations in Selden, Brentwood, and Riverhead.
Which college is better for students planning to transfer to a four-year university?

Suffolk County Community College is generally better suited for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, particularly within the New York state system. They offer a wider range of liberal arts and sciences programs specifically designed for transfer. While Tri-County Technical College may have transfer agreements, their primary focus is on career preparation.
Which college is better for students seeking immediate job placement after graduation?

Tri-County Technical College is generally better for students seeking immediate job placement after graduation. Their programs are heavily focused on providing the specific skills and training needed for local industries in the Upstate South Carolina region. They often have strong relationships with local employers.
Do both colleges offer online courses?

Yes, both Tri-County Technical College and Suffolk County Community College offer online courses. The availability and range of online programs may vary, so it's best to check each college's website for the most up-to-date information.
What student support services are available at Tri-County Technical College and Suffolk County Community College?

Both colleges offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, disability services, and counseling. Specific services and resources may vary, so it's recommended to explore each college's website or contact their student affairs office for more details.
How do I apply to Tri-County Technical College and Suffolk County Community College?

The application process for both colleges typically involves submitting an online application, providing transcripts from previous schools, and potentially taking placement tests. You can find detailed application instructions and requirements on each college's website. Be sure to check application deadlines.
What is the campus life like at Tri-County Technical College and Suffolk County Community College?

Campus life experiences differ. Tri-County Technical College, being a smaller institution, may have a more close-knit community feel. Suffolk County Community College, with its multiple campuses and larger student body, offers a wider range of clubs, organizations, and activities. Consider what type of campus environment best suits your preferences.

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