Dual Enrollment Handbook (2026–2027)

Accessible Web Version

This page is the accessible web version of the Technical College of the Lowcountry Dual Enrollment Handbook (2026–2027). It contains the same information as the printable PDF and is provided to improve accessibility, navigation, and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Download the printable PDF: (link to PDF)

Participating Schools and Organizations

The Technical College of the Lowcountry proudly serves students from the following public, private, charter, virtual, and homeschool organizations in South Carolina:

Agape Christian Academy
At Home in the Lowcountry Homeschool Association
Battery Creek High School
Beaufort High School
Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence
Bluffton High School
Bridges Preparatory School
Colleton County High School
Colleton Preparatory Academy
Community Bible Church Christian Academy
Cross Schools
Cyber Academy of South Carolina
Grace Homeschool Association
Hampton County High School
Hardeeville Junior & Senior High School
Heritage Academy
Highlands Latin School of Beaufort
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Hilton Head Island High School
Homeward Education Association
Hope Accountability Group
John Paul II Catholic School
May River High School
Learn Together Legacies Homeschool Association
Legacy Christian Academy
Lowcountry Connections Academy
Lowcountry Homeschool Association
Lowcountry Montessori School
PACE Homeschool Association
Palmetto Homeschool Association
Patrick Henry Academy
Polaris Tech Charter School
Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence
Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & Sciences
SC Association of Independent Homeschools
SC Connections Academy
SC Virtual Charter School
The Complete Student
Thomas Heyward Academy
Whale Branch Early College High School

Accessibility Note (Editor Only – Do Not Publish)

Cover image alt text:

Technical College of the Lowcountry Dual Enrollment Handbook, 2026–2027. Cover includes the college logo and a list of participating schools and organizations.

(The cover artwork itself is decorative; the participating schools are reproduced above.)

H2: Nondiscrimination Statement

The Technical College of the Lowcountry does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its admissions policies, programs, activities, or employment practices.

H2: Table of Contents

Editor’s Note: I recommend making each item below an anchor link within Elementor.

What Are My Options?
Dual Enrollment – FAQ
Dual Enrollment Eligibility Requirements
Dual Enrollment Registration Checklist
Student Accounts & Orientation
ACCUPLACER Level Requirements & Information
Paying for Courses
Financial Aid Overview
Textbooks & Materials
Career & Major Exploration – Choosing Courses
University Transfer Track & Course Options
Career & Technical Programs & Pathways
Student Success Checklist & Supporting Role Tips
Student & Parent Communication: Academic Contacts
Online Course Success Tips
Student Support and Engagement
Continuing at Technical College of the Lowcountry
Responsibilities, Policies, & Procedures
Academic Calendar

H2: Want to Become a TCL Dual Enrollment Student?

Start with Our Admissions Process!

Students must apply online, gain approval from their high school counselors, and submit required enrollment documents to start the dual enrollment process.

Enrollment documents must be submitted either directly from a school counselor or via email from TCL student email accounts.

H3: Step 1 – Apply Online

Apply online at www.tcl.edu/apply as a Dual Enrollment student.

There is no fee to apply to Technical College of the Lowcountry.

Click Apply Now, then Create Your Account.
Use a personal email address, NOT an account associated with your high school or school district.
After verifying your email address, open the Undergraduate Application.
Select Admit Status – “Dual Enrollment High School Student.”
Enter your high school and expected graduation date.
Under Program Choice, select “Other – Dual Enrollment Program (non-degree).”
Select the first term you plan to attend.
For Campus Location, choose the campus closest to your high school.
Review the following:
- Image Release
- Financial Liability
- Student Statements
Click “I Agree” for each statement.
Select Submit to finish your application.

H3: Step 2 – Meet With Your School Counselor

Submit the following forms:

Dual Enrollment Agreement / FAFSA Waiver
Residency Verification
FERPA Waiver

H4: Public School Students

Students attending:

Beaufort County School District
Colleton County School District
Hampton County School District
Jasper County School District

may obtain their enrollment paperwork directly from their school counselors.

These packets must be submitted to their school counselors for approval and signatures.

H4: Private, Charter, and Homeschool Students

Private, charter, and homeschool students must complete the Dual Enrollment Agreement / FAFSA Waiver and Residency Verification forms, then submit them to their school counselor or homeschool association staff member for administrative approval and signatures.

H4: Required Forms

Visit:

www.tcl.edu/ecco-college-credit/

Then select your county or school type to access the required forms.

H2: What Are My Options?

High school students who have mastered the high school curriculum and are ready for college-level work may participate in the following dual enrollment opportunities at Technical College of the Lowcountry.

H3: University Transfer Track

General Education/University Transfer courses are designed for students planning to attend a 4-year college or university or desiring to get a head start on general education courses required in 2-year programs at TCL.

Taking one or more of these courses while in high school can:

Save time and money.
Enable students to experience college-level coursework.
Help students refine interests in specialized fields.

To prepare, students should:

Review courses required for their intended college major at TCL or another 4-year college or university in order to select the most appropriate courses.
Check with the college they plan to attend to verify course transferability and the grade that must be earned.
For more information about these options, see page 13.

