Get started by completing an application for admission. Once you have paid the $30 application fee and satisfied the COMPASS placement criteria, you'll be admitted to TCTC.

Is there a deadline for admission?

Yes, there is a deadline date set for each semester. To check the deadline for the semester you plan to enroll, select the appropriate enrollment calendar on our website or contact Admissions at 864-646-1550 or info@tctc.edu.

When completing the application, how do I determine my application type?

When filling out the application, select the student type that best describes you:

Standard - you've never attended college and/or this is your first college experience since graduating from high school or completing your GED

Returning - you've attended TCTC previously for college credit but have not been enrolled in a year or more

Transfer - you've attended another college or university after completing high school or your GED and now plan to attend TCTC

Dual Enrollment - you want to take TCTC courses while you are enrolled in high school

Transient - you are currently enrolled at another college and want to take TCTC courses to transfer credit to your home institution

Non-Degree - you want to take TCTC courses but do not want to graduate from TCTC or transfer credits to another college

International - you want to take TCTC courses and you are not a U.S. citizen (e.g., visa holders, permanent residents)

On the application, how do I determine if I'm a South Carolina resident?

To qualify as a legal resident of SC, general guidelines include having lived in the state for at least one year and not being claimed as a dependent for federal tax purposes by a resident of another state. Your residency status will be included in your acceptance letter and will be listed as in-county (Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens), out-of-county SC, or out-of-state. Residency information can be found on the website under Student Records.

How do I know what majors are offered at TCTC?

TCTC offers over 70 majors that fall under four divisions: Arts & Sciences (University Transfer), Business & Public Services, Health Education, and Engineering & Industrial Technology. If you plan to complete a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university, the University Transfer Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees are ideal choices. For example, if your goal is a bachelor's degree in Management, select the Associate in Arts degree at TCTC. Our other three divisions offer a wide variety of career and technical programs, which are great options if you plan to enter the workforce after graduation. If you select a career or technical program and are also interested in continuing your studies at a four-year university after graduating from TCTC, explore with your academic advisor what transfer options are available with local colleges and universities.

When choosing a major, what is the difference in an associate degree, diploma, and certificate credential?

Associate degrees are programs that generally take two to three years to complete and require between 60 and 84 semester hours. An associate degree is the highest degree level offered at TCTC.

Diplomas are programs that typically take one to two years to complete and require between 41 and 52 semester hours.

Certificates are programs that take about one year to complete and require between 8 and 40 semester hours.

What majors are not eligible for federal financial aid?

Majors that are not eligible for federal financial aid are listed under Financial Aid on our website.

What if I cannot decide on a major?

If you are still undecided after reviewing the majors offered at TCTC, make an appointment with a counselor in Career Services by calling 864-646-1577.

What if I want a degree that is only offered at a four-year college or university?

If you are seeking a degree that only a four-year institution offers, investigate the possibility of taking your general education classes at TCTC. During your freshman and sophomore years in college you will take primarily general education classes like English, history, science, and math. These classes are basically the same no matter where you go. If you take the courses at TCTC, you (or your parents) won't have to pay so much. It is a good idea to think about getting your first year or two years out of the way and then transferring. A University Transfer Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree is an ideal choice for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree.

Visit the South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center (SC TRAC) site to find more information.

How quickly will I hear from TCTC after submitting an online application?

As soon as the online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation message. Within 7 -10 business days, you will receive a letter from the Admissions Office that outlines your next steps to enrollment. If you need to contact Admissions, call 864-646-1550 or send an email to info@tctc.edu.

If I submit an application in person or through the mail, when will I know my next steps?

When you apply in person, Admissions will process your application and give you a copy of the 8 Steps to Enrollment, which will guide you to the next steps in the process. If you mail your application, the Admissions Office will send you a letter that describes your next enrollment steps within 7-10 business days of receiving your application. If you need to contact Admissions, call 864-646-1550 or send an email to info@tctc.edu.

If I didn't pay the application fee when I applied, how can I pay it?

The $30 non-refundable application fee may be paid using one of the following options:

By mail with check or money order only - include your full name with payment to the following address:

Tri-County Technical College
Attn: Business Office
PO Box 587
Pendleton, SC 29670

Mailed payments must be received on or before the admission deadline date.

By phone at 864-646-1802

By campus visit to the Business Office located in the Ruby Hicks Building on the Pendleton Campus. The application fee may also be paid at the Anderson or Easley Campus.

