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How to study at Trident Tech: admission, tuition, English and campuses in Charleston

Admission, 2026–27 costs, scholarships, adult English and five Trident Tech campuses across Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.

Maskay editorial team Updated

Trident Technical College (TTC) is a public two-year college serving Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. It began in 1964 as the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Technical Education Center, with 226 students and a focus on engineering technicians and industrial trades. The 1973 merger with downtown Charleston’s Palmer College expanded the curriculum; Berkeley Campus opened in 1982, Palmer moved to its current site in 1986, and the college converted to semesters in 1991. A fifth full-service location opened in Summerville in 2021 and was renamed Dorchester Thompson Campus in 2025. Today TTC serves about 20,000 students annually and lists more than 150 programs, from associate degrees and certificates to noncredit workforce training.

Choose a credential before choosing a campus

The college’s academic areas include business and information technology, culinary and hospitality studies, engineering and construction, film and media, health sciences, nursing, public safety and law-related study, manufacturing, science, mathematics, humanities and university transfer. An Associate in Arts or Associate in Science can form the first part of a bachelor’s degree, while an Associate in Applied Science, diploma or certificate is designed around occupational preparation. Continuing Education offers short professional and personal-interest courses without academic credit. The college’s published Management–Human Resources Associate in Applied Science sequence totals 60 credits over five terms, including summer. That example shows why a student should use the exact program map and transfer college requirements rather than assume every credential is four semesters. Many full-time transfer plans take about two academic years; selective health programs may require additional prerequisites, a separate application and a different sequence.

Admission, placement and English support

Apply online and check the account for requested documents. TTC says new applicants must provide documentation verifying legal presence under South Carolina law. A high-school diploma or GED is required to receive financial aid; students also establish math and English placement through qualifying SAT or ACT scores, ACCUPLACER, an eligible high-school GPA or prior college credits. The math placement test is free at TTC’s Testing Center. A success coach or advisor helps with orientation, choosing a major and course registration. Admission does not guarantee a place in competitive nursing or health programs, which may require prerequisites and a separate application.

For adults who need to strengthen English before college-level coursework, Charleston County Adult Education lists daytime ESL and English-literacy instruction at Palmer Campus, 66 Columbus Street. The school-district program is separate from TTC credit classes and its schedule and intake are managed by Adult Education. This gives an English learner a local point of entry to practice speaking, reading and writing, while TTC admissions can explain placement and the steps needed for a later credit program. Do not assume that adult ESL enrollment automatically meets a selective program’s English or placement requirements.

What tuition looks like in 2026–27

For Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027, TTC publishes a per-credit tuition rate of $200 for residents of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties, plus an $18.34 registration fee each term. At 12 credits, the published table shows $2,400 tuition and, for eligible county residents, a $900 lottery-assistance reduction, leaving $1,518.34 in listed tuition and fees for that semester. Other South Carolina residents pay $221.89 per credit; the listed 12-credit total after the same lottery reduction is $1,781.02. Out-of-state students pay $378.64 per credit, with a 12-credit total of $4,562.02 before books and course-specific charges. These examples are not a personal quote: residency status, aid eligibility, program fees, books and course materials change the final bill.

For a rough two-semester comparison at 12 credits each, those published semester totals amount to $3,036.68 for eligible tri-county residents, $3,562.04 for eligible residents of other South Carolina counties and $9,124.04 for out-of-state students, before books and any extra program costs. TTC and its foundation advertise more than 120 scholarships and over $300,000 awarded annually. Students should file the FAFSA and review state programs such as Lottery Tuition Assistance and SCWINS; the college says some eligible South Carolina residents in approved critical-workforce programs may receive up to $5,000 a year through SCWINS. Each award has eligibility, documentation and program rules, so ask Financial Aid which forms apply.

Five campuses across the tri-county area

The current location directory lists Thornley in North Charleston, Palmer in downtown Charleston, Berkeley in Moncks Corner, Mount Pleasant in East Cooper and Dorchester Thompson in Summerville. They are not interchangeable. Thornley holds many central offices and specialized facilities; Palmer combines downtown student services with culinary spaces; other campuses host selected courses and programs. TTC’s current Berkeley page continues to describe renovation-related restrictions, so confirm its access and your exact classroom before making the trip. The college directory provides addresses and phones, and its course search tells students where a particular class meets.

