Admissions

Admissions Quick Links

General Admission Requirements
MyTCTC College Portal
Open Admissions
Orientation

Other Learning Experiences
Parking Permits
Placement Testing

Steps to Enrollment
Student Identification Cards
Types of Students

Open Admissions

Tri-County Technical College operates as an open admissions college as required by the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended. As such, Tri-County Technical College makes every effort to minimize geographic, financial, and scholastic barriers to the post-secondary programs and services offered by the College. A high school diploma or high school equivalent credential (e.g. GED) is required for admission to certificate, diploma, and degree programs.

In order to promote achievement by individuals with varied potential, open admissions is defined as a practice which (1) admits to the College all citizens who can benefit from available learning opportunities, and (2) places into specific programs of study those students whose potential for success is commensurate with program admission standards.

TC Central

Steps to Enrollment

1. Complete an application for admission, available at tctc.edu/apply.
2. Submit a nonrefundable application fee.
3. Provide satisfactory placement test scores (writing, reading, and math assessments taken within the past three years) or college transcripts showing an earned “C” or better in math and English coursework.
4. Submit a final, official high school transcript from an accredited or approved institution or an official high school equivalency score report.
5. Submit final, official college transcripts for all previously attended colleges or universities.
6. Apply for financial aid, starting at studentaid.gov.
7. Register for mandatory orientation, which will include advising and registration.
8. Pay tuition by the due date.
9. Obtain your mandatory TCTC student ID.
10. Obtain your mandatory parking decal.
11. Order your textbooks in person or online (bookstore.tctc.edu).

Office of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation

General Admission Requirements

Applicants to certificate, diploma, or degree programs must meet the following requirements for admission to the College.

1. Complete an application for admission.
2. Submit a non-refundable application fee. Exceptions to payment of the application fee requirement are as follows:
   1. Returning students
   2. Service area high school seniors who apply during college application events sponsored by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education or by the College
   3. Students applying to enroll in targeted academic programs such as Dual Enrollment, Bridge Programs, I-BEST, Technical Skills for Success-related programs, 1+1 Consortium Agreements
   4. I-BEST students transitioning to Tri-County as first-time post-secondary students within one year of I-BEST program completion
   5. Students transitioning to Tri-County as degree-seeking within one year of successfully completing coursework in initial TSS-related program(s).
   6. Current Tri-County Technical College employees
   7. Veterans

The application fee requirement will be evaluated and determined as students apply to the College. The fee amount is subject to change but will be published on the public website and communicated through correspondence from the Recruitment, Admissions, Orientation Office. Additional exceptions to the above list must be approved by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, or designee.

3. Provide satisfactory placement test scores or transcripts showing math and English college coursework.
   1. Placement scores are valid for three years. To satisfy admission requirements, scores in writing, reading, and math must be valid on the first day of the admitted term.
   2. Students not eligible for admission based on earning below the minimum reading score as defined by the College’s Placement Criteria Chart may be referred to Adult Basic Education or other literacy programs as appropriate.
   3. Official college transcripts showing proof of college credit level English and math courses (not developmental or transitional courses) with minimum grades of “C” or higher or sufficient AP/IB scores.
   4. Students enrolling in Bridge to Clemson, Dual Enrollment, I-BEST, Manufacturing Works or TSS-related programs may be admitted without taking the placement assessment.
4. Submit a final, official high school transcript from an accredited or approved institution or an approved official high school equivalency score report.
   1. Graduating high school seniors will be admitted pending receipt of final, official high school transcript. A priority deadline for receiving transcripts is established for each term and published on the website. Students who have not submitted final, official transcripts by the tuition payment deadline as published on the enrollment calendar each term will have their schedules cancelled and a hold will be placed on their registration until the transcript has been received.
   2. Official, college transcripts showing completion of a college associate’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university may be submitted in lieu of an official high school transcript.
5. Submit final, official college transcripts for all previously attended colleges or universities. Transcripts for all prior college coursework must be received and evaluated for all institution types, regardless of dates of attendance or level of success at the previous institution. 

High School Homeschool Graduates

South Carolina Homeschools 

Homeschool high school graduates must comply with S.C. Code of Laws §59-65 governing compulsory attendance and homeschooling. The State of South Carolina recognizes three legal options for homeschooling. TCTC homeschool admission policy and requirements apply accordingly to students who completed their high school education under Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3: 

• Option 1: In compliance with §59-65-40, homeschool law allows parents to instruct their children at home with program approval from the local school district board of trustees. Homeschool applicants must submit copies of the local school district board of trustees’ approval letter for each academic year under which the high school student was homeschooled under Option 1. 
• Option 2: Instruction conducted under the auspices of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) in compliance with §59-65-45. Homeschool applicants must submit an official transcript issued by SCAIHS. The transcript must show the student’s date of high school graduation and a SCAIHS signature. 
• Option 3: Instruction conducted under an association for home schools meeting the requirements of §59-65-47, with bona fide membership and compliance with academic standards. The South Carolina Department of Education maintains a current list of approved Option 3 associations. Homeschool applicants must have an official transcript issued and signed by the homeschool’s principal or superintendent, sent directly to the College. The transcript must document the student’s high school graduation date. Additionally, applicants must submit a letter of membership or certification from a DOE-recognized homeschool association per Option 3 membership. 

