Tri-County Technical College freezes in-county tuition for 2021-2022 academic year

April 6, 2021

The Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) Commission approved a freeze for in-county tuition rates for the 2021-2022 academic year. This is the second year in a row that Tri-County has not raised its in-county tuition rates, which are the lowest of any technical college in the Upstate and the second lowest in the S.C. Technical College System.

“Tri-County is committed to providing affordable, accessible, high-quality learning experiences,” said TCTC Commission Chair Al Young. “Many of our students are struggling with the impacts of COVID-19. By not raising tuition, we can ease some of their financial obligations and help them remain on track academically and meet the goals they set prior to the pandemic.”

In spring of 2020, Tri-County disbursed more than $2 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to students, and in spring of 2021, the College disbursed nearly $3 million in Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act funding. Both federal funding sources are aimed at reducing the economic hardships that COVID-19 has placed on students and their families.

“The more than $5 million of federal funding that we have disbursed to students over the past year has gone a long way in helping to ensure our most vulnerable students have an opportunity to remain in school and earn their credential. It also has allowed new students to start their college career when they previously thought they could not afford to do so,” said TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay. “Freezing in-county tuition rates is another way that we can support our students during this difficult time. I commend the Commission on their decision and their commitment to affordability and accessibility.”

Tution rates are published on Tri-County’s website. Rates are based on residency and the number of credit hours taken per semester. Increases in tuition are typically based on an evaluation of the Higher Education Price Index, an inflation index designed specifically for higher education institutions and other operational funding needs.