Driving is common across this spread-out region, but CARTA runs routes in the Charleston area, including Rivers Avenue, Dorchester Road, Mount Pleasant and downtown service. Use the agency’s current maps and trip planner to match a stop with the campus entrance and class time. College parking rules and posted signs apply; check campus-specific instructions rather than assuming a visitor lot or unrestricted parking. A useful sequence is to compare programs and credit maps, submit the application, complete placement and advising, file financial-aid forms and then confirm the campus and building shown on the schedule.

Begin with the admissions steps, browse the program directory and catalog, and compare the current tuition table. For aid, use TTC’s financial-aid and scholarship guide; adults seeking English-literacy classes can contact Charleston County Adult Education.

Bottom line

Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.

Editorial selection

Options to compare

These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

01
Public community college campus

Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus

7000 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406

Thornley is Trident Tech’s largest instructional base on Rivers Avenue, with academic divisions, admissions, advising, financial aid, the library, student services and classrooms and labs for technical, health and general-education study. The college’s campus map names buildings by number, so the ro

Why it made the selection

Main instructional campus, student support and specialized facilities

Verified: October 27, 2026
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02
Public community college campus

Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus

66 Columbus Street, Charleston, SC 29403

At 66 Columbus Street, Palmer sits in downtown Charleston and brings college services into an urban setting. Its programs and facilities include the Culinary Institute of Charleston, the 181 Palmer dining room, demonstration kitchens, an amphitheater, library and student support. The campus also has

Why it made the selection

Downtown campus, culinary institute and student services

Verified: October 27, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
03
Public community college campus

Trident Technical College — Berkeley Campus

1001 S. Live Oak Drive (Hwy. 17-A), Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Berkeley Campus serves the northern part of the college’s tri-county district from Highway 17-A in Moncks Corner. Its renovation adds training capacity and labs, but the college’s current location page still carries access restrictions and says prospective students should use another campus for in-p

Why it made the selection

Berkeley County campus with renovation-related access restrictions to verify

Verified: October 27, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
04
Public community college campus

Trident Technical College — Mount Pleasant Campus

1125 John Dilligard Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Mount Pleasant Campus is Trident Tech’s East Cooper location, at 1125 John Dilligard Lane. The college includes it among five named campuses and lists a local phone for the site. Students can take classes at different campuses depending on the course schedule; the address alone does not indicate tha

Why it made the selection

East Cooper campus with course-specific locations

Verified: October 27, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
05
Public community college campus

Trident Technical College — Dorchester Thompson Campus

10055A Dorchester Road, Summerville, SC 29485

Dorchester Thompson Campus in Summerville supports students in the western part of the district. The college renamed the location in 2025 to honor Marion Thompson, who served 38 years on the Area Commission. The campus directory lists a local number, and the college’s Student Success Center network

Why it made the selection

Summerville campus and student-service location

Verified: October 27, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website of Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website of Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website of Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website of Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  7. Official website of Trident Technical College — Thornley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  8. Official website of Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  9. Official website of Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  10. Official website of Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  11. Official website of Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  12. Official website of Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  13. Official website of Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  14. Official website of Trident Technical College — Palmer Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  15. Official website of Trident Technical College — Berkeley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  16. Official website of Trident Technical College — Berkeley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  17. Official website of Trident Technical College — Berkeley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  18. Official website of Trident Technical College — Berkeley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  19. Official website of Trident Technical College — Berkeley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  20. Official website of Trident Technical College — Berkeley Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  21. Official website of Trident Technical College — Mount Pleasant Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  22. Official website of Trident Technical College — Mount Pleasant Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  23. Official website of Trident Technical College — Mount Pleasant Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  24. Official website of Trident Technical College — Mount Pleasant Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  25. Official website of Trident Technical College — Mount Pleasant Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  26. Official website of Trident Technical College — Dorchester Thompson Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  27. Official website of Trident Technical College — Dorchester Thompson Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  28. Official website of Trident Technical College — Dorchester Thompson Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  29. Official website of Trident Technical College — Dorchester Thompson Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  30. Official website of Trident Technical College — Dorchester Thompson Campus ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  31. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  32. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  33. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  34. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  35. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  36. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  37. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  38. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  39. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  40. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  41. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  42. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  43. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  44. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  45. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  46. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  47. Official website ↗ Primary source Trident Technical College · Accessed October 27, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

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