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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina

69 Schools Ranked
$38,134 Average Earnings
$27,933 Avg Student Debt

A trade school student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 69 schools in South Carolina to see which ones were the most popular programs for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Piedmont Technical College

Greenwood, South Carolina
1,653 Total Awards
$32,435 Average Earnings
$16,654 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Piedmont Technical College the most popular school in South Carolina for trade school students working on their degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Greenwood, South Carolina, and it awarded 1,653 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Piedmont Technical College accumulate an average of $16,654 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Piedmont Technical College graduates make an average of $32,435 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Piedmont Technical College Report

#2

Greenville Technical College

Greenville, South Carolina
2,125 Total Awards
$36,132 Average Earnings
$17,263 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Greenville Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Greenville Technical College is a fairly large public school located in Greenville, South Carolina that handed out 2,125 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $17,263 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, GTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,132 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Conway, South Carolina
1,602 Total Awards
$31,926 Average Earnings
$16,555 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Horry-Georgetown Technical College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. Horry-Georgetown Technical College is a public institution located in Conway, South Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,602 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,555 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Horry-Georgetown Technical College graduates make an average of $31,926 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Horry-Georgetown Technical College Report

#4

Tri-County Technical College

Pendleton, South Carolina
2,449 Total Awards
$34,761 Average Earnings
$10,659 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Tri-County Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Pendleton, South Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,449 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,659 in student loans.After graduating from TCTC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,761 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Read full report on Tri-County Technical College

#5

Trident Technical College

Charleston, South Carolina
2,581 Total Awards
$33,465 Average Earnings
$15,991 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Trident Technical College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 2,581 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,991 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Trident Technical College graduates make an average of $33,465 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Trident Technical College Report

#6

York Technical College

Rock Hill, South Carolina
1,350 Total Awards
$34,715 Average Earnings
$9,367 Avg Student Debt

York Technical College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 1,350 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,367 in student loans. During the early years of their career, York Technical College graduates make an average of $34,715 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full York Technical College Report

#7

Arclabs

Piedmont, South Carolina
458 Total Awards
$34,596 Average Earnings
$7,781 Avg Student Debt

Arclabs came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina ranking. Piedmont, South Carolina is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 458 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $7,781 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $102, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Arclabs graduates make an average of $34,596 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 9% were women.

Full Arclabs Report

#8

Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg, South Carolina
1,057 Total Awards
$35,952 Average Earnings
$9,030 Avg Student Debt

Spartanburg Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. This medium-sized public school is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and it awarded 1,057 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,030 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Spartanburg Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,952 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

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#9

Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, South Carolina
1,543 Total Awards
$34,029 Average Earnings
$15,149 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Midlands Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. MTC is located in West Columbia, South Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,543 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,149 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $101. During the early years of their career, MTC graduates make an average of $34,029 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

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#10

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence, South Carolina
651 Total Awards
$35,017 Average Earnings
$12,630 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Florence-Darlington Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Florence, South Carolina, the small public school handed out 651 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Florence-Darlington Technical College accumulate an average of $12,630 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Florence-Darlington Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,017 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Full Florence-Darlington Technical College Report

#11

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

Orangeburg, South Carolina
697 Total Awards
$43,665 Average Earnings
$10,950 Avg Student Debt

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. This small public school is located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and it awarded 697 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,950 in student loans. During the early years of their career, OCtech graduates make an average of $43,665 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

#12

Miller-Motte College Conway

Conway, South Carolina
268 Total Awards
$23,198 Average Earnings
$19,201 Avg Student Debt

Miller-Motte College Conway came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina ranking. Conway, South Carolina is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 268 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,201 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $59. During the early years of their career, MMC Conway graduates make an average of $23,198 annually. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

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#12

Miller-Motte College Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina
214 Total Awards
$25,712 Average Earnings
$22,286 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Miller-Motte College Charleston did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. MMC Charleston is a very small private for-profit school situated in Charleston, South Carolina. It awarded 214 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $22,286 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $60. Once they receive their degree, MMC Charleston graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,712 during the early year of their career. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Central Carolina Technical College

