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Tri-County Technical College vs Benedict College: 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 $31,902 at Benedict College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTri-County Technical CollegeBenedict College
Net price / yr$14,670$18,250
Total net cost$58,680$73,000
Median earnings, 10 yrs$40,101$31,902
Median debt$9,000$32,500
Payback
20-year net return-$223,860-$402,160

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

Which is cheaper, Tri-County Technical College or Benedict College?

Tri-County Technical College, at $14,670 a year after aid versus $18,250 — a gap of $3,580 a year, or $14,320 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 Benedict College graduates earn more?

Tri-County Technical College graduates report a median $40,101 ten years after entry, $8,199 more than the $31,902 at Benedict College. 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 Benedict College?

Tri-County Technical College: its completers carry a median $9,000 in federal loans versus $32,500 at Benedict College, a difference of $23,500. 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 24% at Benedict College. 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 Benedict College: frequently asked questions

Is Tri-County Technical College or Benedict College 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 Benedict College?
Tri-County Technical College: $14,670/yr net price after aid versus $18,250/yr at Benedict College — a difference of $3,580 a year, or about $14,320 over four years.
Do Tri-County Technical College or Benedict College graduates earn more?
Tri-County Technical College graduates earn a median $40,101 ten years after entry, versus $31,902 at Benedict College — a $8,199 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.