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As another academic year approaches, families across Horry and Georgetown counties are asking a familiar question: Is college worth the cost?

At Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), the answer is increasingly clear. While many institutions across the nation respond to inflation and declining enrollment by raising tuition, HGTC is choosing a different path鈥攐ne grounded in service, accessibility, and results. The College has once again opted not to increase tuition, expanding programs and facilities without adding to the financial burden students often carry.

That decision alone deserves attention. In today鈥檚 higher education landscape, where affordability often feels like an afterthought, HGTC is leading by example.

But affordability is only part of the story.

Consider that HGTC just celebrated its largest spring enrollment increase in College history, with nearly 11,000 students now pursuing degrees or credentials across its three campuses. While national headlines warn of declining college enrollments, HGTC is growing鈥攁nd growing in ways that matter.

New workforce-driven programs like Drone Technology, Veterinary Assisting, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and Water and Wastewater Management aren鈥檛 abstract degrees. They鈥檙e direct pathways into careers the region urgently needs. From marine technology and nursing to crane operation, HGTC is positioning its students for success in the local economy and beyond. Every expansion is purpose-driven, focused on serving our region.

鈥淥ur focus remains on creating opportunities that lead to real careers, without adding financial barriers or turning college into an unaffordable option,鈥� said Dr. Marilyn 鈥淢urph鈥� Fore, HGTC President. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just growing for growth鈥檚 sake. We鈥檙e growing to meet the needs of our community.鈥�

And HGTC isn鈥檛 growing quietly. Its expansion is visible and impactful. New facilities like the Nursing & Health Sciences Institute, the Tidelands Health Education Center, and the Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina represent major investments in student success and in the region鈥檚 future workforce.

The real proof, however, lies in student stories. This spring, over 1,700 students joined HGTC鈥檚 alumni ranks, including 97 local high school students who earned college degrees ahead of schedule. One of those graduates is Pierce Langston鈥攁n Horry County Schools Early College High School student who maintained a 5.02 GPA in high school while earning his associate degree at HGTC with a 4.0 GPA. Diagnosed with autism at age two and once nonverbal, Pierce overcame early challenges through intensive therapy and simple accommodations. At HGTC, he used quiet testing spaces and extended time鈥攕upports his mother said, 鈥渁llowed him to bloom.鈥�

Now a Palmetto Fellows Scholar, Pierce has been accepted into Coastal Carolina University鈥檚 Honors College, where he plans to study Biology and Psychology on his path to medical school and a future career as a research scientist. His story is one example of how HGTC鈥檚 support, affordability, and academic rigor are transforming lives.

鈥淧ierce worked hard, but what really made the difference was how HGTC welcomed him as a college student, even at his age,鈥� said his mother, Betsy Langston. 鈥淭hey made college feel like a place he belonged. He embraced the challenge because HGTC turned it into a positive experience. Not every student gets that, but at HGTC, it seems to be the standard. As a parent, I鈥檓 truly grateful.鈥�

At a time when many are questioning the value of higher education, HGTC is reminding us: the value is right here.

Fall classes begin August 25. Perhaps it鈥檚 time to take a closer look.