Piedmont Technical College (PTC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) was founded in 1966 in Greenwood, South Carolina. It seeks to help high school graduates pursue a practical education that will prepare them for the workforce or for transfer to a four-year university. To accomplish this, PTC offers a wide variety of career training programs for two years of study or less, as well as a number of partnerships that let PTC students easily transfer to one of over 40 colleges and universities in South Carolina.

Today, PTC serves seven counties and offers an online campus for distance learners. Students can choose to take classes on the original Greenwood campus or through one of the county centers. Each location offers a range of classes during daytime and evening hours, as well as providing student services like financial aid, career counseling, book-purchasing services, and placement testing.

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Information Summary

Ranks 48th in South Carolina and 2564th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	56.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$6,421
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	14 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	53% / 36%
Enrollment Total (all students)	4,491

Academics

PTC offers two-year programs, certificate programs, and transfer programs in over 20 areas of study, including arts and sciences, industrial electronics technology, business, gunsmithing, pottery, nursing, and early care and education. Some programs, like computer technology, offer associate’s degrees so that students can earn an A.A.S. or D.A.S. in their chosen field. Other areas, like commercial art and arts and sciences, do not offer associate’s degrees. These programs are designed to award certificates or to prepare students for immediate transfer to a four-year university.

Online Courses

Distance learners have access to an extensive list of courses through the Desire2Learn course management system. Dedicated distance learners can even earn an associate’s degree or a certificate completely through the online system. Currently, students can choose from online associate’s degrees in arts, sciences, business, and four different concentrations of administrative office technology. PTC also offers student training sessions to help learners get accustomed to the Desire2Learn environment. Students who are interested in pursuing an online course of study should have strong time management skills and an independent approach to studying.

Library

Students have full access to library materials, periodicals, computers, and staff assistance through the Information Commons on the Greenwood campus. With ample places to sit and study in comfort, this library is the workplace of choice for many PTC students. The Information Commons also offers special program like tutorials on using library resources and free computer workshops. Many of these programs are open to the public; the computer workshops, which are sponsored by a federal grant, are open to any interested member of the community – student or not!

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

PTC accepts applications both online and in person. The Admissions page on the PTC website has step-by-step guides for completing and submitting the online application, whether you’re a first time college student, an online learning student, a non-degree seeking student, or something in between. If you can’t find the answers to your questions through the website, you can call or visit any of the branch locations for help. The Admissions Office is staffed with trained professionals who can answer any questions you might have about the application process, tuition payments, scheduling, and fees. These offices and staff members are available at every PTC county center.

First Time College Students

First time college students need to begin their application process by completing the PTC application form either online or at one of the campus centers. They will need to submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate, as well as transcripts from any college they might have attended in the past. First time students will also need to call and schedule an appointment for completing the placement test, which is required for class registration. Tests can be taken at the Greenwood campus or at alternative testing locations. Students must also fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and meet with an enrollment advisor prior to registering for classes. Finally, students can obtain a PTC Pathway number, which lets them access the online college network, and purchase textbooks online or through a campus center.

Applicants to Special Programs

Students applying to specific programs may need to submit additional materials or take different steps. For example, Nursing & Health Science applicants must attend a mandatory information session, and dual-enrollment students may need approval from a parent or high school counselor. Non-degree seeking students may apply to PTC without providing transcripts or a GED certificate.

Financial Aid

Students seeking financial aid should begin by filling out the FAFSA, which can be completed online for free at www.fafsa.gov. This form determines eligibility for federal aid in the form of grants, loans, work-study programs, and more. It is also required for many outside applications, including those for some loans and merit scholarships.

Some students may want to pursue additional sources of funding. PTC and other organizations offer a number of interest-based and location-based scholarships to student who meet specific criteria. Many of these opportunities are sponsored by a donor or created in memorium. The Charles M. Cox Jr. Scholarship, which is awarded to students with at least a 2.0 grade point average who are majoring in funeral services, and the Gwen Hancock Scholarship, which is open to Respiratory Care majors with academic achievement and financial need, are just two of the scholarship opportunities available to PTC students.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5652nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in South Carolina.

Students

PTC is a commuter college that welcomes traditional students and distance learners from across the Greenwood area. However, the campus offers a number of services and activities that help students bond outside the classroom. There are over 25 different student clubs and organizations on campus, ranging from social groups like Greek fraternities and sororities to professional organizations like the Veterinary Tech club and the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Students may also want to mingle and network digitally by jointing the PTC Facebook group or contributing to its Flickr account.

Students can take advantage of on-campus resources to finish their schoolwork or meet up with classmates. The Barnes & Noble PTC Bookstore sells textbooks and spirit wear designed specifically for PTC students. Here, students can also shop for used course materials at discounted prices, or even rent their books and workbooks and return them at the end of the semester.

The Student Success Center also provides students with opportunities for academic development and personal growth. Students can seek professional guidance and counseling, tips for stress relief and test anxiety, student disability services, and even assistance in applying for scholarships. Many of the Student Success Center resources can be accessed online through the Student Services webpage.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Piedmont Technical College