H3: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Track

Career and Technical Education programs are designed for students planning to enter careers in various areas of industry with critical workforce needs.

Completion of these pathways offers students rapid entry into the workforce, and credits can be applied toward a Technical College of the Lowcountry certificate, diploma and/or Associate in Applied Science degree in the same field.

Dual Enrollment students can complete their certificate or diploma at TCL prior to graduating high school as well as finish their Associate degree within one year of high school graduation.

By completing a CTE program, students may enter the workforce with higher entry salaries than their peers with four-year degrees.

Career and Technical Education programs for high school students include:

Accounting
Building & Construction
Business Management & Administration
Computer and Information Technology
Culinary Arts
Early Care and Education
Entrepreneurship/Small Business
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Law & Criminal Justice
Plumbing

See page 15 in this handbook for more information about Career and Technical Education programs and determine if one of these pathways is right for you.

H2: Dual Enrollment – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

H3: Who is eligible to participate in TCL’s Dual Enrollment Program?

Students enrolled in public, private, or approved home-schooled programs that are in high school, have completed English 1 and Algebra 2, and maintain a 3.0 GPA for all high school coursework are eligible to participate in TCL’s Transfer Track.

Students who maintain a 2.5 GPA for high school coursework are eligible to participate in our Career and Technical Education (CTE) track.

See page 6 for more information.

H3: How much does it cost to take a Dual Enrollment course?

High school students participating in Dual Enrollment are responsible for all current tuition, fees, textbooks, and course materials unless otherwise negotiated between the College and the local high school district.

Fees resulting from schedule changes are also the responsibility of the student.

Dual Enrollment students may qualify for financial support through the South Carolina Education Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTA) to offset a portion of the costs.

To be eligible for Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA), students must meet the following criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (must present alien registration card at time of application).
Be a South Carolina resident for a minimum of one year (12 consecutive months) or be a qualified active duty military member or dependent.
Complete a Dual Enrollment Agreement/Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Waiver form. This form indicates that the student is a Dual Enrollment participant and must be completed and approved prior to registration. Costs will be covered only if this form is processed prior to the start of classes.
Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) and follow the Student Code of Conduct, thereby never being involved in administrative suspension and academic or student misconduct.

H3: What kinds of courses can I take?

Any available course the high school approves may be taken on any of the TCL campuses:

Beaufort
New River
Culinary Institute of the South
Colleton
Hampton

Available course areas include:

Arts and Sciences Transfer Classes

English
Humanities
Mathematics
Language
Physical Sciences
Social Sciences

Career Development and Technology Courses

Business
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship/Small Business
- Medical Office Assistant
Pre-Health Sciences
Industrial Technology
- Building Construction
- HVAC
- Plumbing
STEM
- Computer and Information Technology
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice

Questions about pathways available to Dual Enrollment students?

Connect with the Dual Enrollment team at dualenrollment@tcl.edu.

H3: How do students earn both high school and college credit for the same course?

Prior to beginning a course, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the high school regarding earning high school credit for college courses (only the high school has the authority to grant high school credit for college courses).

TCL awards college credits for successfully completed college courses.

H3: Does accepting Lottery Tuition Assistance affect LIFE Scholarship?

The South Carolina LIFE Scholarship is not affected by Lottery Tuition Assistance.

LIFE Scholarship is not awarded until after a student graduates from high school.

The Lottery Tuition Assistance Program is a separate South Carolina financial aid program that is available to both high school students and graduates.

H3: When do I have to pay tuition?

Tuition is due by the posted deadline, usually about one week before classes begin.

Tuition must be paid in full or a monthly payment plan must be set up by the due date.

If no payment is made, the student’s schedule will be dropped.

See due dates on page 6.

Accessibility/Accuracy Note (Editor Only):
The printed handbook says “See due dates on page 4.” In the revised handbook, the Important Dates table appears on the Registration Checklist page (page 6 of the PDF). Because we’re preserving the handbook text, leave the reference as printed if desired, or update it site-wide if TCL wants internal page references removed in the web version.

H3: Where can I view available classes?

Students can use TCL’s Course Search tool to view course offerings each semester.

Visit www.tcl.edu/course-search to obtain a full list of available classes.

H3: How do I register for classes?

Once you have submitted your TCL application, met with your high school counselor to confirm you’ve met the eligibility requirements, and submitted your Dual Enrollment Agreement and Residency Verification forms to your school counselor, please attend your school’s Registration Day event.

If you are unable to attend the event, work with your counselor to submit your course request to Sara Cain, Assistant Director for Recruitment & Dual Enrollment, at dualenrollment@tcl.edu.

Homeschool Students

If you are a homeschool student, email your course request to dualenrollment@tcl.edu.

Dual Enrollment students are NOT allowed to register themselves.

H3: Where can I sign up for Dual Enrollment Orientation?

You can sign up at:

https://www.tcl.edu/ecco-college-credit/

H3: Where do I pick up my student ID and parking pass?

Beaufort Campus: The HUB in Building 8
New River Campus: The HUB (Room 128)
Hampton Campus: Student Services Office

H3: How can I view my class schedule?

