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HGTC Delivers More than $503.8 Million Annually for Local Economy
A new independent economic impact study confirms that Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is a major economic driver for the Grand Strand and surrounding communities, generating an estimated $503.8 million annually in economic impact from alumni earnings and College operations and supporting 2,926 jobs across the region.
The study, conducted by the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business, is part of a statewide return on investment analysis of South Carolina’s 16 technical colleges led by research economist Joseph Von Nessen.
“This study puts real numbers behind what our community already knows,” said HGTC President Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore. “Horry-Georgetown Technical College is educating local talent, supporting local employers and generating lasting economic impact right here at home.”
According to the analysis, HGTC’s economic impact includes college operations, student and alumni spending, and workforce outcomes that benefit employers across health care, business, advanced manufacturing, construction, hospitality, public safety, and other high-demand industries.
The study also highlights the role technical colleges play in retaining talent within South Carolina. Statewide, more than 80% of technical college graduates are working in South Carolina one year after graduation, and nearly two-thirds remain in the state 10 years later.
“The data clearly show technical education delivers measurable value to the state,” said Joseph Von Nessen, research economist at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. “From graduate earnings to workforce retention, the returns extend well beyond the classroom.”
HGTC’s impact is expected to grow in the coming years through significant capital investment. Between 2025 and 2030, the College plans $75.4 million in new academic buildings and $38 million in renovations to support workforce growth and modernized learning environments. In addition to future investments, HGTC currently has $67 million in capital projects underway across its campuses, all funded without debt through state appropriations and the local $.01 or “penny” sales tax, reflecting strong public support and responsible fiscal stewardship. The College’s tuition is also among the lowest in the state.
“These investments position HGTC to continue meeting the needs of employers and students in one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions,” Dr. Fore said. “These are investments not just in facilities, but in people and opportunity.”
Statewide, the study estimates South Carolina’s technical colleges collectively generate $6.4 billion in annual economic impact and support more than 38,000 jobs, reinforcing the system’s role in workforce readiness and economic competitiveness.
“This study confirms what employers across South Carolina see every day,” said Dr. Tim Hardee, president of the South Carolina Technical College System. “Our colleges are training people for real jobs in real communities, and those graduates are staying here, building careers, and strengthening local economies.”