TCTC Commission approves budget, 3.6% tuition increase
June 18, 2026
The Tri-County Technical College Commission unanimously voted at its June 1 meeting to approve a $71.6 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 that includes a 3.6% tuition increase for in-county students, beginning in the fall semester.
The tuition increase balances the need to address cost increases while continuing a commitment to maintaining a strong investment in students and their success.
The tuition increase is based on an evaluation of the Higher Education Price Index, an inflation index designed specifically for higher education institutions and other operational funding needs.
For full-time in-county students (those taking 12 or more credit hours), tuition will go from $191.63 per credit hour to $198.53 per credit hour starting fall 2026. This equates to an additional $6.90 per credit hour or $82.80 per semester.
Tuition rates and program fees are published on Tri-County’s website and are based on residency and the number of credit hours taken per semester.
“Keeping education accessible and affordable has been TCTC’s mission since its inception,” said Jim Wanner, chair of the TCTC Commission. “We are committed to keeping costs low while providing a high-quality education that offers excellent student services.”
Tri-County’s tuition remains the second lowest in the S.C. Technical College System and the lowest in the Upstate. A two-year degree at Tri-County costs roughly less than one semester at a four-year college or university.
Nearly 85% of Tri-County students receive some form of free financial aid which includes funding sources like Pell grants, SCWINS scholarships, Lottery Tuition Assistance, Foundation scholarships, LIFE scholarships and others.
Financial aid isn’t just for those who are struggling financially; it can be a resource for everyone, particularly those in workforce shortage areas in South Carolina. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, business administration, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