You can view your schedule by logging into your Navigate or Self Service account.

Visit the Quick Links menu at tcl.edu to access either account.

If you are a homeschool student, you can contact Sara Cain, Assistant Director for Recruitment & Dual Enrollment, at dualenrollment@tcl.edu to obtain a copy of your schedule.

H3: How do I know where my classes are?

When you look at your class schedule, each class will have:

Building number
Room number
Days
Times

For a campus map, visit:

https://www.tcl.edu/campuses-maps

H3: Who will the instructor be?

All instructors teaching TCL courses are approved full-time or adjunct instructors of the College.

If you are taking a course on a high school campus, the instructor may be a teacher from your school. However, that instructor meets the same requirements as if he or she were teaching at one of the TCL campuses.

H3: Where can I order my books?

You will reserve your textbooks through the TCL Course Ready program.

After registering for courses, you will receive an email to your TCL student email account about a month before classes begin that notifies you of all required materials.

Digital items will be automatically available in your TCL Blackboard account, and physical items will be mailed directly to your home address.

Visit page 11 to learn more information about reserving textbooks through TCL Course Ready.

H2: Dual Enrollment Eligibility Requirements

Technical College of the Lowcountry offers two Dual Enrollment pathways: the University Transfer Track and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Track. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for the pathway in which they plan to enroll.

H3: University Transfer Track

Students who plan to enroll in the University Transfer Track must meet the following criteria:

Students must hold a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale.
English 1 must be completed with a B average or higher.
Students currently taking English 1 must provide a grade report reflecting a grade of B or above.
Algebra 2 must be completed with a B average or higher.

Note: Beaufort County School District 9th grade students must meet the district’s PSAT percentile requirement in order to participate. Contact your school counselor for more information.

BCSD TIDES Students: If you do not meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you are required to pass TCL’s ACCUPLACER placement exam to participate; letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

H3: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Track

Students who plan to enroll in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Track must hold a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 (unweighted) scale.

H3: If You Do Not Meet the Eligibility Requirements

If students do not meet the eligibility criteria for their preferred Dual Enrollment track, they must complete the following steps:

Meet with their school counselor and determine if Dual Enrollment is a possibility.
After obtaining school counselor approval, students must do one of the following:
- Provide a Letter of Recommendation from a current or former teacher.
- Complete the ACCUPLACER Placement Test (see ACCUPLACER Level Requirements & Information).

Students who meet one of the above requirements may proceed with the admissions process.

H3: Office of Recruitment & Admissions

Technical College of the Lowcountry
921 Ribaut Road
P.O. Box 1288
Beaufort, SC 29902

H2: Dual Enrollment Registration Checklist

Complete the following steps before the beginning of your first semester.

H3: Complete the Admission Process

Complete the admissions process as described in the Want to Become a TCL Dual Enrollment Student? section.

H3: Meet With Your School Counselor and Confirm Eligibility

Meet with your school counselor to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for your selected Dual Enrollment pathway.

H3: Set Up Your TCL Email Account

Set up your TCL student email account. Instructions are provided in the Student Accounts & Orientation section.

H3: Submit Course Requests to Your High School Counselor or TCL Dual Enrollment Coordinator

Dual Enrollment students may not register themselves.
Tell your high school counselor which TCL courses you wish to take during course enrollment at your high school.
Confirm your course choices with your school counselor.
Search for courses by visiting tcl.edu, selecting the Quick Links menu, and then selecting Course Search.
Verify your schedule by logging in to Navigate.
Select the Class Schedule tab to view your courses.
If you see a mistake in your schedule, contact both your school counselor and dualenrollment@tcl.edu.

H3: Important Dates

Table: Primary Term Dates (2026–2027)

Event	Fall 2026 Semester	Spring 2027 Semester
Registration Deadline	Monday, June 1	Monday, December 7
Tuition Due*	Thursday, August 6	Thursday, December 31
First Day of Class (online students should log in!)	Monday, August 17	Monday, January 11
Last Day to Add Classes to an Existing Schedule	Monday, June 1	Monday, December 7
Last Day to Drop Classes & Remove Tuition**	Friday, August 21, 11:00 a.m.	Friday, January 15, 11:00 a.m.
Last Day to Withdraw from a Course with a Grade of W***	Monday, December 7	Monday, April 26

* Only applies to students who do not attend a school/district that will pay for their courses. Contact your school counselor to learn more about your school’s payment policies.

** Dropping classes will remove tuition, but fees and textbook costs will remain.

*** Students may withdraw from a class before the withdrawal date without affecting GPA. The course will appear on the college transcript with a grade of W. Public, private, and charter school students must meet with their school counselors in order to withdraw from a course. Homeschool students must contact dualenrollment@tcl.edu to withdraw from a class.

H3: Complete the Following Before Classes Begin

Pay tuition and fees (see Paying for Courses).
Obtain a student ID and parking decal, if necessary.
Reserve textbooks and obtain other required materials.
Complete the Blackboard Orientation Course.
Register for an in-person or Zoom Orientation session.

