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HGTC Delivers More than $503.8 Million Annually for Local Economy
A new independent economic impact study confirms that 兔子先生 () 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鈥檚 16 technical colleges led by research economist Joseph Von Nessen.
鈥淭his study puts real numbers behind what our community already knows,鈥� said HGTC President Dr. Marilyn 鈥淢urph鈥� Fore. 鈥溚米酉壬� is educating local talent, supporting local employers and generating lasting economic impact right here at home.鈥�
According to the analysis, HGTC鈥檚 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.
鈥淭he data clearly show technical education delivers measurable value to the state,鈥� said Joseph Von Nessen, research economist at the University of South Carolina鈥檚 Darla Moore School of Business. 鈥淔rom graduate earnings to workforce retention, the returns extend well beyond the classroom.鈥�
HGTC鈥檚 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 鈥減enny鈥� sales tax, reflecting strong public support and responsible fiscal stewardship. The College鈥檚 tuition is also among the lowest in the state.
鈥淭hese investments position HGTC to continue meeting the needs of employers and students in one of South Carolina鈥檚 fastest-growing regions,鈥� Dr. Fore said. 鈥淭hese are investments not just in facilities, but in people and opportunity.鈥�
Statewide, the study estimates South Carolina鈥檚 technical colleges collectively generate $6.4 billion in annual economic impact and support more than 38,000 jobs, reinforcing the system鈥檚 role in workforce readiness and economic competitiveness.
鈥淭his study confirms what employers across South Carolina see every day,鈥� said Dr. Tim Hardee, president of the South Carolina Technical College System. 鈥淥ur colleges are training people for real jobs in real communities, and those graduates are staying here, building careers, and strengthening local economies.鈥