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Dr. Marilyn "Murph" Fore
In April, We Celebrate the Power of South Carolina’s Technical Colleges
Every April, we celebrate South Carolina Technical College Month — a time to reflect on the immense value of our state’s 16 technical colleges and the lives changed every single day. Together, these colleges educate more than 147,000 South Carolinians annually, providing affordable, accessible pathways to high-demand careers and higher education.
Here at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), we are proud to serve as a leader within the system. As the fourth largest technical college in South Carolina, HGTC is a regional powerhouse—supporting more than 11,000 students across academic and workforce training programs and producing a $250 million annual economic impact in Horry and Georgetown counties.
We believe in opening doors. Our tuition is among the lowest in the state, just $2,234 per semester for in-county students—and more than 85% of HGTC students receive financial aid. Scholarships like the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) make it possible for students in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and IT to earn their credentials at little to no cost. For eligible high school students, dual enrollment programs and the Early College High School on the Conway Campus means tuition-free college credit.
And when our students graduate, they stay. Over 90% of HGTC graduates remain in the area, helping our communities grow stronger and our industries remain competitive. From nurses and EMTs to welders, cybersecurity analysts, marine technicians, teachers, and culinary professionals, HGTC graduates power our community every day.
What makes technical colleges different is our responsiveness. Our programs—nearly 1,000 system-wide—are aligned with the current and future needs of South Carolina’s economy. Through strong partnerships with local employers, school districts, and economic development leaders, we ensure every program we offer has a purpose and a pathway.
Our students range in age from 15 to 83, and while the average HGTC student is 24 years old, they come from all walks of life. Many work while attending classes, balancing school with jobs and families. They are first-generation students, veterans, career changers, and lifelong learners. They choose HGTC for our affordability, flexibility, strong support services, and the real-world outcomes we deliver. And 95% of our graduates are either employed or continuing their education.
This April, I encourage you to recognize the impact technical colleges have on our state—not just on individual students, but on our communities, our workforce, and our shared future. Technical education is no longer the alternative. It is one of South Carolina’s greatest strengths.
At HGTC, we’re proud to lead with purpose. We are proud to serve. And we are proud to celebrate the power of technical education in South Carolina.