Best Community Colleges in South Carolina 2025
Top Ten Community Colleges in South Carolina 2024
- Tri-County Technical College
- Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Business, and Medical Sciences
- Spartanburg Methodist College
- Most Popular Degrees: Liberal Arts and Sciences, Criminal Justice, and Business Administration
- Trident Technical College
- Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Engineering, and Medical Sciences
- Greenville Technical College
- Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Business, and Medical Science
- Midlands Technical College
- Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Business, and Medical Sciences
- University of South Carolina Sumter
- Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Religious Studies, and Social Work
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Most Popular Degrees: Business, Medical Sciences, and Communications
- York Technical College
- Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Medical Sciences, and Business
- University of South Carolina Union
- Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Medical Sciences
- Spartanburg Community College
- Most Popular Degrees: Medical Sciences, Nursing, and Computer Science
10 Best Community Colleges in South Carolina in 2025
- Tri-County Technical College
- Spartanburg Methodist College +17
- Trident Technical College
- Greenville Technical College +1
- Midlands Technical College –1
- University of South Carolina Sumter
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- York Technical College
- University of South Carolina Union +3
- Spartanburg Community College –8
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
Tri-County Technical College remains in the top position, while Spartanburg Methodist College jumps 17 spots to move up to number 2 in our ranking of the best community colleges in South Carolina.
TCTC has expanded industry partnerships, providing more hands-on training opportunities in fields like manufacturing and technical trades. These partnerships not only offer practical experience but also improve students’ job prospects post-graduation.
In January of 2025, Spartanburg Methodist College will begin offering a fully online Bachelor of Arts in General Studies. This program will allow students to receive credits for prior learning, including work experience and certifications, making degree completion faster and more affordable.
We’ve identified 19 community colleges in South Carolina. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in South Carolina.
The best community colleges provide an effective springboard into higher education, offering students high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The top-rated community colleges in South Carolina offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.
Best Community Colleges in South Carolina
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
35%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Tri-County Technical College
Cost of Degree: $6,008Starting Salary: $30,500With a commitment to building community, Tri-County Technical College offers degree programs and certificate training to accommodate its students’ needs.
What we love about Tri-County Technical College:
The I-BEST program provides the best program pathways for students who want to enter the workforce in a short period.
Tri-County Technical College is ideal for students who:
Seek comprehensive programs in logistics and transportation.
Tri-County Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to live on campus.
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
36%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Spartanburg Methodist College
Cost of Degree: $19,350Expenses: $15,782Starting Salary: $35,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Spartanburg Methodist College known for?
Spartanburg Methodist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
24%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at Trident Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,059Starting Salary: $35,100Trident Technical College aims to help improve communities through its student programs, partnerships, and extension services.
What we love about Trident Technical College:
The college offers training certifications in areas like construction and hospitality to train workforce-ready individuals.
Trident Technical College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for reliable enrollment advisors.
Trident Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would not care to join student organizations, as TTC is known for their variety.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
17%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Greenville Technical College
Cost of Degree: $6,237Starting Salary: $34,700Students at Greenville Technical College have access to pathways that best fit their career goals through tailored educational experiences.
What we love about Greenville Technical College:
Eligible scholars can receive additional aid for their remaining tuition fees through the Career Pathways Scholarship program.
Greenville Technical College is ideal for students who:
Want to study in a city that offers various entertainment options.
Greenville Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would like a more straight-forward scholarship process.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
15%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Midlands Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,916Starting Salary: $32,600With over 150 academic programs to choose from, Midlands Technical College allows students to explore and pursue a field that fits their passion.
What we love about Midlands Technical College:
Through NELNET, students can better manage their finances and create tuition payment plans that fit their budget.
Midlands Technical College is ideal for students who:
Plan on applying for a Federal Pell Grant.
Midlands Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want more business degree options.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
26%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina Sumter
Cost of Degree: $7,558Starting Salary: $39,400With competitive tuition rates, the University of South Carolina Sumter offers a diverse range of programs with flexible learning options.
What we love about the University of South Carolina Sumter:
The Opportunity Scholars Program provides financial assistance, along with academic advising and career coaching, for first-generation college students.
University of South Carolina Sumter is ideal for students who:
Are looking for military benefits.
University of South Carolina Sumter might not be the best fit for students who:
Are reluctant to join internships.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
14%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Technical College of the Lowcountry
Cost of Degree: $6,100Starting Salary: $30,300With affordable tuition and scholarship offerings, Technical College of the Lowcountry stands as an inclusive and accessible training institution.
What we love about Technical College of the Lowcountry:
Students can access various support services, including financial workshops and academic advising, through the school’s HUB.
Technical College of the Lowcountry is ideal for students who:
Plan on becoming a certified paralegal.
Technical College of the Lowcountry might not be the best fit for students who:
Avoid career counseling sessions.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
31%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at York Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,882Starting Salary: $29,600Known for its liberal programs, York Technical College offers a broad range of degrees and training courses that are geared toward critical thinking and holistic education.
