- Piedmont Technical College, a member of the South Carolina Technical and Comprehensive Education system, is a public comprehensive two-year post-secondary institution. Piedmont contributes to the economic growth and development of the largest and most diverse region of the technical college system, Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda counties and to the state. The college responds to the academic, training, and public service needs of the community through excellence in teaching and educational services.
School Highlights
Piedmont Technical College serves 5,143 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 31:1 is higher than the state community college average of 29:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 5,143 students
- In-state tuition: $4,460
- Out-state tuition: $5,660
- Student-teacher ratio: 31:1
- Minority enrollment: 49%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Piedmont Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 167 teachers has declined by 51% over five years.
Piedmont Technical College
(SC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1966
Total Faculty
167 staff
71 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Piedmont Technical College has grown by 9% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 31:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The Piedmont Technical College diversity score of 0.60 is less than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has grown by 24% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,143 students
1,870 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
31:1
29:1
# Full-Time Students
1,785 students
661 students
# Part-Time Students
3,358 students
1,209 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,143 students
1,975 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,785 students
661 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,358 students
1,282 students
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
8%
9%
% Black
36%
29%
% White
51%
52%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.60
0.63
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
28%
26%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$27,500
$28,800
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $4,460 is less than the state average of $5,692. The in-state tuition has declined by 16% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,660 is less than the state average of $10,568. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,460
$5,692
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,660
$10,568
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
98%
95%
Median Debt for Graduates
$14,750
$11,729
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- In 1966, the eighth Technical Education Center, Piedmont, was established to serve Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda and surrounding counties. Classes met for the first time at Piedmont on September 6, 1966, with some 300 students enrolled in day and evening classes. On October 2, 1972, five new buildings representing the first phase of a 30-year master development plan were occupied. These facilities housed classrooms, laboratories, a learning resources center and faculty offices. A general renovation of the main campus center included a student lounge and recreation complex. On April 10, 1974, the institution's name was changed from Piedmont Technical Education Center to Piedmont Technical College to more accurately reflect our post-secondary educational mission. The 1981-82 year saw six new additions to the Piedmont campus: a health sciences facility, conference center, continuing education complex, student center, multi-purpose building and automotive technology facility. In 1986, a 10,000-square-foot addition to the Conference Center made it one of the finest facilities of its type in the state. Piedmont's main Campus, the Lex Walters Campus borders a primary industrial corridor on the outskirts of Greenwood, South Carolina. The modern campus is a large complex that integrates the latest in instructional technology while also offering an environment that is totally conducive to learning. Campus highlights includes the James C. Self Conference Center, Marion P. Carnell library, the Solutia Gallery, PTC Campus Shop, Student Center & Canteen. Other features includes labs for medical, technology and business programs, industrial shops, a well-equipped media center, faculty and administrative offices. The college offers Associate degrees in vocational, technical, and occupational areas and university transfer; vocational, technical and occupational diplomas and certificates; developmental education programs and courses preparing individuals to take the General Education Development Test, custom-designed Continuing Education training programs for business, industry, and facilities for the Special Schools program to train potential employees for new and expanding manufacturing companies; and Student Development programs which provide academic, career and individual support. Piedmont Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate's degree and holds membership in the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges and in the American Technical Education Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Piedmont Technical College cost?
Piedmont Technical College's tuition is approximately $4,460 for In-State students and $5,660 for Out-State students.
What is Piedmont Technical College's ranking?
Piedmont Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in South Carolina for: Least expensive tuition and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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