All applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or must be at least 18 years old to be considered for admission into curriculum programs and courses offered by the college. Graduates of South Carolina high schools who have received a "certificate," not a diploma, are strongly urged to return to their high school district to complete the diploma or GED. Certificate recipients who meet minimum scores on the college's placement exam will be admitted to the college. Eligible high school students who desire to enroll in a college course(s) concurrently with their high school classes may do so with the written authorization of their parent(s) and high school principal.

All applicants are required to participate in placement testing (assessment) prior to being accepted by the college unless exempted based on other criteria stated in the college catalogue. Specific requirements have been established for individual program entrance. For applicants who require additional preparation for college-level work, the college offers individual programs to develop strong basic skills in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science.