Does TCTC accept correspondence and home school diplomas?

Before Admissions can determine acceptance of a diploma, we must receive documentation of the school's accreditation. Upon receipt, Admissions checks to see if the school's accrediting body is a member of one of the country's regional Association of Colleges and Schools, or if the school is approved by the state's Department of Education. Documentation may be faxed to Admissions at (864) 646-5080.

Am I expected to have a certain GPA when I graduate from high school to be admitted to TCTC?

No. TCTC has an open door admissions policy. To earn an associate degree or diploma, you must have an approved high school diploma or GED. However, the College offers certificate programs that do not require proof of graduation or GED.

How does a returning student re-enroll at TCTC?

A returning student has attended TCTC before but hasn't been enrolled in a year or more. You will need to reapply to TCTC and then Admissions will check your status and send a letter with your next requirements - for example, whether you need to pay the application fee, resend official transcripts, or take the pre-orientation assessments. Or, you can contact Admissions at 864-646-1550 or info@tctc.edu.

What do I need to do if I applied to TCTC for a different term but did not enroll in classes?

If you applied for a different term but did not enroll in classes, you need to reapply. Admissions will check your status and send a letter with your next requirements - for example, whether you need to pay the application fee, resend official transcripts, or take the pre-orientation assessments. Or, you can contact Admissions at 864-646-1550 or info@tctc.edu.

What do I need to do if I'm transferring to TCTC from another college or university?

If you have attended another college or university after completing high school or a GED, you'll need to apply to TCTC and send your official college transcripts. If you have taken transfer-level math and English courses with minimum "C" grades, you may not need to take the placement test. If you have completed an associate degree or higher at a regionally accredited institution, you do not need to provide your high school transcript as long as you send proof of your degree on an official transcript. For more information about what classes will transfer to TCTC, visit the South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center (SC TRAC) website. Admissions will check your status and send a letter letting you know your next requirements. Or, you can contact Admissions at 864-646-1550 or info@tctc.edu.

If I am a student at another college, do I have to fill out an application to take TCTC classes?

Yes, you will have to fill out an application as a transient student. You will also need to complete the transient coursework approval form and submit it to Student Records, located in Miller Hall on the Pendleton Campus. Visit the South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center (SC TRAC) website to find more information about transferrable courses. If you have questions, contact Student Records at 864-646-1600 or registrar@tctc.edu.

If I've taken TCTC classes as a high school dual enrollment student, do I need to complete another application if I want to continue at Tri-County after graduating from high school?

Yes, you do need to complete an application, but the application fee is not required. If your dual enrollment courses were not in math or English, it may also be a good idea for you to retake portions of the placement test. To check whether it is advisable to retest, contact the Coordinator of Secondary Transition Programs at 864-646-1448.

I'm currently enrolled in high school and am interested in taking college courses at TCTC. What steps do I need to take?

You can "step" into college early by taking dual enrollment courses through the Secondary Transition Enrollment Program (STEP). If you are a high school junior or senior who has permission from your principal and parent/guardian, you can transition into college by earning college credit while in high school. Detailed information is available under High School Connection or by contacting the STEP Coordinator at 864-646-1448.

Dual Enrollment

If I've taken TCTC classes as a high school dual enrollment student, do I need to complete another application if I want to continue at Tri-County after graduating from high school?

I'm currently enrolled in high school and am interested in taking college courses at TCTC. What steps do I need to take?

Transient

If I am a student at another college, do I have to fill out an application to take TCTC classes?

Health Education Programs

I am interested in a health education program at TCTC. Where do I start?

Students applying to one of our health education majors must first meet the program-specific admission requirements and then complete the necessary forms to be considered for a space in the clinical portion of the program. Students accepted into a health education major spend the first year or so taking prerequisite and general education courses, such as English, science, and math. After meeting with an advisor during orientation to the College, it's a great idea to make an appointment with a health education academic advisor to learn more details about the program.

To read more information about program requirements for clinical eligibility, click on the links listed below:

Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Diploma

Medical Assisting Diploma

Medical Laboratory Technology Associate Degree

Nursing (RN) Associate Degree

Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma

Transition Nursing (LPN to RN) Associate Degree

Surgical Technology Diploma

Veterinary Technology Associate Degree

How long are the waiting lists for the nursing (RN and LPN) programs?

