- One of sixteen colleges comprising the South Carolina Technical College System, the Technical College of the Lowcountry traces its origin to the Mather School founded in 1868. The college is a comprehensive, public, two-year college dedicated to serving the diverse educational needs of the rural counties of Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper. The College annually serves approximately 8,500 credit and continuing education students, a mix of traditional, non-traditional, full-time, and part-time.
School Highlights
Technical College of the Lowcountry serves 3,151 students (19% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 3,151 students
- In-state tuition: $4,660
- Out-state tuition: $8,812
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Minority enrollment: 54%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Technical College of the Lowcountry ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 189 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Technical College of the Lowcountry
(SC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: High Vocational & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
189 staff
177 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Technical College of the Lowcountry has grown by 36% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Technical College of the Lowcountry diversity score of 0.67 is more than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,151 students
1,971 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
18:1
# Full-Time Students
605 students
622 students
# Part-Time Students
2,546 students
1,349 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
315 students
279 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
605 students
605 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
8 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
1,965 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
32 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
260 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
18%
9%
% Black
29%
29%
% White
46%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.67
0.63
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
14%
26%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
17%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,000
$28,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,660 is less than the state average of $5,692. The in-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,812 is less than the state average of $10,568. The out-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,660
$5,692
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,812
$10,568
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,877
$11,729
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
88%
SAT Reading
n/a
430
SAT Math
n/a
458
SAT Writing
n/a
413
ACT Composite
n/a
18
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
18
ACT Writing
n/a
6
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The Technical College of the Lowcountry provides quality, affordable academic and technical programs leading to Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates in an environment fostering excellence in teaching and learning. The College prepares graduates with knowledge and skills for transfer to senior colleges and universities and for careers in computer technology, industrial technology, engineering technology, occupational technology, business, health sciences, and public service. As an open admissions institution, the Technical College of the Lowcountry offers over 70 academic, transfer, and specialized programs. Offerings include developmental education; arts and sciences; career development; specialized, contract courses tailored for specific businesses and industries; and continuing education to meet the workforce needs of the Lowcountry. TCL is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) and Paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Technical College of the Lowcountry cost?
Technical College of the Lowcountry's tuition is approximately $4,660 for In-State students and $8,812 for Out-State students.
What schools are Technical College of the Lowcountry often compared to?
Technical College of the Lowcountryis often viewed alongside schools like University of South Carolina Beaufort by visitors of our site.
What is Technical College of the Lowcountry's ranking?
Technical College of the Lowcountry ranks among the top 20% of community college in South Carolina for: Diversity in US community colleges.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Technical College of the Lowcountry is University of South Carolina Beaufort (17.0 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
1 University Boulevard
Bluffton, SC 29909
(843) 208-8000
Bluffton, SC 29909
(843) 208-8000
17.0 miles
| 2,531 students
5717 White Bluff Rd
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 443-5700
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 443-5700
37.0 miles
| 5,396 students
South University-Savannah
Private for-profit
709 Mall Blvd
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 201-8000
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 201-8000
37.9 miles
| 1,240 students
Southeastern College-Charleston
Private for-profit
2431 Aviation Avenue, Suite 703
North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 747-1279
North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 747-1279
50.6 miles
| 265 students
7000 Rivers Avenue
Charleston, SC 29423
(843) 574-6111
Charleston, SC 29423
(843) 574-6111
51.7 miles
| 18,427 students
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