A: Open Door Admissions means that anyone who completes the admissions process will be admitted into the institution. All technical colleges in South Carolina, including Tri-County Technical College and most community colleges across the nation, have an Open Door Admissions policy (as opposed to a “selective” admissions process used by most senior colleges). Once admitted, students discover that the technical or community college offers challenging curriculum programs that provide excellent preparation for rewarding careers or transfer to four-year colleges. Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), just like Clemson University and all other public two- and four-year colleges in the State. These institutions take great pride in the fact that they meet or exceed all the quality standards needed for SACS accreditation.

The “bottom line” about open-door admissions at technical and community colleges is a difference in philosophy, not quality. Students are given a chance to prove themselves where it counts, in the classroom. Being admitted to these types of institutions is easy, but completing the coursework and earning an associate degree takes a lot of hard work. For those who are successful, they can take pride in having completed a quality college degree program.

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