H3: Important

Students must attend class and/or complete online course assignments during the first week or they will be dropped for nonattendance.

H3: Questions?

Sara Cain

Assistant Director, Recruitment & Dual Enrollment

Email: dualenrollment@tcl.edu

Phone: (843) 470-6046

Giovanni Glover

Dual Enrollment Specialist – Whale Branch Early College High School

Email: gglover@tcl.edu

Phone: (843) 466-2771

Stephanie Mikell

Dual Enrollment Specialist – Hampton County

Email: smikell@tcl.edu

Phone: (803) 398-0069

Taylor Welborn

Executive Director, Admissions, Enrollment, & Student Success

Email: twelborn@tcl.edu

Phone: (843) 525-8336

H2: Student Accounts & Orientation

H3: Your TCL Account Process

After you submit your online Dual Enrollment Student application to Technical College of the Lowcountry, you will receive an acceptance email within 48–72 business hours.

This initial contact is followed by a second email, which contains your admissions steps and instructions for setting up your TCL student email account.

(Continued in Part 4 with Student Email Setup, Navigate, Self Service, Orientation, and the complete ACCUPLACER section, including the recreated placement table.)

H2: Student Accounts & Orientation

H3: Your TCL Account Process

After you submit your online Dual Enrollment student application to Technical College of the Lowcountry, you will receive an acceptance email within 48–72 business hours. This initial contact is followed by a second email containing your admissions steps and instructions for setting up your TCL student email account.

H3: Setting Up Your TCL Student Email Account

Complete the following steps to activate your TCL student email account.

Visit www.tcl.edu.
Click the Quick Links menu.
Select Student Emails.
Enter the following credentials:

Email Address

firstname.lastname@tcl.edu

Initial Password

TCL + last seven digits of your Social Security number + !

Example:

TCL3456789!

Follow the instructions to create your new password.

Important: Write your new password down and keep it in a secure location.

Your TCL email account is used to access:

Navigate
Self Service
Blackboard

If you need assistance with your email account, contact the TCL Help Desk.

Email: support@tcl.edu

Phone: (843) 525-8344

Detailed instructions for setting up your student email account are available at:

https://www.tcl.edu/campus-life/social/student-email/

H3: Using Your Navigate Account

Navigate is TCL’s student success platform for:

Viewing your class schedule
Connecting with your Dual Enrollment representative
Scheduling appointments with TCL staff
Scheduling tutoring appointments
Scheduling appointments with Admissions
Accessing other student support services

The Navigate app is also used to communicate with students regarding:

Onboarding
Course registration
Grades
Early alerts
Campus event announcements

H3: Using Your Self Service Account

Self Service is TCL’s online student portal.

Within Self Service, students can access:

Tuition information
Financial aid information
Course information
Grades
Personal account information

If you need technical or password assistance, contact:

TCL Help Desk

Email: support@tcl.edu

Phone: (843) 525-8344

H3: Dual Enrollment Orientation

In-Person/Zoom Orientation Sessions

New Dual Enrollment students at Technical College of the Lowcountry are required to attend either an in-person orientation or a Zoom orientation session before the start of their first semester.

Visit:

https://www.tcl.edu/ecco-college-credit/

to view available orientation dates and register.

Students are permitted to bring one guest to orientation.

Blackboard Orientation Course

In addition to attending an orientation session, all Dual Enrollment students must complete the Blackboard Orientation Course before the start of their first semester.

The Blackboard Orientation Course is available through each student’s Blackboard account.

The course teaches students how to:

Navigate Blackboard
Submit assignments
Use eBooks
Access course codes
Utilize additional Blackboard features

Access Blackboard at:

https://www.tcl.edu/blackboard-gateway/

using your TCL student email credentials.

Refer to the Academic Calendar for Blackboard Orientation Course deadlines for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.

H2: ACCUPLACER Placement Level Requirements & Testing Information

Students qualify for courses by earning the required Reading, English, and/or Math placement levels.

When a course requires more than one placement level, all required placement levels must be met to qualify for that course.

Note: Score requirements are subject to change.

Practice tests are available at:

www.accuplacer.org

H3: ACCUPLACER Placement Level Requirements — English

Course	Reading Minimum Required Score	English/Writing Minimum Required Score
ENG 101 – College Composition I	249	249

H3: ACCUPLACER Placement Level Requirements — Mathematics

Course	Arithmetic Minimum Required Score	Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics (QAS) Minimum Required Score	Advanced Algebraic Functions (AAF) Minimum Required Score
MAT 110 – College Algebra	250	250	200

H3: Testing Locations

Beaufort Campus

Building 8, Room 204

Phone: (843) 470-8229

Testing Hours

Monday–Thursday

Appointment only

Hampton Campus

Room 105

Phone: (803) 398-0069

Testing Hours

Monday–Thursday

Appointment only

H3: Testing Information

Students taking the ACCUPLACER placement test should be aware of the following:

A valid government-issued photo ID is required.
Placement testing is free to all students.
Students may choose to retest in subject area(s) in which they did not receive a qualifying score.
Allow approximately 2 to 2½ hours for all three subject areas (approximately 45 minutes per subject test). Tests are untimed.
Electronic devices are not permitted during testing. Students may leave personal belongings and electronic devices locked in their vehicles or use available lockers at the testing locations.

