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Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina

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 analysis found Piedmont Technical College to be the most popular school for trade school students in South Carolina. Greenwood, South Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,653 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,654 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Piedmont Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,435 during the early year of their career. 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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Greenville Technical College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 2,125 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from GTC accumulate an average of $17,263 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Full Greenville Technical College Report

#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 decide to attend Horry-Georgetown Technical College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. Located in Conway, South Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,602 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,555 in student loans.After graduating from Horry-Georgetown Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,926 during the early years of their career. 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

Out of the 69 schools in South Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Tri-County Technical College landed the # 4 spot on the list. TCTC is located in Pendleton, South Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,449 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from TCTC accumulate an average of $10,659 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, TCTC graduates make an average of $34,761 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

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#5

Trident Technical College

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

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Trident Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Trident Technical College is a fairly large public school situated in Charleston, South Carolina. It awarded 2,581 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Trident Technical College accumulate an average of $15,991 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Trident Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,465 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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#6

York Technical College

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

York Technical College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and it awarded 1,350 degrees 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.After graduating from York Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,715 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

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#7

Arclabs

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

Arclabs landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Arclabs is a private for-profit institution located in Piedmont, South Carolina. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 458 degrees 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. Once they receive their degree, Arclabs graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,596 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 9% were women.

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#8

Spartanburg Community College

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

Spartanburg Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #8 on the list. Spartanburg Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Spartanburg, South Carolina that handed out 1,057 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,030 in student loans.After graduating from Spartanburg Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,952 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Read full report on Spartanburg Community College

#9

Midlands Technical College

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

Midlands Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #9 on the list. 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. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $101, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, MTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,029 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients 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

Florence-Darlington Technical College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This small public school is located in Florence, South Carolina, and it awarded 651 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,630 in student loans. 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.

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#11

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

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

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the small public school awarded 697 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,950 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, OCtech graduates make an average of $43,665 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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#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. Located in Conway, South Carolina, the very small private for-profit school awarded 268 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MMC Conway accumulate an average of $19,201 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $59.After graduating from MMC Conway, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $23,198 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Read full report on Miller-Motte College Conway

#12

Miller-Motte College Charleston

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

Miller-Motte College Charleston did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #12 on the list. MMC Charleston is a private for-profit institution located in Charleston, South Carolina. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 214 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $22,286 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $60, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Full Miller-Motte College Charleston Report

#14

Central Carolina Technical College

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

Central Carolina Technical College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina list. Central Carolina is a small public school situated in Sumter, South Carolina. It awarded 635 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Central Carolina accumulate an average of $13,273 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #15 on the list. 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.

Degree recipients from Southeastern Esthetics Institute accumulate an average of $5,432 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $78. Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.

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#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. Fortis College - Columbia is a very small private for-profit school situated in Columbia, South Carolina. It awarded 170 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Fortis College - Columbia accumulate an average of $15,339 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. 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. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Fortis College - Columbia Report

#17

Southeastern College - Charleston

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

With a ranking of #17, Southeastern College - Charleston did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Southeastern College - Charleston is a very small private for-profit school located in North Charleston, South Carolina that 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #18 on the list. This large public school is located in Clemson, South Carolina, and it awarded 7,469 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,386 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $488, assuming you 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. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

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#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. Aiken Technical College is a public institution located in Graniteville, South Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 328 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,446 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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. Around 67% of those degree recipients 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #20 on the list. 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.

On average, students take out $7,443 in loans while pursuing 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. Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.

Read full report on Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek

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

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Florence landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. 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. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $76, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Florence graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $15,358 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Full Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Florence Report

#22

Paul Mitchell the School Charleston

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

With a ranking of #22, Paul Mitchell the School Charleston did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Paul Mitchell the School Charleston is a very small private for-profit school located in North Charleston, South Carolina that handed out 122 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,997 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $93, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Paul Mitchell the School Charleston, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $17,189 during the early years 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. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the very small private for-profit school awarded 125 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $10,293 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Southeastern College - Columbia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,372 during the early year of their career. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southeastern College - Columbia Report

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

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Carolina ranking. Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill is a very small private for-profit school located in Rock Hill, South Carolina that handed out 147 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,565 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $105, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $18,309 during the early year 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 landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. 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.

On average, students take out $11,997 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $93.After graduating from Paul Mitchell the School Columbia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $17,189 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full Paul Mitchell the School Columbia Report

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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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