- 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 2,461 students (23% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is lower than the state community college average of 29:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,461 students
- In-state tuition: $4,660
- Out-state tuition: $8,812
- Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
- Minority enrollment: 56%
- 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 87 teachers has declined by 53% over five years.
Technical College of the Lowcountry
(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
Total Faculty
87 staff
71 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Technical College of the Lowcountry has declined by 15% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Technical College of the Lowcountry diversity score of 0.68 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,461 students
1,870 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
29:1
# Full-Time Students
562 students
661 students
# Part-Time Students
1,899 students
1,209 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
149 students
447 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
562 students
661 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,899 students
1,282 students
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
19%
9%
% Black
29%
29%
% White
44%
52%
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
14%
26%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,000
$28,000
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
94%
95%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,877
$11,729
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (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 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
Quick Facts
1 University Boulevard
Bluffton, SC 29909
(843) 208-8000
Bluffton, SC 29909
(843) 208-8000
17.0 miles
Enrollment: 2,208 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Acceptance rate: 73% In-state tuition: $21,360 Out-state tuition: $32,406 Minority enrollment: 41%
Savannah Technical College
Public
5717 White Bluff Rd
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 443-5700
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 443-5700
37.0 miles
Enrollment: 3,942 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 In-state tuition: $2,644 Out-state tuition: $4,780 Minority enrollment: 71%
South University-Savannah
Private for-profit
709 Mall Blvd
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 201-8000
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 201-8000
37.9 miles
Enrollment: 716 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Private-state tuition: $16,360 Minority enrollment: 57%
4390 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 102
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 747-1279
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 747-1279
50.6 miles
Enrollment: 226 students Acceptance rate: 98% Minority enrollment: 64%
Trident Technical College
Public
7000 Rivers Avenue
Charleston, SC 29423
(843) 574-6111
Charleston, SC 29423
(843) 574-6111
51.7 miles
Enrollment: 13,552 students Student-teacher ratio: 39:1 In-state tuition: $4,370 Out-state tuition: $7,434 Minority enrollment: 47%
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