For additional information about placement testing or preparation resources, visit:

https://www.tcl.edu/admissions/placement-testing

H2: Paying for Courses

Below Are the Current Academic Year Tuition Rates

The 2026–2027 tuition rate is $228 per credit hour for students holding in-state residency. Tuition for one 3-credit-hour course is $684, plus required fees and textbook costs*. Students who meet in-state residency requirements may qualify for TCL’s Dual Enrollment Fee Waiver (DFW).

Students who meet residency requirements and enroll in six or more credit hours (typically two courses) in the same semester may qualify for South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA). If you qualify, the table below shows the portion of your tuition costs per semester that Lottery Tuition Assistance and the Dual Enrollment Fee Waiver will cover.

H3: 2026–2027 Tuition & Fee Schedule for Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties

Subject to change; includes textbook costs.

Credit Hours	Total Tuition & Fees*	Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA)**	Dual Enrollment Fee Waiver (DFW)**	Estimated Student Balance
1	$415	n/a	$110	$305
2	$680	n/a	$220	$460
3	$945	n/a	$330	$615
4	$1,210	n/a	$440	$770
5	$1,475	n/a	$550	$925
6	$1,740	$450	$660	$630
7	$2,005	$525	$770	$710
8	$2,262	$600	$880	$790
9	$2,526	$675	$990	$870
10	$2,790	$750	$1,100	$950
11	$3,054	$825	$1,210	$1,030
12	$3,318	$900	$1,320	$1,110

H3: Required Fees

The tuition schedule above includes the following mandatory fees:

$100 Student Fee
$50 Technology Fee
$15 per credit hour General Course Fee
$22 per credit hour Bookstore Fee

Technology courses (such as Computer Science and laboratory science courses) require a $20 per credit hour Technology Course Fee instead of the General Course Fee.

Some courses require additional fees (for example, advanced computer technology or laboratory science courses), so fee amounts may vary.

H3: Additional Material Costs

Baking & Pastry, Culinary, and Hospitality courses incur additional material costs.

See Textbooks & Other Materials for more information.

H3: Credit Hour Information

Most University Transfer courses are:

3 credit hours

The following courses are typically:

Foreign Language
Laboratory Science
Calculus

These courses are generally 4 credit hours.

H3: Out-of-State Residency

Students holding out-of-state residency will be charged the current non-resident tuition rate of $474 per credit hour.

Non-resident students are not eligible for financial aid.

Please contact the Dual Enrollment staff at dualenrollment@tcl.edu to learn more about residency requirements.

H3: Paying Tuition and Fees (Homeschool, Private School, and Charter School Students Only)

Homeschool, private school, and charter school students are responsible for paying tuition and fees unless another payment arrangement has been made through their school.

Payment Requirements

Pay your tuition and fees in full or
Establish a payment plan by the posted payment deadline each semester.

Payment Methods

Payments may be made:

Online through the Student Finance tab in Self Service
In person at the Beaufort Campus
In person at the New River Campus

Balances due can be found in Account Summary, where pending financial aid amounts are displayed.

Always confirm that financial aid has been applied to your account before making payment.

H3: Payment Deadlines

See the Academic Calendar for payment deadlines.

H3: Refunds

See the Academic Calendar for refund deadlines.

H3: Withdrawal Versus Drop

See Student Success Checklist for information regarding the financial impact of dropping or withdrawing from a course.

H3: Charter School Students

Charter school payment responsibilities vary between individual schools.

Please contact your school counselor to determine whether you are responsible for making tuition payments.

H2: Dual Enrollment Financial Aid Information

H3: South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance

Dual Enrollment students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours (typically two courses) during the same semester may qualify for the South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program.

Students qualify based on South Carolina residency requirements, not financial need.
Contact dualenrollment@tcl.edu for more information about Lottery Tuition Assistance.

H3: Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) Information

Lottery Tuition Assistance:

Is a state-funded program awarded to South Carolina residents. Students must hold in-state residency status to qualify.
Applies to tuition costs only.
Requires enrollment in at least 6 credit hours during the semester.
Does not cover Continuing Education or other non-credit classes.
Award amounts vary annually.
High school students do not need to complete the FAFSA.

H3: Federal Financial Aid

Dual Enrollment students do not receive federal financial aid because they have not completed high school.

However, success in Dual Enrollment courses may affect eligibility for federal financial aid and scholarships after high school graduation.

Students should strive to:

Earn at least a C in each college course.
Complete at least 67% of all courses attempted.

A cumulative:

GPA below 2.0, or
Completion rate below 67%

may affect eligibility for federal financial aid after high school graduation.

For additional information, contact the Dual Enrollment Office:

Email: dualenrollment@tcl.edu

H2: Textbooks & Other Materials

Dual Enrollment students receive their textbooks through Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Course Ready program.

Textbooks are included in each student’s total tuition balance each semester. Required textbooks are not purchased separately.

