Myrtle Beach, SC, December 22, 2025
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) in Myrtle Beach reinforces its role in higher education and workforce development with affordable education and record enrollment growth. The college maintains tuition rates while introducing innovative programs and expanding facilities to meet regional needs. With successful support services and partnerships, HGTC effectively prepares students for careers and boosts South Carolina’s economy.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) continues to solidify its position as a vital cornerstone of higher education and workforce development in the Grand Strand region. With a steadfast commitment to affordability, academic excellence, and community impact, the institution demonstrates how disciplined growth and student-focused initiatives build robust local leadership and contribute significantly to South Carolina’s economic landscape.
Serving Horry and Georgetown counties, HGTC focuses on providing accessible and high-quality educational pathways that equip students with the skills necessary for immediate career entry or seamless transfer to four-year universities. Recent achievements highlight the college’s dedication to student success, institutional innovation, and responsive programming that addresses critical workforce needs.
Commitment to Affordability and Accessible Education
Horry-Georgetown Technical College has once again opted not to increase tuition, ensuring that quality education remains within reach for students across the region for the 2024-2025 academic year. This commitment to affordability positions HGTC as one of the most cost-effective institutions of higher education in South Carolina. The college actively supports students through various financial aid options, including the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS), which offers zero tuition for over 65 programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and information technology. This initiative helps students pursue their career aspirations without significant financial burden.
Historic Enrollment Growth and Expanding Outreach
Defying national trends, HGTC announced a historic 11% increase in its spring enrollment in March 2025, marking the largest spring semester increase in the college’s history. More than 7,700 students were enrolled across its three campuses in Conway, Grand Strand, and Georgetown during that period. This upward trajectory continued into Fall 2025, with over 9,000 students registered for the semester, representing a 12.6% increase compared to the previous year. The college’s dual enrollment program has also reached an all-time high, with over 1,700 high school students taking college courses in Spring 2025, an 18.43% increase over Spring 2024. This expansion of student enrollment underscores the college’s growing appeal and its success in attracting both new and returning students seeking practical and career-focused education.
Innovation in Academic Programs and Facilities
HGTC offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs across diverse fields such as Health Science, Business, Information Technology, Advanced Welding, Machine Tool Technology, and Golf & Sports Turf Technology. The college continually introduces new programs to meet evolving industry demands. In Summer 2024, two new healthcare programs, the Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate and the Electrocardiography Technician (EKG) Certificate, were launched. Additionally, a new Information Technology (IT) Project Management Advanced Certificate began in Fall 2024, providing comprehensive exposure to IT’s critical role in modern business environments. A Correctional Officer Training Program also launched in Fall 2024.
Significant investments are being made in campus facilities to support this academic expansion. In April 2024, HGTC broke ground on a $15 million Nursing and Health Sciences Institute on its Grand Strand Campus. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to address the growing need for healthcare professionals, aiming to double the nursing student capacity to approximately 600 by 2030. It will feature eight simulation centers and an EMT prototype for enhanced clinical rotations and internship opportunities. The college also received approval to expand its Dental Hygiene program enrollment and broke ground on a new Marine Technology Institute of SC.
Comprehensive Student Support and Success Pathways
HGTC is committed to fostering student success through robust support services. The “Guided Plan for Success” (GPS) initiative enhances student learning by improving orientation and academic advising. This program helps students define academic and career goals, identify potential barriers, and develop personal responsibility in achieving their objectives. The Student Success & Tutoring Center (SSTC) and EPIC Lab provide free academic tutoring, writing center assistance, and college success skills workshops, covering subjects from math and sciences to nursing. These resources are available both on-campus and online, ensuring flexible access for all students.
The college’s dedication to student outcomes is evident in its impressive statistics: 95% of HGTC graduates are either employed in their field of study or continue their education at four-year institutions. Moreover, over 90% of graduates choose to live, work, and thrive within South Carolina, contributing directly to the local workforce and economy.
Impact on Regional Workforce and Community
As the fourth largest technical college within the South Carolina Technical College System, HGTC plays a critical role in the region’s economic vitality. The college generates an annual economic impact of $250 million in Horry and Georgetown counties. HGTC serves as a key source of skilled professionals, with graduates filling essential roles as nurses, EMTs, welders, cybersecurity analysts, and culinary professionals, among others. The institution values partnerships with local businesses, industries, and community agencies, aligning its programs with current and future workforce needs. The HGTC Library is also open to the public, further demonstrating the college’s commitment to community engagement. [cite: 8 in original user prompt]
Building a Brighter Future for South Carolina
Horry-Georgetown Technical College continues its mission to empower students and strengthen communities through accessible and affordable education. The college’s proactive strategies in tuition freezes, program expansion, and student support services illustrate its commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce and fostering intellectual growth. By consistently exceeding benchmarks in graduate placement and licensure exam pass rates, HGTC demonstrates its effective role in shaping successful futures for individuals and bolstering the economic prosperity of the Grand Strand and wider South Carolina.
Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse range of programs offered at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, attend upcoming campus events, and stay informed about how this pivotal institution continues to drive progress in the Myrtle Beach area’s educational and economic landscape. For more information about applying, enrolling, and registering, interested individuals can contact HGTC directly.
Keywords: Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, HGTC programs, workforce development
Frequently Asked Questions about Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC)
Q: Has Horry-Georgetown Technical College increased tuition for the upcoming academic year?
A: No, Horry-Georgetown Technical College has once again opted not to increase tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Q: How many students are currently enrolled at Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
A: In Spring 2025, over 7,700 students were enrolled across HGTC’s three campuses, and for Fall 2025, over 9,000 students registered, marking a 12.6% increase.
Q: What new programs has HGTC introduced recently?
A: HGTC launched new Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate and Electrocardiography Technician (EKG) Certificate programs in Summer 2024, and an Information Technology (IT) Project Management Advanced Certificate and a Correctional Officer Training Program in Fall 2024.
Q: Is HGTC expanding its facilities?
A: Yes, HGTC broke ground on a $15 million Nursing and Health Sciences Institute in April 2024, and has received approval to expand its Dental Hygiene program enrollment.
Q: What kind of support services are available for HGTC students?
A: HGTC offers the “Guided Plan for Success” (GPS) for advising and the Student Success & Tutoring Center (SSTC), which provides free academic tutoring, writing assistance, and college success skills.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College Key Statistics & Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition for 2024-2025 | No increase |
| Spring 2025 Enrollment | Over 7,700 students (11% increase) |
| Fall 2025 Enrollment | Over 9,000 students (12.6% increase) |
| Dual Enrollment (Spring 2025) | Over 1,700 high school students (18.43% increase over Spring 2024) |
| Number of Programs | Over 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs |
| New Healthcare Programs (Summer 2024) | Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate, Electrocardiography Technician (EKG) Certificate |
| New IT Programs (Fall 2024) | Information Technology (IT) Project Management Advanced Certificate |
| New Public Service Program (Fall 2024) | Correctional Officer Training Program |
| Nursing & Health Sciences Institute | $15 million facility, broke ground April 2024, aims for 600 nursing students by 2030 |
| Graduate Outcomes | 95% employed or continuing education |
| Graduates Remaining in SC | Over 90% |
| Annual Economic Impact | $250 million in Horry and Georgetown counties |
| Ranking in SC Technical College System | Fourth largest out of 16 |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