What we love about York Technical College:
The college has partnered with platforms like ed2go and ProTrain to provide accessible and interactive online training programs.
York Technical College is ideal for students who:
Are passionate about serving through student-led projects.
York Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Do not place a high value on networking.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
31%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina Union
Cost of Degree: $7,558Starting Salary: $35,400With an small and tight-knit campus community, the University of South Carolina Union offers a more personal approach to student teaching and mentorship.
What we love about the University of South Carolina Union:
Undergraduate students seeking to proceed into a graduate program may opt for the Combination Degree Program to graduate early.
The University of South Carolina Union is ideal for students who:
Seek self-paced training courses.
The University of South Carolina Union might not be the best fit for students who:
Would prefer not to attend a college with a party culture.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Spartanburg Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,198Starting Salary: $31,700Spartanburg Community College maintains a diverse student community with career-focused programs.
What we love about Spartanburg Community College:
Students experiencing hardships may request financial help through the Spartanburg Community College Emergency Fund.
Spartanburg Community College is ideal for students who:
Are transitioning to a new career or job.
Spartanburg Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for more on-campus job openings.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
16%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina Lancaster
Cost of Degree: $7,558Starting Salary: $53,900The University of South Carolina Lancaster cultivates an active student environment through its engaging curriculum, campus events, and community projects.
What we love about the University of South Carolina Lancaster:
The iCarolina Community Learning Lab offers study spaces with free wireless internet access that’s open to the public.
The University of South Carolina Lancaster is ideal for students who:
Seek a quality bachelor’s in nursing program.
The University of South Carolina Lancaster might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer having more program choices.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
19%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Florence–Darlington Technical College
Cost of Degree: $4,900Starting Salary: $30,300Whether you’re a freshman or a transfer student, Florence-Darlington Technical College makes the jump from a degree to a promising career easy through its pathway options.
What we love about Florence-Darlington Technical College:
Aside from catering to students, the college extends aid to companies that need employee training in areas like work ethic and time management.
Florence-Darlington Technical College is ideal for students who:
Are planning to intern or work in Darlington County.
Florence-Darlington Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to be a part of a dual degree program.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
16%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Denmark Technical College
Cost of Degree: $6,301Expenses: $18,289Starting Salary: $20,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAs a historically black institution, Denmark Technical College is dedicated to empowering students through extensive curriculums and community initiatives.
What we love about Denmark Technical College:
In as quickly as one year, students may finish programs in areas such as cosmetology, barbering, and administrative support.
Denmark Technical College is ideal for students who:
Are interested in joining a cybersecurity bootcamp.
Denmark Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would like to have more to do in the surrounding area.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
24%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
Cost of Degree: $7,558Starting Salary: $29,200The Universi ty of South Carolina Salkehatchie pairs its excellent academic training with extensive extracurricular opportunities and support services.
What we love about the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie:
To help jumpstart its students’ careers, the Career Planning Center provides help in exploring potential employers and creating resumes.
The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie is ideal for students who:
Prefer an active and athletic community.
The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to study in a field outside of education or nursing.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
26%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,476Starting Salary: $29,800One of the fastest-growing institutions in South Carolina, Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers various support services and innovative projects to cultivate its student community.
What we love about Horry-Georgetown Technical College:
The college provides various resources for military students, including free counseling, temporary housing, and tuition aid.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is ideal for students who:
Would like to pursue a career in boat building.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would like more campus life.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
28%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,675Starting Salary: $29,200Piedmont Technical College’s programs emphasize training students to be industry-ready by graduation.
What we love about Piedmont Technical College:
Students may enjoy paying zero tuition fees through gap funding provided by the college’s Promise Scholarships.
Piedmont Technical College is ideal for students who:
Seek funeral service programs.
Piedmont Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer shorter skills training curriculums.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
28%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Orangeburg–Calhoun Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,954Starting Salary: $29,400Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College values learning beyond the textbook and provides hands-on learning opportunities and projects.
What we love about Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College:
Through community partnerships, the college provides skills training and job advancement for adult learners.
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College is ideal for students who:
Seek in-demand jobs like truck driving and mechanics.
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer more hybrid learning program choices.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
26%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Northeastern Technical College
Cost of Degree: $6,024Starting Salary: $26,500Northeastern Technical College’s affordable tuition rate and supportive faculty attract a diverse student community.
What we love about Northeastern Technical College:
The college makes education accessible for first-generation students by providing scholarships and career guidance.
Northeastern Technical College is ideal for students who:
Prefer responsive teachers.
Northeastern Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer more in-person classes.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
19%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Aiken Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,404Starting Salary: $30,600Through its advisory boards, Aiken Technical College delivers comprehensive curriculums that provide a solid foundation in basic skills and competencies.
What we love about Aiken Technical College:
The Technical Scholarship program allows students to receive free tuition while working part-time for partner companies like Valmet and Bridgestone.
Aiken Technical College is ideal for students who:
Want to transfer to a bachelor’s degree with ease.
Aiken Technical College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer having more student clubs to choose from.
