Piedmont Technical College: An Overview of Tuition and Fees

Investing in higher education is a significant decision, and understanding the costs involved is crucial for effective financial planning. Piedmont Technical College (PTC) strives to make education accessible with some of the lowest tuition rates in the region. While room and board can significantly increase the overall cost of attending college, PTC offers flexible options to help students manage expenses. With a variety of online courses and locations in seven counties (Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda), many students can take classes close to home, reducing the need for on-campus housing. This article provides a comprehensive overview of PTC's tuition, fees, and other associated costs.

Tuition Rates for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Piedmont Technical College provides estimated tuition rates to assist students in their financial planning for the academic year. These rates are subject to change, as they are based on the financial support provided by the state and the county in which the student resides. Exact fees are typically determined in July before the academic year begins. While PTC anticipates that fees will not exceed the maximum indicated, a reduction in state financial support could potentially lead to higher tuition rates.

The tuition rates for the 2025-2026 academic year are structured based on whether a student is attending part-time (less than 12 credit hours) or full-time (12 credit hours).

Part-Time Students (Less Than 12 Credit Hours):

Greenwood, McCormick, Newberry & Saluda Counties: \$195.17 per credit hour
Abbeville, Edgefield & Laurens Counties: \$217.67 per credit hour
Out of Region: \$228.92 per credit hour
Out of State: \$284.67 per credit hour
International: \$364.17 per credit hour

Full-Time Students (12 Credit Hours):

Greenwood, McCormick, Newberry & Saluda Counties: \$2,342.04
Abbeville, Edgefield & Laurens Counties: \$2,612.04
Out of Region: \$2,747.04
Out of State: \$3,416.04
International: \$4,370.04

Students taking more than 12 credit hours will be charged at the per-credit-hour tuition rate for each additional hour.

Additional College Fees

In addition to tuition, students should be aware of other fees that contribute to the overall cost of attendance. These fees are subject to change, and additional special fees may be assigned for necessary supplies in individual programs.

Facility Fee: \$55 for full-time students, \$45 for part-time students
Registration Fee: \$25
Late Registration Fee: Maximum \$50
Audit Fee: \$55 per credit hour
Credit by Exam Fee: \$60
Safety and Security Fee: \$20
Orientation Fee: \$45
Digital Infrastructure Fee: \$45
On-Campus Student Engagement Fee: \$45

Payment Policies

Full payment of tuition and fees is expected before the term begins. Piedmont Technical College accepts various forms of payment, including cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. A 1.5% service charge is applied to all credit card transactions. Students should ensure that their accounts are paid in full by the payment deadline to avoid having their registration deleted.

Once registered for classes, students are responsible for the tuition charged. If a student is unable to attend, they must notify the Student Records Office to avoid owing the college for those classes. Failure to meet financial obligations can result in blocked future registrations and withheld grades.

Returned checks are assessed a \$30 service charge, and registration will be canceled. The college allows no more than one returned check per student; after that, only cash or credit card payments are accepted.

Cost of Attendance Budget

The Office of Financial Aid uses a Cost of Attendance Budget to determine a student's financial need. This budget estimates the total cost of attending school, providing an allowance ceiling for grants, scholarships, and loans. It includes estimates for tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, transportation, and personal/miscellaneous expenses.

The Cost of Attendance does not represent the actual charges that students will be responsible for paying to the college. It is used to calculate financial aid awards.

Read also: Impact of Piedmont Graduates

2025-2026 Cost of Attendance - Full Time (Examples):

Budget Component	In County 1 (Dependent)	In County 2 (Dependent)	Out of Region (In State) (Dependent)	Out of State (Dependent)	International (Dependent)
Tuition (12 Credit Hours)	\$4,684	\$4,684	\$5,224	\$6,832	\$8,740
Fees	\$285	\$285	\$285	\$285	\$285
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)	\$7,187	\$7,187	\$7,187	\$7,187	\$16,380
Books/Supplies	\$2,500	\$2,500	\$2,500	\$2,500	\$2,500
Transportation	\$4,704	\$4,704	\$4,704	\$4,704	\$4,704
Personal/Misc.	\$3,150	\$3,150	\$3,150	\$3,150	\$3,150
Loan Fees	\$100	\$100	\$100	\$100	\$100
Total	\$22,610	\$22,610	\$23,150	\$24,758	\$35,859

In County 1: Greenwood, McCormick, Newberry, Saluda
In County 2: Abbeville, Edgefield, Laurens

Financial Aid Opportunities

At Piedmont Technical College, a significant percentage of undergraduates receive financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships, making education more affordable. In a recent year, 94 percent of undergraduates received grant or scholarship aid, with the average award being \$5,072.

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on a student's financial need, which is typically determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Key Financial Aid Dates:

Application Due: May 16

Understanding Net Price

The net price is a college's cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships a student receives. It is specific to each student's circumstances and the college's financial aid policies. Piedmont Technical College provides a Net Price Calculator to help students and families estimate their net price.

Additional Information

Piedmont Technical College has a total enrollment of 4,712 students and operates on a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 17-to-1. The college offers degrees and certificates in 30 different fields, with popular programs including Registered Nursing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Business.

Read also: Academic Opportunities at PVCC

tags: #piedmont #technical #college #tuition #fees