TCL Course Ready is a purchase program. Books do not need to be returned at the end of the semester.

H3: TCL Course Ready Program

After registering for classes:

You will receive an email in your TCL student email account from Follett, TCL’s Course Ready partner.
The email is typically sent 3–4 weeks before the beginning of each semester.
Open the email and select Review Your Materials.
Digital textbooks (eBooks) will automatically be loaded into your Blackboard account.
Physical materials will automatically be mailed to your home address.
After physical materials ship, you will receive a confirmation email indicating they are on the way.

H3: Questions About Your Textbooks?

For assistance, contact the College Store through Follett:

https://follett.com/contact/

H3: Additional Materials — Lab Kits

Physical Science courses require:

a textbook, and
a laboratory kit.

Students Attending a School/District Paying Tuition

If your school or district pays your tuition, your lab kit is also covered.

You will receive an email in your TCL student email account from Carolina Biological Supply containing your lab kit voucher code.

Students are responsible for redeeming the voucher code and ordering the lab kit.

Lab kits generally arrive within 5–7 business days by mail.

Students Responsible for Their Own Tuition

If your school or district is not paying for your textbooks and required materials, you are responsible for purchasing a lab kit voucher through TCL Course Ready.

Instructions for purchasing the voucher will be sent to your TCL student email account.

H3: Additional Materials — Baking & Pastry, Culinary, and Hospitality Supplies

Baking & Pastry, Culinary, and Hospitality programs require additional materials, including:

Uniforms
Knife sets
Textbooks

If your school or district pays your tuition, these supplies are covered by your school or district.

Covered supplies will be mailed directly to your home.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Track

Programs are designed for students entering careers in high-demand industries.

Completion allows:

Entry into workforce
Application of credits toward TCL certificate, diploma, or Associate degree
Completion of certificate/diploma before high school graduation
Completion of Associate degree within one year after graduation

Programs include:

Accounting
Building & Construction
Business Management & Administration
Computer and Information Technology
Culinary Arts
Early Care and Education
Entrepreneurship / Small Business
HVAC
Law & Criminal Justice
Plumbing

Dual Enrollment – FAQ

Who is eligible to participate?

Students must:

Be enrolled in public, private, or homeschool high school
Complete English 1 and Algebra 2
Maintain GPA:
- 3.0 (Transfer Track)
- 2.5 (CTE Track)

How much does it cost?

Students are responsible for:

Tuition
Fees
Textbooks
Materials

Unless covered by school or district agreements

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA)

Students may qualify if they:

Are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
Are South Carolina residents for at least one year or military dependents
Complete Dual Enrollment Agreement / FAFSA Waiver
Maintain a 2.0 GPA and follow Student Code of Conduct

What kinds of courses can I take?

Courses may be taken at:

Beaufort Campus
New River Campus
Culinary Institute of the South
Hampton Campus

Course areas include:

English, humanities, mathematics, sciences
Business and entrepreneurship
Medical Office Assistant
HVAC and Plumbing
Computer Technology
Criminal Justice

How do students earn both high school and college credit?

High school determines high school credit
TCL awards college credit

When do I have to pay tuition?

Tuition is due about one week before classes begin
Must be paid or payment plan established
Failure to pay results in schedule being dropped

How do I register for classes?

Students are NOT allowed to register themselves
Work with school counselor
Attend Registration Day

Homeschool students:

Email course requests to dualenrollment@tcl.edu

Where can I view my class schedule?

Navigate
Self Service

How do I know where my classes are?

Schedules include:

Building number
Room number
Days and times

Campus maps:
https://www.tcl.edu/campuses-maps

Who will the instructor be?

Approved TCL faculty or adjunct instructors
May be high school instructor meeting college standards

Where can I order my books?

Through TCL Course Ready program:

eBooks (Blackboard)
Shipped to home
Pick up at College Store

Attendance Policy

TCL expects that students will participate in all scheduled instructional classes and laboratory periods, regardless of the mode of delivery.

To be successful in their courses, students are expected to:

Be in class on time
Attend class meetings or laboratory periods regularly

Students are responsible for making up the work missed during any absence.

An absence is defined as nonattendance for any reason, including:

illness
emergency
official leave

If you arrive late to or leave early from class, you may be considered absent for that class.

Grades and Academic Progress

Does a certain grade have to be earned?

Yes. To be successful in a TCL course, you must earn a grade of A, B, or C.

A, B, C = successful completion
D = passing grade, appears on transcripts, but NOT TRANSFERABLE
F = no credit awarded

Depending on school/district policies, a grade of D or F may prevent continuation in Dual Enrollment.

Students planning to use the LIFE Scholarship must maintain a 3.0 GPA for all college coursework.

Where can I find my grades?

Students may check progress in Blackboard as percentages.

Official grades are found in:

Self Service
Navigate

Final grades are posted as letter grades.

Can anyone else see my grades?

Final grades are released to high school counselors and administrators.

To release records to others (such as parents), students must complete a FERPA waiver form.

How do I order an official transcript?

Order transcripts through Parchment:

https://www.tcl.edu/student-services/student-records/transcripts/

Do all college courses transfer?

