Best Trade Schools in South Carolina

There’s no denying the value of trade schools if you want to increase your income and have job stability. Trade schools also typically cost less and take less time to complete than a four-year college degree. The best trade schools in South Carolina offer career readiness preparation and job placement assistance.

Students gain job-ready skills through hands-on training for careers such as welder, machinist, licensed practice nurse, or cosmetologist. There are even flexible online programs that let students set a schedule that works best for them.

Some of the highest-employed trade jobs in South Carolina only require postsecondary non-degree education.

Welder

Welders must have some certifications, such as training on electrical safety from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Others, like a certified welder designation, can lead to more career opportunities.

Machinist

A certification demonstrates competency and may help machinists advance their careers. Organizations like the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offer certifications and credentials in CNC machine operation and CAD/CAM technology.

Licensed Practical Nurse

All LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). An experienced LPN may pursue a supervisory position.

Skilled trades span industries including manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and technology. Professionals such as auto mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and cosmetologists are skilled trade workers. Other examples include carpenters, programmers, and welders. Some of South Carolina’s most in-demand trade jobs are in automotive, law enforcement, nursing, and information technology.

There are 16 state technical colleges and about 25 trade schools in South Carolina in total, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). These schools offer programs that provide hands-on training for in-demand jobs. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) helps provide training and education programs.

DEW collaborates with employers and educators in the state to help unemployed individuals learn new skills to advance their careers. DEW’s training partnerships and programs include the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, CompTIA, and Be Pro Be Proud. The organization’s State Tech program collaborates with the state’s technical college system and offers short-term training for high-demand occupations.

The cost of trade schools in South Carolina ranges from around $7,000 to over $30,000 per year. Cost varies depending on if the school is public, private, nonprofit, or for-profit. According to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the average in-state student’s tuition and fees at state technical colleges were $4,734 for the 2021-22 academic year.

A four-year college can cost up to two or three times as much to attend. According to NCES data, the average in-state tuition and fees for four-year public colleges in South Carolina was $12,497 and $26,270 for private four-year colleges for the 2019-2020 school year. These numbers don’t account for other college expenses.

Public technical colleges in the state offer trade programs that are eligible for funding to cover tuition and more. The ROI from a college or a trade education is often higher wages and more career opportunities in both cases. Education for a trade job typically pays for itself quicker, while a four-year degree usually takes longer to pay off but can lead to higher salaries for some careers long term.

Regardless of where you choose to get your education, it’s essential to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Government agencies, trade schools, colleges and universities, and private organizations use FAFSA information to award students aid. There are many resources for financial assistance to go to trade school.

Here are a few options:

SC WINS Scholarship

To qualify, students must receive a Lottery Tuition Assistance Program Scholarship for the current academic year and major in a high-demand occupation. They must also be receiving free or reduced-priced meals. This scholarship covers one certificate, diploma, or degree unless earning an extra credential means advancement in the same occupation.

Recipients get $65 per credit hour (maximum of 15 credit hours per semester), $300 for books, and money for fees.

Workforce Pathways Scholarship

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet program or course prerequisites for eligibility. In addition, they must complete the Quick Skills Workforce Pathway Scholarship application and attend an information session. This scholarship covers class tuition and textbooks for eligible continuing education courses.

Deadlines depend on the program but work in conjunction with other federal and state applications. Students may pursue one program of study and must cover any extra costs beyond the awarded amount. The Workforce Pathways Scholarship is available for a limited time on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bridging The Dream Scholarship Program

The Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program is for high school seniors from minority and historically underserved communities. Students must be current high school seniors, Pell Grant eligible, and a diverse candidate from an underserved community. They must also demonstrate leadership abilities and good moral character.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

In partnership with Sallie Mae, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a $10,000 scholarship award for college or technical school. The deadline is in February. There are 25 awards of $10,000, totaling $250,000 in scholarships for high school seniors each year.

Full-time state employees, temporary grant positions, and positions with six months of state service are eligible for TRIPs. Part-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours each week may also be eligible. Tuition assistance provides for no more than six credit hours per academic term.

Tuition incentive reimbursement programs cover tuition and laboratory fees in whole or in part, depending on the agency’s specific policy. The agency may pay books and other fees if the employee attends a required course. Employees must pass the classes to receive reimbursement.

For more information on paying for trade school, explore Vocational Education Financial Aid.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education oversees accreditation for two-year colleges, technical colleges, and other degree-granting schools. The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) oversees vocational colleges, trade schools, and professional associations. Specific programs may also need accreditation for coursework to be eligible for certification.

For example, nursing programs need accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology oversees cosmetology schools and licensure. Appropriate accreditation ensures you can complete certification and licensing requirements for your profession.

The trade school you pick depends on the career path you want to take. Some careers require a four-year instead of a trade school degree. Consider your strengths, interests, salary expectations, and projected job growth in your field.

Apprenticeships in South Carolina are a good option for trade school graduates. The South Carolina technical college system is a leader in registered apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship Carolina offers an earn-while-you-learn option combining on-the-job training, education, and wage progression.

In addition, many high schools in the state offer trade or vocational programs with a direct path to specific jobs. These hands-on learning programs may lead to career opportunities in web design, auto mechanics, and medical assistance, and many offer apprenticeships.

Each program on the list will meet our criteria, being: