Academic Programs & Learning

Academic quality, retention, and learning environment at Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC.

What About Academic Quality at Trident Technical College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

21:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

59%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

34%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How Trident Technical College Compares

A 59% retention rate for full-time students is within the typical range at Trident Technical College. 34% of part-time students return as well — a useful sign of how the school accommodates non-traditional schedules. Compare this to specific peer schools in your search rather than a national benchmark.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 21:1 means there are approximately 21 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.

Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.

Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 22% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Trident Technical College?

Total Teaching Staff
248
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
18%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 248 instructors on staff, Trident Technical College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. Like many trade and technical schools, the emphasis is on practical instruction rather than academic tenure tracks.

How Successful Are Students at Trident Technical College?

Student Retention Rates

59.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
34.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
59.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
34.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:59% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.

Retention rates measure how many students return each year. At Trident Technical College, 59% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.

Where Do Online Students at Trident Technical College Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)

Exclusively Online
6,295
of 13,552 total (46.5%)
Some Online Courses
2,982
of 13,552 total (22%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (SC) 6,198 (98.5%)
Other US states 96 (1.5%)
Outside the US 1 (0%)
ℹ️

About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.

98% of Trident Technical College's exclusively online students are located in SC. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Trident Technical College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

9,423
Total FTE
9,423
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:69.5% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

Full-Time Equivalent enrollment at Trident Technical College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Trident Technical College?

Student Enrollment Intensity

The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.

69.5%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
9,423
Total FTE
9,423
Headcount
13,552

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

Enrollment intensity at Trident Technical College sits at 0.70 — a measure of how much of the student body is enrolled full-time versus part-time.

Academic Support & Resources

Academic Advising

Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.

Student Success Services

Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.

For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Trident Technical College directly at 8435746111 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 supports personalized learning
  • 248 instructional staff with 0% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from SC (98% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Trident Technical College?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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