I Defy is redefining how the world thinks about technical education by celebrating the power of South Carolina technical colleges and spotlighting the spirit of students defying tradition, norms and expectation through a technical education.
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Growing up in rural SC, I observed how people are treated in hospitals and different settings. It made me want to be an advocate for people who aren’t treated fairly.
Ryan Felder
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Ryan Felder knew from a young age that he wanted to work in the medical field to advocate on behalf of people. That desire took him to OCTech, where he found his calling in physical therapy, and then to graduate school to become a doctor of physical therapy.
“I love talking about food, and gathering with people on a regular basis to talk about food and restaurants really lights me up.”
Tymi Howard
Trident Technical College
From professional ballet dancer, to yoga instructor, to culinary school, Tymi Howard is proof you can chase your dreams — no matter where you are in life.
“Early College through Aiken Tech was completely free. As the daughter of first-generation immigrants, affordability was really important.”
Stephanie Zaragoza
AIken Technical College
From Early College at Aiken Tech to the Ivy League, first-year Harvard student Stephanie Zaragoza proves that a technical college foundation can take you anywhere you want to go.
“I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today without Greenville Tech and my instructors.”
Allie Carlson
Greenville Technical College
Becoming a single parent at 19 put a wrench in Allie Carlson’s plans to become a doctor. But becoming a mother motivated her even more to provide for her son. With the help of her instructors and assistance programs at Greenville Technical College, Allie now works as an ultrasound technician and is saving up to buy a house.
It’s time to make your move.
Technical college graduates are almost guaranteed a job related to their field of study.
Nearly every South Carolinian is just a short drive from one of our 16 main campuses or 64 satellite campuses.
78 degrees, 28 diplomas, and nearly 1,000 certificate programs? Enough said.
Median Salary: $63,897
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 19%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 3,130
Median Salary: $78,270
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 14%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 90
Median Salary: $89,280
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 13%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 320
Median Salary: $40,770
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 7%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 880
Median Salary: $38,460
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 21%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 600
Median Salary: $58,640
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 13%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 1,780
Median Salary: $58,800
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 18%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 130
Average Salary: $68,140
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 12%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 60
Median Salary: $76,370
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 14%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 500
Our colleges offer students many paths for transfer through individual agreements with partnering institutions.
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Aiken Technical College is a public, open-door, two-year, comprehensive institution of higher education established to provide citizens of greater Aiken County opportunities for educational and workforce development.
02
CCTC prepares students to enter the job market, to transfer to senior colleges and universities, and to achieve their professional and personal goals.
03
Known for our small class sizes, affordable tuition, on-campus housing, sports programs and a broad range of academic and “work ready” programs and services, the College fully embraces its mission to serve as an economic, cultural, and civic leader in advancing our communities.
04
Florence-Darlington Technical College provides a regional student-centered experience through technical education, workforce development training, and economic development activities.
05
When it comes to the education and training you need to succeed, Greenville Technical College delivers. Choose from skill-specific certificates, focused diplomas, and associate degrees along with plenty of short-term continuing education options.
06
HGTC offers more than 65 associate degrees, diploma, and certificate programs for students who are either seeking quick entry into the workforce or desiring to transfer to a senior institution to pursue a bachelors degree.
07
Midlands Technical College provides higher education opportunities that stimulate the local economy by generating a world-class workforce and enhancing the social vitality of the community.
08
At Northeastern Technical College we are committed to the success of our students, and passionately believe that our college is an option for everyone. If you have a desire to achieve more in your life, we’ll provide you with the resources to help you reach your goal.
09
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College provides relevant training and education to students while fostering economic development in the region. OCtech offers more than 80 programs of study, as well as transfer opportunities to many four-year colleges and universities in South Carolina.
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With locations in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties, as well as an online campus accessible anywhere there’s an internet connection, we work to make the advantages of higher education available to everyone.
11
Whether your goal is education leading to a high-growth, high-demand career or transferring to a university, SCC offers access to over 70 programs that meet your needs. With flexible class formats, SCC is convenient for recent high school graduates and busy adults who want to begin or advance their careers.
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Our vision is to elevate each student and every community we serve through transformative technology and exceptional teaching. The college offers university transfer options, career and continuing education, online learning, and dual enrollment for area high school students.
13
Tri-County Technical College boasts the highest student success, transfer, and graduation rates among two-year colleges in the State and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities.
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TTC offers more than 150 programs of study that can be completed in two years or less, including affordable university transfer options that provide the first two years of a four-year degree program.
15
Williamsburg Technical College is committed to helping students discover their abilities and interests while developing them to the fullest extent, consistent with their own goals and capabilities and the needs of society.
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Through excellence in teaching and learning, the College provides program offerings, in a variety of delivery methods, in the areas of engineering technology, industrial technology, information technology, business, health sciences, public service, and transfer to senior colleges and universities.
Join the 160,000 people each year who defy norms, traditions, and expectations through a South Carolina technical education.
Learn how we can help make your dreams a reality.