Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) was founded in 1963 as a means of bringing industry to the state of South Carolina. Its first class had only 250 students, and the campus was originally smaller than 10 acres. Since then, the college has grown to serve over 5,000 students in three counties, with over 240 acres of academic buildings and service facilities. FDTC continues to grow and expand, and it is currently developing a large industrial complex with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology to meet the burgeoning needs of surrounding industries.

Today, FDTC operates from its original site in Florence, SC, as well as sites in Hartsville, Lake City, and Mullins. In addition, there is a dedicated health sciences building in downtown Florence that is exclusively for the use of students entering health services careers. Students can pursue academic degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a variety of fields through FDTC’s centers.

Videos

Information Summary

Ranks 61st in South Carolina and 3175th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	48.4
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$5,710
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	18 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	50% / 25%
Enrollment Total (all students)	4,182

Academics

FDTC offers programs leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a number of different fields. Most students at FDTC pursue associate degrees, and degree-seeking students usually make up at least two-thirds of each graduating class. After graduating, students can easily transfer to a local four-year university through one of FDTC’s transfer relationships.

Academic programs at FDTC are allocated among the Division of Health and Sciences, the Division of Technical and General Education, and The Online College.

Division of Health and Sciences

Students in the Health and Sciences Division pursue an Associate in Science degree in one of the specialized tracks within this program. Students are trained extensively through allied health and nursing programs and have the opportunity to earn certifications and professional licensures in their chosen fields. Concentrations for study and certification within the Health and Sciences department include physics, criminal justice, human services, dental hygiene, medical lab technology, radiologic technology, and nursing, which transitions to an ADN, PN, or LPN.

Technical and General Education Division

Students in the Technical and General Education Division are trained in the technical, interpersonal, and business components of jobs in different critical industries. This division offers associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and college transfer programs. Community members can also enroll in developmental courses through this division. Academic paths within the Technical and General Education Division include Business and Cosmetology; English, Humanities, and Developmental Studies; Computer Technology and Mathematics; Industrial Technologies; and Engineering Technologies. Within these tracks, students can specialize even further by taking specific courses like retail merchandising, management, welding, diesel and heavy equipement, and civil engineering technology.

The Online College

The Online College offers academic options and degree programs to students who don’t have time for a traditional on-campus program. Though the range of options through online courses is more limited than the range offered by on-campus courses, students still get all the benefits of taking a classroom-based course, including tutoring, guidance, and interactions with other students and professors. Currently, the Online College offers associate’s degrees in arts, criminal justice technology, marketing, management, and international business.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Admissions

FDTC accepts all qualified students into its academic program, as long as there is enough space and the applicant submits all required materials. Students can begin the application process by filling out the online application form, which is available online at the FDTC Admissions web page. Applicants must submit their SAT or ACT scores to the Admissions Office, or, alternatively, take FDTC’s placement tests and and submit those scores. Prospective students should also make sure that the Admissions Office receives an official copy of their high school transcript.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but if you want to be accepted in time for registration, be sure to submit all of your materials at least four weeks before your first semester would begin.

Financial Aid

Students seeking financial aid should begin by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is available online at fafsa.gov. This form must be completed at least eight weeks before the beginning of your first semester at FDTC if you wish to qualify for financial aid. The FAFSA is the standard form that determines eligibility for federal aid in the form of student loans, work-study programs, and grants and it is also frequently required as a supplementary material for third-party loans and scholarship applications.

Students who wish to pursue additional funding can explore merit-based scholarships and sponsored grants. The state of South Carolina offers a number of grants to eligible students, and FDTC also offers scholarships to qualifying students. To be eligible for these options, students should be enrolled a minimum number of credit hours (generally full-time for the full amount of an award) and have a minimum GPA of 2.50 for FDTC-sponsored awards. There are additional opportunities for funding from outside sources, which may allocate awards on the basis of academic department, intended major, county of residence, GPA, and more.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5987th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in South Carolina.

Students

FDTC draws students from across Florence, Darlington and Marion counties, as well as a significant group from around the state and across the country. A little more than half of FDTC’s students are full-time, while the rest are part-time or distance learners. FDTC is also a very ethnically diverse school, with nearly 50 percent of its student body coming from minority backgrounds.

Students have full access to FDTC’s library and counseling facilities, as well as a career center and online resources for everything from guides on using the library to resume tips. Although all students live off-campus, FDTC also has opportunities for students to meet and mingle with one another through activities, student groups, and community events. The Student Activities Office is the center of student life programming.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Local Community

Florence, SC is one of the largest cities in the state. The area began as a railroad terminal and has grown into a thriving community with approximately 33,000 residents. Conveniently located near I-95, Florence offers easy access to nearby attractions and cities like Charleston, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. There is also a regional airport, Amtrak stations, and CSX railways. Students can take advantage of local transportation and community events to participate in the local culture. From community sports to library readings and movie showings, there are limitless activities in the area surrounding FDTC.

Bibliography

FDTC – Online Application for Admission. Florence-Darlington Technical College. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.

Florence-Darlington Technical College – About Us. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.

Florence-Darlington Technical College. FDTC Quick Facts. Print.

Florence-Darlington Technical College