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Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is reporting a 7% increase in continuing student enrollment this fall, with 4,644 continuing students registered as of Aug. 27.
The figure represents an increase of over 300 continuing students compared with the same date last year. Overall fall registration also remains strong, with more than 9,000 students currently registered for the fall 2026 semester. HGTC surpassed the 9,000-student milestone for the first time in fall 2025, when the College recorded the highest enrollment in its history.
“The increase in continuing student enrollment is especially meaningful because it reflects students returning to build on the progress they have already made at HGTC,” said Dr. Melissa Batten, interim president of HGTC. “Each student has a different goal, whether that is completing a credential, preparing for a career or transferring to a four-year institution. Our responsibility is to provide the academic opportunities, resources and support that help them continue moving forward.”
Registration for fall 2026 remains underway, and final enrollment numbers will be available in the coming weeks. The College also offers late-start classes throughout the semester, providing additional opportunities for students to begin or continue their education.
The growth in continuing student enrollment builds on HGTC’s historic fall 2025 semester and reflects the College’s ongoing focus on supporting students throughout their educational journey. HGTC provides academic advising, tutoring, financial aid assistance, career services and other resources designed to help students make progress toward their educational and career goals.
“Getting students through the door is only the beginning,” Batten said. “What matters is helping them continue making progress toward the goal that brought them to HGTC. Seeing more students return this fall is encouraging, and we remain focused on helping them take the next step toward completing their education and preparing for what comes next.”
HGTC offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs, including career-focused programs that prepare students for high-demand fields, as well as university transfer pathways and dual enrollment opportunities for area high school students. The College continues to expand and adapt its academic offerings in response to the evolving workforce needs of Horry and Georgetown counties and the surrounding region.
The enrollment growth comes as HGTC celebrates its 60th anniversary. When the College opened in 1966 as the Horry-Marion-Georgetown Technical Education Center, it offered 12 programs and served 130 full-time students and approximately 400 part-time students from a single building on Highway 501. Today, HGTC serves thousands of students through campuses in Conway, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach, along with online learning opportunities.
“As we celebrate 60 years of serving this region, it is fitting that we do so with thousands of students continuing their education at HGTC,” Batten said. “Their success is central to our mission and to the future of the communities we serve. We are proud to help students build better futures for themselves and their families while preparing the skilled workforce our region needs.”