Head-to-head · 2026
Trident Technical College vs University of South Carolina-Union
Compare average net price ($1,406 at Trident Technical College; $8,065 at University of South Carolina-Union), ROI score (68.02 vs 10.45), ten-year median earnings ($38,253 vs $33,699), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Trident Technical College; 62.2% at University of South Carolina-Union) using federal College Scorecard data. Trident Technical College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Trident Technical College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Trident Technical College | University of South Carolina-Union |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 68.02 ✓ | 10.45 |
| Avg net price | $1,406 ✓ | $8,065 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,253 ✓ | $33,699 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 62.2% |
| Graduation rate | 29.6% | 47.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $13,029 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 10,512 | 270 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina-Union costs $6,659 more per year than Trident Technical College ($8,065 vs $1,406). Trident Technical College graduates report $4,554 higher median earnings after ten years ($38,253 vs $33,699). On EduGradify's model that puts Trident Technical College ahead on projected ROI (68.02 vs 10.45, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Trident Technical College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of South Carolina-Union reports 62.2% acceptance; Trident Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Trident Technical College vs University of South Carolina-Union, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Trident Technical College or University of South Carolina-Union the better value?
Trident Technical College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (68.02 vs 10.45), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Trident Technical College is cheaper — average net price $1,406 per year vs $8,065 at University of South Carolina-Union. The annual difference of $6,659 adds up to about $26,636 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Trident Technical College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $38,253 vs $33,699 at University of South Carolina-Union. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,554.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Trident Technical College reports a A+ value grade; University of South Carolina-Union reports B.