Unlike our other health education programs, students in the nursing programs apply each time they want to be considered for entry into the clinical part of the programs (the exception is transition nursing - the program for LPNs who want to become RNs). Admission to the clinical portion of the nursing programs is very competitive. View Updates to Nursing for Associate Degree Nursing or Updates to Nursing for Practical Nursing. These online presentations explain the basic requirements for beginning the programs and the strategies to build competitive applications for clinical entry. Keep in mind that your TCTC grade point average (GPA) supersedes transfer GPAs from other colleges.

Bridge Programs

I'm interested in the Clemson Bridge program, how does the admission process work?

If you're interested in the Clemson Bridge program, you first need to complete an application to Clemson University. The Admissions Office at Clemson selects the students who are invited to the Bridge program. Invited students then must indicate their interest in the Bridge program to Clemson. After the student officially indicates interest, Clemson forwards the student's application and educational information to Tri-County (TCTC). TCTC sends interested students more information, including an enrollment form which allows students to submit the required advance payment to reserve a space in the Bridge program.

Invited students are not officially accepted into the Bridge to Clemson program until they have paid an advance payment to reserve their space. Since spaces in this very popular program are limited, students are urged to submit their interest and reserve their space as early as possible.

Who can participate in the Bridge to Clemson Program?

In early February, Clemson University identifies qualified students who applied for freshman admission to Clemson but who narrowly missed admission. Clemson invites this select group of students to participate in the Bridge to Clemson program.

Are there other Bridge programs?

Yes, in addition to the Clemson Bridge program, TCTC has bridge agreements with other postsecondary institutions. A list of Bridge programs can be found on our website under Special Programs. For more information, contact the Director of Bridge Programs and Educational Partnerships at 864-646-1615.

Assessments

Do I need to take any assessments before I am admitted?

You are required to take am academic placement test called COMPASS before you are admitted to TCTC. Once you are admitted, you will also need to complete an online readiness assessment called SmarterMeasure. These assessments will assist your advisor when you meet to plan your schedule of classes. Find additional information about COMPASS, including test locations and times, on the website under Placement Testing. Once you are admitted to TCTC, your acceptance letter will include instructions on taking SmarterMeasure.

How long are placement test scores valid?

COMPASS and ASSET placement test scores are valid for 3 years from the date that the test was taken. If you took the placement test in high school, it may be a good idea to retake portions of the test since you have probably completed additional math and English courses. To check whether it is advisable to retest, contact the Coordinator of Secondary Transition Programs at (864) 646-1448.

What placement test accommodations are provided for students with disabilities?

If you have a documented hearing, learning, physical, psychological, and/or visual disability that will prevent you from taking the test under standard conditions, you may request reasonable accommodations. For more information, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at (864) 646-1564.

Are non-degree students required to test?

Non-degree students are students who take a few credit courses but have no intention of graduating from TCTC and no intention of transferring credits back to a college. Non-degree students are required to take Tri-County’s COMPASS test. COMPASS is used to determine appropriate placement into college courses. Testing times, locations, and sample questions are available on our website under Admissions and Placement Testing. There is no charge for initial testing and scores are valid for 3 years. If you have completed college courses in English and math or have previous COMPASS scores, testing may not be required. Notify Admissions at 864-646-1550 or info@tctc.edu.

If you live more than 100 miles away, send an email to placement@tctc.edu to request a remote test. For additional questions, contact the Assessment Center at 864-646-1300 or placement@tctc.edu.

Is it possible to take the COMPASS placement test at a location closer to home?

COMPASS placement testing is available at the Pendleton, Anderson, and Easley Campuses. Find test times on the website under Placement Testing. If you live more than 100 miles away and would like to request a remote test, send an email to placement@tctc.edu.

How will the COMPASS placement test scores be used?

The COMPASS writing, reading, and math scores are used by your advisor to place you into the appropriate English and math courses - so it is important to do your best. Sample questions are available to help you prepare. A minimum reading placement score is required for admission.

Can I retake the COMPASS placement test?

One retest is allowed during a three-year period. Retests cost $10. Additional information about retesting is available on the website under Placement Testing.

I took Tri-County's placement test in high school. Do I need to retest?

If you took COMPASS or ASSET during high school, it may be a good idea to retake all or part of the test since you have probably completed additional math and English courses. To check whether it is advisable to retest, contact the Coordinator of Secondary Transition Programs at (864) 646-1448. The $10 retest fee is not required if the test was administered by Tri-County at your high school.

