Degree Dividend
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Tri-County Technical College vs Allen University: which has better ROI?

Public, Pendleton SC · vs · Private nonprofit, Columbia SC

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Tri-County Technical College comes closer — median earnings $40,101 against a $58,680 total, vs $30,497 at Allen University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTri-County Technical CollegeAllen University
Net price / yr$14,670$10,972
Total net cost$58,680$43,888
Median earnings, 10 yrs$40,101$30,497
Median debt$9,000$34,290
Payback
20-year net return-$223,860-$401,148

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Tri-County Technical College or Allen University?

Allen University, at $10,972 a year after aid versus $14,670 — a gap of $3,698 a year, or $14,792 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Tri-County Technical College or Allen University graduates earn more?

Tri-County Technical College graduates report a median $40,101 ten years after entry, $9,604 more than the $30,497 at Allen University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Tri-County Technical College or Allen University?

Tri-County Technical College: its completers carry a median $9,000 in federal loans versus $34,290 at Allen University, a difference of $25,290. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

42% of students finish at Tri-County Technical College, against 13% at Allen University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Tri-County Technical College vs Allen University: frequently asked questions

Is Tri-County Technical College or Allen University a better value?
Tri-County Technical College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Tri-County Technical College or Allen University?
Allen University: $10,972/yr net price after aid versus $14,670/yr at Tri-County Technical College — a difference of $3,698 a year, or about $14,792 over four years.
Do Tri-County Technical College or Allen University graduates earn more?
Tri-County Technical College graduates earn a median $40,101 ten years after entry, versus $30,497 at Allen University — a $9,604 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.