Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Tri-County Technical College

Tri-County Technical College's practical nursing program graduates earn $49,100 in their first year—about $5,000 above the national median and solidly in the 60th percentile among South Carolina's 16 nursing programs. That's respectable positioning, though York Technical and Orangeburg Calhoun produce higher-earning graduates in the same state. The modest debt load of $25,506 gives this program a 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means graduates can reasonably expect to manage repayment on typical LPN salaries.

The slight earnings dip to $48,311 by year four shouldn't alarm parents—LPN roles typically offer steady rather than escalating pay, and this 2% decline could simply reflect job market fluctuations rather than diminishing career prospects. What matters more is the strong starting point above both state and national medians.

The key caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, for a family looking at technical college nursing programs in South Carolina, Tri-County offers a reliable path to middle-income healthcare work without crushing debt. The 40% Pell grant population suggests the school understands affordability matters, and the debt numbers reflect that commitment. If your child wants to become an LPN and stay in the Upstate region, this program delivers solid value—just know there are slightly higher-earning options elsewhere in the state.