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Open Admissions
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) operates on an open admission college required by the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended. HGTC makes every effort to minimize geographic, financial, and scholastic barriers to the post-secondary programs and services offered by the technical colleges. As such, the College admits all qualified individuals who meet appropriate academic age and verified legal presence requirements.
A minimum eighth grade reading, writing and math level is required for college admission. A high school diploma (or GED Certificate), though desirable, is not a prerequisite for college admission, but may be required for specific program admission. While HGTC does not refuse admission to the College based on academic history or test scores, other than a minimum eighth grade reading, writing and math level requirement, entry into the College does not constitute admission to particular programs of study. Admission to specific programs at HGTC may require additional documentation, due to licensure or accreditation requirements. For additional information,
HGTC accepts the responsibility of educating individuals who are competent to meet the assessed needs of South Carolina business and industry, and at the same time assisting individuals in achieving educational and occupational objectives consistent with their potential.
To fulfill the educational mission of the College and to promote achievements by individuals with varied potentials, open admissions is defined as a practice which: (1) admits to the College all verified legal United States citizens who can benefit from available learning opportunities, and (2) places into specific programs of study those students whose potential for success is commensurate with program admission standards.
Open Admissions
All applicants to the College must 1) complete an application for admission, 2) be verified as lawfully present, 3) submit high school transcript, GED Certificate, or college transcript reflecting completion of a bachelor’s degree, and 4) complete the Affidavit Acknowledgement Form, if applicable. Admission into limited access programs where the number of applicants exceeds the available spaces is determined through a competitive process.
Admissions Application and Fee
Applicants to HGTC must complete and submit an application, along with the non-refundable application fee, if applicable. Application fee may be waived or not required for specified groups of students including, but not limited to dual enrollment, HGTC/Coastal Carolina University Bridge program, special enrollment events, etc.
Lawful Presence
In compliance with South Carolina Law (South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act), students admitted to the College must be lawfully present in the United States. The Office of Admissions staff verifies lawful presence in the United States at the time of application to the College.
Lawful Presence is verified through the following methods:
Lawful Presence of US Citizens
Students who have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and
are confirmed US citizens are verified as lawfully present. If a student does not
submit a FAFSA and identifies as a United States Citizen on the admissions application,
they must submit proof of lawful presence by providing one of the following: South
Carolina Issued Driver’s License valid after 2002; South Carolina Identification Card
valid after 2002; a copy of their Social Security card; passport; or a certificate
of naturalization. Verification of lawful presence can also occur through the Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) validation process.
Lawful Presence of Non-US Citizens
Permanent Residents and Non-resident alien students are verified through the Department
of Homeland Security Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).
One of the following items is required to complete verification of Permanent Residents and Non-resident alien students: Lawful Presence Documents for Non-US Citizens; Current Permanent Resident Card; Current Visa Documentation; or any other appropriate document which verifies lawful presence in the United States in accordance with the SAVE system.
The expiration date of the above-referenced documents is noted in the student’s file. The student is notified prior to the expiration date of the document of the need to submit renewed documentation.
Students who have a F1 or a J1 visa are verified through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS). Additional Information can be found in the Admission of International Students policy (9.1.8.4).