TCL participates in a statewide articulation agreement with 86 transferable courses.

Transfer approval is determined by the receiving institution.

View transfer courses:
https://www.sctrac.org/Student/List-of-Universally-Transferable-Courses-in-SC

Financial Aid & Payment

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Students taking 6 or more credit hours may qualify for:

South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance

Students in certain CTE programs may qualify for:

SC WINS funding

Does dual enrollment affect future financial aid?

Yes.

Students begin a college transcript that includes:

GPA
Completion rate

Federal Financial Aid requires:

2.0 GPA
67% completion rate
150% maximum program hours

Poor performance may affect:

grants
scholarships
loans

How do I pay my bill?

Public school students (Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, Colleton):

Do NOT pay

Private, charter, homeschool students:

Pay through Self Service
May use payment plan

Dual Enrollment Eligibility Requirements

University Transfer Track Requirements

Students must:

Hold a 3.0 GPA (unweighted)
Complete English 1 with B or higher
Complete Algebra 2 with B or higher

Additional note:

Beaufort County 9th graders must meet PSAT percentile requirement

Career and Technical Education Track Requirements

Students must:

Hold a 2.5 GPA (unweighted)

If Requirements Are Not Met

Students must:

Provide a letter of recommendation OR
Complete ACCUPLACER placement test

Dual Enrollment Registration Checklist

Complete the Admission Process

(see previous section)

Meet With School Counselor

Confirm eligibility

Set Up TCL Email Account

Submit Course Requests

Students may NOT register themselves

Work with school counselor
Use Course Search on TCL website
Verify schedule in Navigate

Important Dates

Fall 2026

Registration Deadline: Monday, June 1
Tuition Due: Thursday, August 6
First Day of Class: Monday, August 17
Last Day to Drop: Friday, August 21, 11:00 a.m.
Last Day to Withdraw: Monday, December 7

Spring 2027

Registration Deadline: Monday, December 7
Tuition Due: Thursday, December 31
First Day of Class: Monday, January 11
Last Day to Drop: Friday, January 15, 11:00 a.m.
Last Day to Withdraw: Monday, April 26

Additional Requirements

Pay tuition and fees (if applicable)
Obtain student ID and parking decal
Reserve textbooks
Complete Blackboard orientation
Attend orientation session

Contact Information

Sara Cain
Assistant Director, Recruitment & Dual Enrollment
dualenrollment@tcl.edu
(843) 470-6046

Giovanni Glover
Dual Enrollment Specialist
gglover@tcl.edu

Stephanie Mikell
Dual Enrollment Specialist
smikell@tcl.edu

Taylor Welborn
Executive Director
twelborn@tcl.edu

Student Accounts & Orientation

TCL Email Setup

Students receive acceptance email within 48–72 hours.

Email format:
firstname.lastname@tcl.edu

Initial password format:
TCL + last 7 digits of SSN + !

Navigate Account

Used for:

Viewing schedule
Scheduling appointments
Receiving alerts
Communication

Self Service Account

Used for:

Tuition
Financial aid
Grades
Course information

Orientation Requirements

Students must:

Attend in-person or Zoom orientation
Complete Blackboard orientation course

ACCUPLACER Placement Testing

Testing Information

Free for students
Valid photo ID required
Tests are untimed
Approx. 2–2.5 hours

Locations

Beaufort Campus
Building 8, Room 204

Hampton Campus
Room 105

Important Notes

No electronic devices allowed
Retesting is allowed
Locker storage available

Paying for Courses

Tuition Rates (2026–2027)

$228 per credit hour (in-state)
3-credit course: $684 + fees

Fees Include

$100 Student Fee
$50 Technology Fee
$15 per credit General Course Fee
$22 per credit Bookstore Fee

Some courses may include additional fees.

Out-of-State Tuition

$474 per credit hour
Not eligible for financial aid

Payment Requirements

Private/charter/homeschool students must:

Pay balance or set up payment plan

Payments:

Online via Self Service
In person at campus

Dual Enrollment Financial Aid Information

South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance

Dual Enrollment students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours (typically two courses) in the same semester may qualify for the South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program.

Students qualify based on state residency requirements, not financial need.

Contact: dualenrollment@tcl.edu for more information.

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) Information

State-funded program awarded to South Carolina residents
Students must hold in-state residency status to qualify
Applies to cost of tuition only
Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester
Does not cover Continuing Education or non-credit classes
Award amount varies annually
High school students do NOT need to complete the FAFSA

Federal Financial Aid

Dual enrollment students do not receive federal financial aid because they have not completed high school.

However:

Success in dual enrollment courses may impact future eligibility
Students should maintain:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- 67% completion rate

Failure to meet these may affect eligibility for:

grants
scholarships
loans

Textbooks & Other Materials

TCL Course Ready Program

Dual Enrollment students receive their textbooks through Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Course Ready program. Textbooks are included in students’ total tuition balance each semester, so required textbooks are not purchased separately. TCL Course Ready is a purchase program – books do not need to be returned at the end of each semester.

