Charleston, South Carolina, August 25, 2025
Trident Technical College: A Guide to Free Tuition Programs in Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, has a network of education and workforce initiatives that make Trident Technical College (TTC) a central option for residents seeking low-cost or tuition-free pathways to careers and further study. This guide unpacks the major programs that have reduced or eliminated out-of-pocket tuition for eligible students, explains who qualifies, and walks through the steps to apply so prospective students can make informed choices.
How TTC is lowering barriers to postsecondary education
Trident Technical College has positioned itself as both a community resource and a workforce training hub. Over recent years, the college has launched and participated in state and local funding programs that target high-demand occupations—healthcare, skilled trades, information technology, hospitality, and logistics among them. These efforts reflect a broader push in South Carolina to tie financial aid to industry needs so that tuition dollars support programs that lead quickly to employment.
South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS)
The SCWINS program provides up to $5,000 per academic year to eligible South Carolina residents enrolled in programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials, certificates, diplomas, or degrees. The award is intended to cover remaining costs after federal and other state aid are applied, including tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, and required materials. That makes SCWINS particularly useful for students in hands-on programs—like healthcare or manufacturing—where equipment and certification expenses can add up.
Which TTC programs qualify for SCWINS
A broad cross-section of TTC’s career and technical offerings are eligible for SCWINS funding. Examples include nursing and allied health certificates, HVAC and welding diplomas, IT networking tracks, culinary arts credentials, and logistics/transportation programs. The eligible categories span:
- Business and entrepreneurship pathways
- Culinary and hospitality operations
- Education support and early childhood credentials
- Engineering technologies and manufacturing trades
- Health-related programs such as practical nursing and surgical technology
- Information technology and cybersecurity
- Public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice
- Maintenance trades and technical service occupations
- Media arts and communications
- Transportation and logistics
Programs that prepare students primarily for transfer to a four-year institution—such as University Transfer, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Art Foundations, and Introductory University Studies—are not eligible for SCWINS. This reflects the program’s goal of advancing immediate workforce entry through credentialing.
Applying for SCWINS and required steps
Applicants should first complete TTC’s online admission application; the college waives the application fee. Next, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is mandatory because SCWINS is applied after federal and state gift aid. TTC’s FAFSA code is 004920. Once admitted and enrolled in an eligible program, students work with TTC’s financial aid office to determine their final SCWINS award, which is adjusted for other grants and scholarships they receive.
S.C. Promise Scholarship at TTC
The S.C. Promise Scholarship targets recent graduates from a specific region—Berkeley County—covering up to $1,000 per semester toward tuition, fees, and books for qualifying students. Eligible candidates include those who graduated high school in Berkeley County (between certain cohorts) or residents who received a GED or home-schooled during the same timeframe. Recipients must complete the FAFSA, submit the S.C. Promise application, be admitted to the college, and enroll in a minimum of six credit hours each term.
Dual Credit opportunities for high school students
TTC’s Dual Credit Program allows high school students in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties to earn college credits while still enrolled in secondary school. These courses often carry discounted tuition or qualify for tuition assistance such as SCWINS when students meet eligibility requirements. Dual credit can shorten the time-to-degree and reduce the total cost of college, particularly for students who complete general education or introductory workforce courses in high school.
Tuition costs for dual credit (example breakdown)
The table below shows a sample breakdown of tuition and the impact of Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) for dual credit enrollments. It illustrates how state-level supports lower the effective cost for students taking a range of credit loads.
| Credit Hours | Tuition | Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) | Total Tuition after LTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $188.69 | $0 | $188.69 |
| 3 | $566.07 | $0 | $566.07 |
| 6 | $1,132.14 | $450 | $682.14 |
| 9 | $1,698.21 | $675 | $1,023.21 |
| 12 | $2,264.28 | $900 | $1,364.28 |
| 15 | $2,830.25 | $1,125 | $1,705.35 |
| 18 | $3,396.42 | $1,350 | $2,046.42 |
Senior citizen tuition waiver
Residents of South Carolina aged 60 or over can take selected TTC courses on a space-available basis without paying tuition. This waiver supports lifelong learning and community engagement; however, senior students are expected to follow the same registration windows as other students, typically beginning the last business day before classes start and through the Drop/Add period.
