HGTC Aug'25

Something remarkable is happening in Horry and Georgetown counties this fall. Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has surpassed 9,200 students for the Fall 2025 semester, the highest enrollment in its nearly 60-year history. A 13% jump over last year, the surge has caught the attention of educators, employers, and residents alike. But what鈥檚 driving so many students, young and old, local and international, to one technical college?

The growth is part of a steady upward trend. HGTC saw 5% enrollment growth last fall, 11% in Spring 2025, and 10% over the summer. Dual enrollment is booming too. Nearly 2,000 high school students are taking college courses this semester, an all-time high.

鈥淭his milestone reflects the trust students place in us and the strength of our partnerships with schools, businesses, and industries,鈥 said HGTC President Dr. Marilyn 鈥淢urph鈥 Fore. 鈥淥ur mission has always been to provide accessible, high-quality education, and this record enrollment shows we are delivering on that promise.鈥

Yet behind the numbers lies a complex story. This fall, the student body spans 13 to 77. Veterans are enrolling in record numbers. International students hail from 42 countries. Over 1,800 freshmen alone represent 44 South Carolina counties, 33 states, and 41 nations. Programs like Business Administration, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Teacher Education, and Medical Coding and Billing dominate enrollment, reflecting both career demand and the college鈥檚 ability to adapt.

Enrollment is strong across all three campuses and online learning, with Conway and online programs seeing the highest numbers. In fact, more than 6,300 students are learning remotely in at least one course, a modern twist on higher education that raises questions about how colleges can scale quality instruction while keeping students engaged. But HGTC seems to be managing this balancing act.

Expansion isn鈥檛 limited to enrollment. New facilities, such as the Nursing & Health Sciences Institute and the upcoming Marine Technology Institute, are designed to prepare students for in-demand careers and support the regional economy. With more than 80 programs and strong transfer partnerships with universities, HGTC offers pathways for students seeking careers today and degrees tomorrow.

What makes this surge intriguing is its timing. As Horry and Georgetown counties grow, so does the need for a skilled workforce. HGTC鈥檚 graduates are meeting that demand. More than 90% remain in the area to live, work, and contribute to the local economy. Yet questions linger. The question for educators and employers is how far this momentum can carry, and what new opportunities it will create along the way.

For now, the focus is on opportunity. Each new student represents not just a number, but a story of ambition, curiosity, and the pursuit of a better future. HGTC鈥檚 growth may be historic, but the most interesting chapters could still be ahead.

Late registration options are still available through September and October.

For more information about enrollment, visit or call 843-347-3186.

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