Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College ranks first among South Carolina’s technical colleges and within the top 10 of all higher education institutions in the state for inflation-adjusted earnings four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard data released this month by the U.S. Department of Education.
The data is now being used as part of the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid to inform students whether graduates from their chosen institutions typically earn more than high school graduates. Colleges whose graduates do not meet that benchmark receive a lower earnings indicator on the FAFSA, signaling potential concerns about post-graduation earning outcomes.
According to studentaid.gov, College Scorecard earnings data reflects the median earnings of undergraduate completers from the 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years who received Title IV financial aid and were working, but not enrolled in school, four years after graduation. All earnings figures are adjusted for inflation.
The median inflation-adjusted earnings for South Carolina high school graduates are $33,014, compared to $56,773 for OCtech graduates – a difference of more than $23,000 annually.
Only nine institutions in South Carolina ranked ahead of OCtech in this measure, including the Medical University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the University of South Carolina-Columbia and Furman University – placing OCtech among the state’s strongest performers in delivering economic value to its graduates.
“This data confirms what we see every day at OCtech – when students complete programs aligned with workforce needs, they leave here prepared to earn competitive wages and build stable careers. Being among the top 10 colleges in South Carolina for inflation-adjusted earnings four years after graduation is a powerful validation of what we promise our students: an education that leads to real economic mobility,” President Dr. Walt Tobin said. “Just as important, our 93% job placement rate shows that our graduates aren’t only earning more – they’re getting hired, building careers and strengthening the workforce across our region. We’re proud to offer an affordable education that delivers meaningful, measurable outcomes for our students and our region.”
Spring classes start January 12. For more information or to apply, visit www.octech.edu.