Recent tuition-free enrollment initiatives and sustainability
During the 2023–2024 academic year, Trident Technical College implemented a broad tuition-free enrollment initiative that covered more than 150 programs for qualifying South Carolina residents, effectively removing tuition as a barrier for many applicants. Data from that period indicate increased new-student enrollment in short-term certificates and workforce programs—areas that directly feed local employers. TTC has signaled that continuing at that same level depends on renewed or increased state and local funding, so prospective students should verify current program availability and funding windows before making decisions.
Practical examples and outcomes
Consider a hypothetical example: a student pursuing a practical nursing diploma might receive SCWINS to cover tuition and required test fees after Pell Grant and other state aid are credited. That student could finish a one-year diploma and sit for licensure with minimal personal cost, increasing employability in local hospitals and clinics—sectors with persistent hiring needs. Similarly, someone entering an HVAC apprenticeship track can combine on-campus coursework with employer-sponsored training and use SCWINS to cover remaining educational expenses. These pathways often translate to faster job placement than traditional four-year programs.
Tips for prospective students
- File the FAFSA early; many state-level programs require completed federal aid applications before awarding state scholarships.
- Contact TTC’s financial aid and admissions teams to confirm program eligibility and deadlines—eligibility lists can change as program priorities shift.
- Explore dual credit options in high school to reduce time and cost to credential completion.
- Pay attention to program start dates and registration windows; some tuition-free initiatives operate on a first-come, first-served basis when funds are limited.
- Ask about supplemental costs—uniforms, specialized tools, or certification exam fees are sometimes excluded from tuition awards and should be budgeted for.
Key Takeaways
- Trident Technical College offers multiple tuition assistance options—SCWINS, S.C. Promise, dual credit supports, and senior waivers—that significantly lower education costs for eligible South Carolina residents.
- SCWINS focuses on workforce-ready programs, awarding up to $5,000 per academic year and covering tuition, fees, and required materials after other aid is applied.
- Program availability and the extent of tuition-free enrollment can change based on state and local funding, so early FAFSA filing and timely contact with TTC admissions and financial aid offices are essential.
Final thoughts
For residents in the Charleston area and the broader Trident region, TTC presents practical routes to career training that can be largely tuition-free when students meet eligibility criteria and navigate the application process efficiently. These programs are most powerful when combined—dual credit, state scholarships, and institutional guidance—so prospective students will benefit from early planning and a clear understanding of the funding mechanisms that apply to their chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SCWINS at Trident Technical College?
SCWINS is available to South Carolina residents enrolled in eligible workforce programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials, certificates, diplomas, or degrees. Programs intended primarily for university transfer are not eligible. Students must complete the FAFSA and be admitted to TTC.
How much does the S.C. Promise Scholarship provide?
The S.C. Promise Scholarship can provide up to $1,000 per semester for qualifying students from specified Berkeley County cohorts. Recipients must file the FAFSA, apply to the college, and enroll in at least six credit hours each semester.
Can high school students attend TTC for college credit?
Yes. High school students in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties can take TTC courses through the Dual Credit Program. Some dual credit enrollments qualify for tuition assistance like Lottery Tuition Assistance or SCWINS when eligibility criteria are met.
Are tuition-free initiatives permanent at TTC?
Some programs, such as SCWINS and certain local scholarships, recur year to year, while broad tuition-free enrollment initiatives depend on available funding. Prospective students should confirm current offerings with TTC’s financial aid office before planning.
How do senior citizens access the tuition waiver?
South Carolina residents aged 60 or older may register for eligible TTC courses on a space-available basis without paying tuition. Registration typically opens the last business day before classes start and continues through Drop/Add.
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