Is it necessary for me to take the SAT or ACT in high school before I can attend TCTC?

No, you will need to take TCTC's COMPASS placement test. SAT, ACT, and other standardized test scores cannot be substituted for the placement test.

Non Degree

Are non-degree students required to test?

Non-degree students are students who take a few credit courses but have no intention of graduating from TCTC and no intention of transferring credits back to a college. Non-degree students are required to take the COMPASS test. COMPASS is used to determine appropriate placement into college courses. Testing times, locations, and sample questions are available on our website under Admissions and Placement Testing. There is no charge for initial testing and scores are valid for 3 years. If you have previously taken the COMPASS test or have completed college courses in English and math, testing may not be required. Notify Admissions at 864-646-1550 or info@tctc.edu.

If you live more than 100 miles away, send an email to placement@tctc.edu to request a remote test. For additional questions about testing, contact the Assessment Center at 864-646-1300 or placement@tctc.edu.

Paying for College

How much will I pay to attend TCTC?

The amount of tuition depends on the number of credit hours you take and on your residency status. Your residency status will be included in your acceptance packet and will be in-county (Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens), out-of-county SC, or out-of-state. Keep in mind that tuition is subject to change. Another helpful tuition tool available under Paying for College on our website is the Net Price Calculator.

What types of financial aid are available?

There are many types of federal and state financial aid available to assist you in reaching your academic goals! Options include scholarships, grants, and loans. Check out the Financial Aid information on our website.

When should I apply for federal financial aid?

Apply as early as possible! Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you complete last year's federal tax forms. Tri-County's federal school code is 004926. Check for financial aid deadlines on the enrollment calendar for the term you plan to enroll.

What majors are not eligible for federal financial aid?

Majors that are not eligible for federal financial aid are listed under Financial Aid on our website.

Orientation

What is orientation?

Orientation is required for all new, transfer, and returning students and provides important information about services and resources you will use as a TCTC student. Orientation sessions are offered at the Pendleton, Anderson, and Easley Campuses and on a limited basis at the Oconee Campus. Orientation includes advising and registering for classes and takes up to 3 hours.

Do I need to attend a student orientation?

If you are a new, transfer, or returning student in a TCTC degree, diploma, or certificate program, orientation is required. Orientation is not required for transient and non-degree students.

When do I sign up for orientation?

You can sign up for an orientation session after being admitted to the College. It is better to sign up as soon as possible to get the date, time, and classes that you want. Orientation takes up to 3 hours, including advising and registering for classes. Before attending orientation, make sure you have completed any required assessments.

How do I sign up for orientation?

Once you are admitted to TCTC, signing up for orientation is easy. You will need to access your electronic (eTC) account using the login information provided in your acceptance packet.

1) Log into eTC and click on the Get Ready tab.

2) Click on Orientation Schedule located under Step 4.

3) Select the date, time, and campus location you want and click on that date.

4) Click the register button in the upper right corner to complete the registration form.

If you do not have computer access you can use any of the TCTC computer labs, or you can contact Orientation Services at (864) 646-1502 or orientation@tctc.edu.

What do I need to bring with me to orientation?

You should bring your eTC login information from your acceptance packet, as well as paper and a pen or pencil to take notes. You should also bring a photo ID.

Can parents, children, friends, or guests attend orientation?

We recognize that supportive family and friends are important to help you reach your educational goals. However, due to the interactive nature of orientation and limited space, we ask that parents, friends and other guests wait on campus until you are finished with orientation. Unattended children are not allowed on campus, and the College does not provide supervision for children in orientation sessions or classes.

Registering for Classes

When do I register for classes?

You will meet with an academic advisor and register for classes as a part of orientation. In order to sign up for an orientation session, you have to be admitted to TCTC and have completed the pre-orientation assessments. Your acceptance packet will include detailed information explaining your next enrollment steps.

Housing

Do you have housing available for students who attend TCTC?

TCTC doesn't offer on-campus housing, but there is a wide selection of apartments located nearby in Pendleton, Clemson, and Central. You can search for area apartments on websites such as www.apartmentfinder.com or www.apartmentlist.com.

Quick Links

Contact Us

Admissions
864-646-1550
Toll-free (within the 864 area code) 1-866-269-5677, ext. 1550
info@tctc.edu
Fax: 864-646-1890

Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday:
8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Friday:
8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.