- The mission of Florence Darlington Technical College is to provide comprehensive technical education, workforce development, and educational services to students, business & industry, and the markets it serves. Through instructional programs, business & industry partnerships, and community involvement, the College will play a major role in the economic development and quality of life of its constituents. The educational experience at Florence-Darlington Technical College will have an international perspective, which will enhance the student's marketability in today's global economy.
School Highlights
Florence-Darlington Technical College serves 2,861 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 96%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 2,861 students
- In-state tuition: $4,198
- Out-state tuition: $6,022
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 99%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Florence-Darlington Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 280 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Florence-Darlington Technical College
(SC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
280 staff
177 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Florence-Darlington Technical College has declined by 19% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has decreased from 13:1 over five years.
The Florence-Darlington Technical College diversity score of 0.66 is more than the state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,861 students
1,619 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
1,024 students
514 students
# Part-Time Students
1,837 students
1,105 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
237 students
359 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,024 students
514 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,837 students
1,105 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
260 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
2%
% Asian
38%
28%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
2%
7%
% White
1%
4%
% Hawaiian
42%
56%
% Two or more races
15%
3%
Diversity Score
0.66
0.60
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.1617%
0.2629%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2967%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,600
$28,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,198 is less than the state average of $5,692. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,022 is less than the state average of $10,568. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,198
$5,692
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,022
$10,568
Tuition Notes
5133.00 (Full-time,
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$12,167
$11,729
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
88%
SAT Reading
n/a
430
SAT Math
n/a
458
SAT Writing
n/a
413
ACT Composite
n/a
18
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
18
ACT Writing
n/a
6
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The Florence-Darlington Technical Education Center was established in 1963 and presently serves Florence, Darlington, and Marion counties. The College's initial enrollment of 250 students now exceeds 5,000 curriculum students. Its original campus of less than 10 acres has expanded to nearly 240 acres with a modern complex of eight major buildings totaling nearly 350,000 square feet. The College is in the midst of planning and developing another 325,000 square feet of instructional space entirely devoted to the advanced technology required in today's sophisticated manufacturing environment. The College operates sites in Hartsville, Lake City, and Mullins. The College also operates a large health sciences complex in downtown Florence entirely devoted to careers in the health arena. Florence-Darlington's main campus is located between the cities of Florence and Darlington on U.S. Hwy. 52 and in close proximity to Interstates 95 and 20. The 100-acre campus has eight major buildings. However, plans are in place for the construction of eight technical institutes on a recently purchased 146-acre tract behind the current campus. FDTC continues to offer affordable, quality education in more than 60 fields of study. Acknowledged as the fastest growing institution of higher education in South Carolina during the late 1990s, FDTC's curriculum enrollment is now approaching 5,500 students and its Continuing Education Division enjoys about 30,000 registrations annually. The primary accreditor of Florence-Darlington Technical College is the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Florence-Darlington Technical College cost?
Florence-Darlington Technical College's tuition is approximately $4,198 for In-State students and $6,022 for Out-State students.
What is Florence-Darlington Technical College's ranking?
Florence-Darlington Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in South Carolina for: Least expensive tuition, Diversity in US community colleges and Average community college minority breakdown.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Florence-Darlington Technical College is Northeastern Technical College (32.2 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
1201 Chesterfield Hwy.
Cheraw, SC 29520
(843) 921-6900
Cheraw, SC 29520
(843) 921-6900
32.2 miles
| 1,717 students
506 N Guignard Dr
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 778-1961
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 778-1961
38.3 miles
| 2,640 students
200 Miller Rd
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-8727
Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 775-8727
38.5 miles
| 1,419 students
601 Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Kingstree, SC 29556
(843) 355-4110
Kingstree, SC 29556
(843) 355-4110
42.2 miles
| 530 students
1042 W Hamlet Ave
Hamlet, NC 28345
(910) 410-1700
Hamlet, NC 28345
(910) 410-1700
46.1 miles
| 2,164 students
Recent Articles
What are Community Colleges Doing with Labor Department Grants?
The article explores how community colleges are utilizing Labor Department grants, particularly the TAACCCT program, to develop workforce training programs. It highlights various initiatives across different states, focusing on industry-specific training and skill development in emerging sectors.
For-Profit Universities Looking to Partner with Community Colleges
This article examines the trend of for-profit universities, particularly the University of Phoenix, seeking partnerships with community colleges. It discusses the potential benefits and controversies surrounding these collaborations, focusing on transfer agreements and workforce training programs.
New Analysis Shows How California Community Colleges Could Cut Millions in Spending
The article discusses a California Watch analysis revealing potential savings in California's community college system through administrative consolidation. It explores the implications of such cost-cutting measures and the challenges in implementing them within the state's education system.