Out-of-state Homeschools 

Applications from homeschooled students who completed high school outside South Carolina are evaluated for admission eligibility according to the homeschool laws and standards of the state where the applicant resided at the time of high school graduation.  

Minimum Age for Admission

Applicants to the College must be eighteen years of age to be admitted or possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalent to be admitted. Applicants under the age of 18 who do not have a high school diploma or approved equivalency and who are not seeking Dual Enrollment, I-BEST, or TSS-related programs may be granted an exception after meeting with Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation or designee, for an interview to assess readiness for admission. Regardless of age, all students must meet program specific admissions criteria and requirements.

Admissions Exceptions

Exceptions to the standard admissions requirements may be granted by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, or designee.

Types of Students

Dual Enrollment Students

Applicants who take college courses while also enrolled in high school courses will be admitted as dual enrollment students. Dual enrollment applicants are admitted into the appropriate certificate program (University Studies or an approved career pathway certificate) once the application for admission is submitted and the permission form is obtained with signatures from the parents/guardians and the high school principal/designee. Home-schooled students must provide written permission from their parents/guardians and the school district or an authorized educational agency with jurisdiction over the home school. No application fee is required. High school students who are not juniors or seniors must receive permission to enroll from the Director of High School Engagement and Outreach or designee and may need to meet additional academic requirements.

Transient Students

Applicants enrolled at another college desiring to transfer one or more Tri-County courses to their home college may be admitted as transient students. Applicants must apply for admission, pay an application fee, and submit a completed Transient Coursework Approval form prior to registration. Satisfaction of course prerequisites must be verified by submitting all college transcripts.

Nondegree Students

Applicants not seeking admission into a degree, diploma, or certificate program may be admitted as nondegree students. Applicants must complete an application for admission, submit the application fee (or be identified as an allowable exception under item 3 above), and take the College’s placement test. Submission of a high school transcript or high school equivalency transcript is not required. Additional exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation or designee. All course prerequisites must be satisfied.

International

International applicants are non-citizens or non-permanent residents of the United States who hold visas that are eligible for post-secondary studies or have documented and verified lawful presence in the country. Tri-County does not issue Form I-20s for F-1 Student visas. The College allows international students with valid F-1 Student visas from other institutions to apply as transient students. Eligible international applicants must meet all admission requirements, including submitting official transcripts to a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member to have their transcripts evaluated. Students must maintain visa status and immigration documents as required by the Department of Homeland Security. Any international student who does not maintain the appropriate status will be withdrawn from the College.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the standard admissions requirements may be granted by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation or designee.

Orientation

The College requires orientation sessions for all new, transfer, and returning students prior to the start of each semester. Orientation introduces students to the College experience, informs them about resources and services they will use as Tri-County students, and facilitates their transition into their chosen academic programs.  Orientation registration instructions are provided to students in their admission materials. The orientation sessions are held on a variety of dates at all campuses and are offered in individual and group formats. As part of orientation, students meet with advisors for course planning and course registration. For more information, contact the Office of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation at 864-646-1550 or admissions@tctc.edu.

In addition to the general College orientation, some departments offer orientation or information sessions specific to their programs. Students will be notified as applicable.

Placement Testing

Placement testing aims to ensure students have the necessary reading, writing, and math skills to successfully achieve their educational goals. Even though the placement test is computer-based, minimal computer skills are required to complete the test. The placement test is not a pass/fail test.

Students unsure if they need to take the placement test should contact the Office of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation to determine if placement testing is required.

• SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores cannot be used as a substitute for the placement test.
• The placement test is given at all Campuses.
• Placement scores are valid for three years. To satisfy admission requirements, writing, reading, and math scores must be valid on the first day of the admitted term.
• Transcripts indicating proof of college credit level English and Math courses (not developmental or transitional courses) will be considered only with grades of “C” or higher.
• Students enrolling in Bridge to Clemson, Dual Enrollment, I-BEST, or TSS-related programs may be admitted without the placement assessment.
• A picture ID is required for placement testing. Acceptable forms of identification include a state-issued picture ID (e.g., driver’s license), a military ID, or a valid school ID (high school or college).
• To access practice test questions and download study materials, visit tctc.edu/placement.
• There is no charge for initial placement testing. If a retest is needed or requested during a three-year period, one may be taken for $10. An academic advisor or Testing Center staff member can help determine if retesting is required. Other fees are applicable to complete placement testing for another institution or to have prior test scores sent to another institution.
• Placement testing with accommodations is available as approved by the College’s Accessibility Resource Center in the Student Success Center on the Pendleton Campus. Contact ARC at 864-646-1564.

For more information about placement testing, call 864-646-1300 or visit tctc.edu/ placement.

Testing Hours

For more information about placement testing, testing locations, and Testing Center hours, call 864-646-1300 or visit tctc.edu/placement.

Other Learning Experiences

Bridge Programs

Dual Enrollment and Career Pathways for Success

Tri-County’s dual enrollment and career pathways programs allow qualified high school juniors and seniors to take Tri-County courses as dual enrollment students. Freshmen and sophomores may be considered for dual enrollment by exception if related high school curriculum has been mastered and appropriate placement scores have been met. Opportunities for dual enrollment include university transfer courses and technical courses offered through career pathways that seamlessly connect secondary and post-secondary curricula in a specialized career field. Students must submit the online Dual Enrollment Application for Admission and provide contact information for parents/guardians and high school counselors to gather the appropriate permission and signatures to be admitted to the College. For additional information, contact the Office of High School Engagement and Outreach at 864-646-1503 or by email at hsde@tctc.edu.

I-BEST

I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) is a nationally recognized workforce development program that has been adapted by Tri-County for residents of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties. The tuition-free program has been created through partnerships between the College, School Districts, Adult Education Centers, and employers throughout the tri-county area. It features individualized educational and career planning, industry-recognized certifications, job placement assistance, and much more. Additional details can be found in the Academic & Career Foundations section of this catalog.

Corporate and Community Education

Corporate and Community Education (CCE) programs offer a wide range of QuickJobs training programs designed for career advancement, job preparation, and personal enrichment. Workforce training programs provide fast, practical skill development for high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing, transportation, business, and information technology. Personal enrichment courses support lifelong learning through classes that build creative, technical, or hobby-related skills. Program lengths vary and may include day, evening, weekend, and online options. While these courses do not award academic credit, many provide industry-recognized certifications or fulfill job-specific training requirements.

MyTCTC College Portal

MyTCTC is the College’s web-based and mobile app portal for news, academic resources, course registration, final grades, financial aid account information, and other online services. The MyTCTC portal is accessible by clicking on MyTCTC from the College’s website or going directly to my.tctc.edu. Accounts are assigned to students upon admittance to the College, with initial login information included in acceptance packets. Once an account has been assigned, it will stay active as long as the student is registered or enrolled in a course. If students have questions or trouble accessing their account, they should contact the IT Service Desk at 864-646-1779. MyTCTC also provides access to TCTC email, which is the College’s official and primary means of communication with students.

Student Identification Cards

Tri-County Technical College student identification cards are mandatory and required to access the following services: library materials, computer labs, building access, and use of financial aid in the Campus Store. Student IDs are valid for one academic year and are available to all students. 

Student IDs are available in the Atrium area on the first floor of Ruby Hicks Hall on the Pendleton Campus. Students attending the Anderson, Easley, or Oconee campus may obtain an ID at the Information Desk at those locations.

Parking Permits

Parking permits are mandatory for all students and employees who commute and park their vehicles at any TCTC campus.

Permits may be purchased online in MyTCTC under the My Payments/Pay for Parking Permits and Tickets. Students should sign in with TCTC credentials and provide the following information: vehicle registration information and driver and owner information.  All information must be completed prior to ordering a permit.

Parking permits cost $30 for the first vehicle and $15 for each additional vehicle that will use TCTC parking. Permits are not transferable between vehicles.

After purchase, permits can be picked up at the following locations:

• Pendleton Campus - Campus Store in the Student Success Center Plaza Level
• Anderson Campus - Room 118
• Easley Campus - Room 100
• Oconee Campus. Room 106

Permits are to be displayed at the outside bottom of the driver’s side of the rear window.

Vehicles that do not have a permanent license plate can purchase a parking permit using the temporary license plate number. Students should email campuspolice@tctc.edu to update when the permanent license plate is received.    

Permits for the summer terms are reduced to $15.

Student parking permits expire at the end of the summer term. 

All permits have an expiration date on the permit.

Students with physical disabilities (permanent or temporary) that restrict physical activity may park in designated handicap spaces with the appropriate state-issued handicap placard or license plate.

Students needing temporary special parking due to an injury or health issue must make arrangements through the Student Development Office located in the Student Success Center.  Employees must contact Human Resources. A physician’s statement verifying the need for special parking is required.

Students driving a vehicle other than the one for which a permit is issued should contact the Campus Police office to obtain a temporary pass by phone at 864-646-1800 or email at campuspolice@tctc.edu. A temporary pass will be emailed for printing. Notification to Campus Police should take place prior to attending class to avoid a citation.

Bridge students must purchase a parking permit separate from the permit issued by Clemson University.