Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is pleased to announce the highest enrollment in college history. As HGTC continues to welcome students to class this month, the College anticipates recording the largest incoming class and one-year increase in new students since 1966.
According to the preliminary enrollment report, the College has more than 8,400 students enrolled surpassing the 2010 enrollment period with 7,826 students. Total enrollment has increased by more than 2,000 students across HGTC’s three campuses in Conway, Grand Strand, and Georgetown. The College also has the highest number of new students registered with nearly 4,700 new students, a 35 percent increase over last year.
In addition to record breaking numbers locally, HGTC has one of the highest percentage growth rates in the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS). The SCTCS preliminary enrollment report for fall 2022 shows a 9.9 percent increase overall as of August 26, 2022.
“The influx of new students speaks to the quality of education at HGTC,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President.
“HGTC enrollment is strong,” Dr. Fore said. “We anticipate the largest enrollment in history and the largest increase in many years. HGTC is pleased with the community’s faith in the College especially in a time when two-year colleges across the nation have seen an alarming enrollment decline, and employers have seen an increased need for highly skilled workers. We are delighted to see a surge in interest in HGTC as the first choice among students to earn a high-quality education while enjoying a rewarding college experience.”
“We remain focused on a high-quality education for our students, while also recognizing the different experiences of our students as a result of the pandemic. With all the challenges of the past two years, our students, faculty, and staff have persevered. We are seeing an eagerness from our community to move forward with a college degree. We proudly welcome them to the HGTC family and are thrilled to have them as part of our Gator (mascot) community,” Dr. Fore said.
Of the more than 8,400 students already enrolled this semester, 6,208 students are residents of Horry and Georgetown Counties, and 85 percent are in-state residents. HGTC enrollment represents 32 states and approximately 36 percent are minority students.
Dr. Melissa Batten, HGTC’s Vice President for Student Affairs, believes HGTC’s culture plays a significant part in its increasing enrollment trends.
“We have a culture of care on our campuses where we work tirelessly to support students to be successful and lift them up when needed,” Dr. Batten said. “I believe that culture of care and the overall Gator community has resonated with our students, and that has shown in our enrollment numbers this fall.”
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