After registering for class, you will receive an email in your TCL student email account from Follett, the partner company for TCL’s
Course Ready program. This email is typically sent 3-4 weeks before the start of each semester.
Open the email, click to review your Materials. Any digital texts/ebooks will be loaded directly into your Blackboard account, and
physical materials will be automatically mailed to your home address.
After any physical materials have shipped, you will receive an email confirming that your textbooks are en route.
Questions about your textbooks? Contact our College Store at https://follett.com/contact/ for more information.

Additional Materials – Lab Kits

Physical sciences courses require both a textbook and a lab kit. If you attend a school/district that is paying for you to attend TCL, your lab kit will be covered by your school/district. You will receive an email in your TCL student email account from Carolina Biological Supply that contains your lab kit voucher code. You are responsible for redeeming your voucher code and ordering your lab kit (kits take 5-7 business days to arrive by mail).

If you do not attend a school/district that will pay for your textbooks and other required materials, you are responsible for purchasing a lab kit voucher from TCL Course Ready. Instructions for purchasing a lab kit will be sent to your TCL email account.

Additional Materials – Culinary / Hospitality Programs

Baking & Pastry, Culinary, and Hospitality courses require uniforms, knife sets, and textbooks. If you attend a school/district that is paying for you to attend TCL, your supplies will be covered by your school/district. These supplies will be mailed directly to your home.

If you do not attend a school/district that will pay for your required materials, you are responsible for purchasing your supplies from TCL Course Ready or a separate store/vendor approved by the Culinary Institute of the South. Contact our Culinary Institute of the South team at (843) 305-8546 for assistance with purchasing your supplies.

Career & Major Exploration — Choosing Courses

Career Exploration

Students should:

Research careers using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Use TCL My Next Move Interest Profiler
Job shadow or intern

Major Exploration

Students should:

Compare colleges and programs
Review degree requirements
Identify required courses

Course Selection for Transfer

Students should:

Check transfer agreements
Contact intended colleges
Choose general education courses

SCTRAC Resource

Students may use www.sctrac.org to:

Learn about SC colleges
Compare programs
Review transfer equivalencies

University Transfer Track

Expectations

Students should:

Be prepared for college-level coursework
Attend class regularly
Communicate with instructors
Use email, Blackboard, and Navigate
Follow all policies

Steps to Enroll

Discuss with parent/guardian and counselor
Attend information session
Apply online
Submit required forms
Select courses
Attend orientation

Transfer Course Information

86 courses are guaranteed to transfer within SC
Students must earn a C or higher

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Expectations

Students should:

Be committed to career pathway
Be prepared for coursework
Attend class regularly
Communicate with instructors
Follow policies

State-Funded Support

Students may qualify for:

SC WINS Scholarship

May cover:

Tuition
Textbooks
Program costs

Enrollment Steps

(Same as University Transfer Track steps)

CTE Programs & Pathways

Business & Industrial Technologies

Building Construction Technician (Certificate)
Designing HVAC Systems (Certificate)
Plumbing (Certificate)
Residential Electrician (Certificate)
Accounting (Certificate)
Entrepreneurship (Certificate)
Office Applications (Certificate)

Education & Professional Services

Early Care and Education (Certificate)
Medical Office Assistant (Certificate)

Computer & Information Technology

A+ Computer Servicing (Certificate)
Programming (Certificate)
Webmaster (Certificate)
Cybersecurity (Pathway)

Criminal Justice & Law

Criminal Justice & Law (Certificate)

Culinary Arts & Hospitality

Baking & Pastry Arts (Certificate)
Restaurant Cook Skills (Certificate)
Hospitality/Tourism Management (Certificate)

Student Success Checklist

Students should:

Attend class
Read syllabus
Prepare for assignments
Check grades regularly
Communicate with instructors
Seek tutoring

Drop vs Withdrawal

Drop:
- No transcript record
- Tuition removed
Withdrawal:
- Appears as “W”
- May affect financial aid

Email Responsibility

Students must:

Check TCL email daily
Communicate professionally

Supporting Role Tips

Let students take responsibility
Provide guidance, not control
Encourage communication
Allow independence
Support problem-solving

Student & Parent Communication

Email Guidelines

Students should:

Introduce themselves
Clearly state concerns
Request action
Allow 48-hour response window

Academic Contacts

Primary Contact:
dualenrollment@tcl.edu

Deans:

Karen Smith
Vandy Amason
Dr. Frederick Cooper
Chef Jacqueline Orak
Erika Johnson

FERPA (Privacy)

FERPA protects student education records.

Only students may access records
Parents require waiver

Students are strongly encouraged to complete the FERPA waiver form.

Online Course Success Tips

Students should:

Complete Blackboard orientation
Log in first week
Read syllabus
Communicate with instructors
Manage time effectively
Submit assignments early
Maintain backup technology

Student Support and Engagement

Services Available

Disability Services
Library
Computer Labs
Tutoring
Campus Security
Campus Store
Business Office

Tutoring

Free tutoring available
In-person and online
Writing, math, science support

Parking

Parking decals required
Two vehicles may be registered
Available at campus HUB