Sumter, South Carolina
635 Total Awards
$32,123 Average Earnings
$13,273 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Central Carolina Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Central Carolina Technical College is a small public school located in Sumter, South Carolina that handed out 635 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,273 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Central Carolina graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,123 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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#15

Southeastern Esthetics Institute

Columbia, South Carolina
339 Total Awards
$5,432 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern Esthetics Institute landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Southeastern Esthetics Institute is located in Columbia, South Carolina and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 339 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $5,432 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $78 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Around 99% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Southeastern Esthetics Institute

#16

Fortis College - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
170 Total Awards
$33,614 Average Earnings
$15,339 Avg Student Debt

Fortis College - Columbia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #16 on the list. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the very small private for-profit school handed out 170 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,339 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $86, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Fortis College - Columbia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,614 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

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#17

Southeastern College - Charleston

North Charleston, South Carolina
132 Total Awards
$24,343 Average Earnings
$9,578 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern College - Charleston landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in North Charleston, South Carolina, the very small private for-profit school handed out 132 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,578 in student loans.After graduating from Southeastern College - Charleston, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $24,343 during the early years of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southeastern College - Charleston Report

#18

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
7,469 Total Awards
$47,889 Average Earnings
$25,386 Avg Student Debt

Clemson University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Clemson University is a large public school located in Clemson, South Carolina that handed out 7,469 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $25,386 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $488 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Clemson, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,889 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Clemson University

#19

Aiken Technical College

Graniteville, South Carolina
328 Total Awards
$41,685 Average Earnings
$14,446 Avg Student Debt

Aiken Technical College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Graniteville, South Carolina, the small public school handed out 328 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,446 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Aiken Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,685 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Full Aiken Technical College Report

#20

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek

Goose Creek, South Carolina
162 Total Awards
$18,217 Average Earnings
$7,443 Avg Student Debt

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Goose Creek, South Carolina is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 162 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology accumulate an average of $7,443 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $58, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $18,217 during the early years of their career. Around 99% of those degree recipients were women.

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93 Total Awards
$15,358 Average Earnings
$9,623 Avg Student Debt

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Florence ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Florence, South Carolina, the very small private for-profit school awarded 93 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,623 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $76 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Florence graduates make an average of $15,358 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

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#22

Paul Mitchell the School Charleston

North Charleston, South Carolina
122 Total Awards
$17,189 Average Earnings
$11,997 Avg Student Debt

Paul Mitchell the School Charleston landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Paul Mitchell the School Charleston is a very small private for-profit school situated in North Charleston, South Carolina. It awarded 122 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,997 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $93, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Paul Mitchell the School Charleston graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $17,189 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

Read full report on Paul Mitchell the School Charleston

#23

Southeastern College - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
125 Total Awards
$22,372 Average Earnings
$10,293 Avg Student Debt

Southeastern College - Columbia came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina ranking. Southeastern College - Columbia is a very small private for-profit school located in Columbia, South Carolina that handed out 125 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Southeastern College - Columbia accumulate an average of $10,293 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Southeastern College - Columbia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $22,372 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Full Southeastern College - Columbia Report

147 Total Awards
$18,309 Average Earnings
$8,565 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 147 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $8,565 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $105 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $18,309 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Full Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill Report

#25

Paul Mitchell the School Columbia

West Columbia, South Carolina
81 Total Awards
$17,189 Average Earnings
$11,997 Avg Student Debt

Paul Mitchell the School Columbia came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina ranking. Paul Mitchell the School Columbia is a very small private for-profit school situated in West Columbia, South Carolina. It awarded 81 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Paul Mitchell the School Columbia accumulate an average of $11,997 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $93, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Paul Mitchell the School Columbia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $17,189 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Read full report on Paul Mitchell the School Columbia

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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