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Aiken Technical College
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.
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.
Explore Our Mission“In order to succeed, you have to give every ounce of yourself. If you do, the career opportunities are endless.”
Alexander Allen
Trident Technical College
For the first time in my life, I asked for help. I got in touch with a facility in Charleston where I could get the help I needed. After a year sober, it started to look like I had a chance at a real life — building family and a career. I made the decision to come to Trident because I wanted to get my core classes out of the way and have a smooth transition back into academia. I didn’t know anything about Trident other than it was a technical college. It turned out to be one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. There are stigmas about technical colleges, but let me say: you’ve got to put in the work. You have to study. You have to keep up the same way you would at Chapel Hill or Clemson.
“Push forward and don’t give up. Strive to be someone better and do something greater — and settle for nothing less.”
Jordan Blanding
Denmark Technical College
I defy all the negative things people said about me because I’m not a negative individual. I’m all about the positive and helping people. When someone says, “Hey, you’re never going to amount to this. You’re never going to do this. You’re never going to do that,” I defy it. I never felt good about myself until I came to Denmark Tech. Now that I’m actually feeling good about myself, I’m accomplishing all of the goals I never thought I would. It’s like every day I wake up, sit down and think, “Where would I be if I wasn’t here?” I’m happy that I’m proving everybody wrong.
“I didn’t realize that everything was so accessible. It all seemed abstract, but it wasn’t. Greenville Tech did a great job of making it concrete.”
Hanna Hopkins
Greenville Technical College
I’m the first person in my family to go to college. I graduated high school in 2011, and went straight into Greenville Tech with hopes of becoming a nurse. After being accepted to the program, I got scared that I wouldn’t be able to do it, so I switched to the cosmetology program. I’ve been a cosmetologist in downtown Greenville for about seven years. I recently decided to go back to school to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse. I have completely surpassed my own expectations of what I thought I was capable of. I became president of the nursing program and made the Dean’s list every semester. I’ve really defied the odds I was holding against myself. I now have hopes of becoming a nurse and applying to MUSC for further education. This is the story of how I overcame and pushed beyond my own self-doubt.
“Technical colleges build people up so they can fly when they graduate. We’re shooting for the stars.”
JaMarcus Smalls
Greenville Technical College
My name is Ja’Marcus Smalls, and I’m from a small town in South Carolina. I come from a background of educators, law enforcement officers and military personnel. I’m very family-oriented, and come from a religious background. My mom and grandfather are pastors, so I’m really church-oriented. I like to have fun, live life and be a game-changer. In high school we had a college career day, and several colleges participated. I applied to USC Columbia and Clemson to see which schools I would get into. I wanted to go to a college that was far from home — but not too far from home — so I could have a new experience and get a different perspective on life. I ended up taking a year off, went to work for my local school district and then applied to Greenville Tech. At Greenville Tech, I can inspire others and create an environment that makes everybody feel safe. It has also given me a chance to hone my leadership skills through the Call Me Mister Program and the student government association. Being in the choir also allows me to shine and help others. If not for Greenville Tech, I really don’t know where I would be right now. I’ve had to overcome different challenges, including being hospitalized for heart problems. When I needed money to pay for housing, I had to ask friends and family for help. Without those people in my life, I wouldn’t be here doing what I’m doing today.
Technical education is powerful.
There are a lot of misperceptions about technical education, so allow us to fill you in. (Spoiler alert: We’re a major player in education, and a driving force for local communities, employers and economies throughout South Carolina.)
160k
South Carolina’s Largest Higher Education Sector
Each year the System educates and trains over 160,000 South Carolinians through our credit programs (103,281) and continuing education programs (57,786).
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Geographicallly accessible across the state
Our colleges are strategically located across the state with nearly every South Carolinian within a 30-minute drive of one of our 16 main campuses or 64 satellite campuses.
1,100+
FLEXIBILITY THROUGH BREADTH & DEPTH OF PROGRAM
Our colleges offer a variety of programs in South Carolina’s high-demand, high-paying fields, including 78 degrees, 28 diplomas and nearly 1,000 certificate programs.
Top 10 Programs
1. Nursing
Median Salary: $63,897
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 19%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 3,130
2. Data Processing
Median Salary: $78,270
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 14%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 90
3. Business Administration
Median Salary: $89,280
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 13%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 320
4. Criminal Justice
Median Salary: $40,770
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 7%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 880
5. Culinary Arts
Median Salary: $38,460
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 21%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 600
6. Accounting
Median Salary: $58,640
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 13%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 1,780
7. Public Administration / Social Services
Median Salary: $58,800
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 18%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 130
8. Mechatronics
Average Salary: $68,140
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 12%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 60
9. Information Technology
Median Salary: $76,370
Projected 10-Year Job Growth: 14%
Projected Annual Job Openings: 500
10. Transfer Programs
Our colleges offer students many paths for transfer through individual agreements with partnering institutions.
Learn More
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Central Carolina Technical College
CCTC prepares students to enter the job market, to transfer to senior colleges and universities, and to achieve their professional and personal goals.
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Denmark Technical College
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.
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Florence-Darlington Technical College
Florence-Darlington Technical College provides a regional student-centered experience through technical education, workforce development training, and economic development activities.
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Greenville Technical College
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.
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Horry-Georgetown Technical College
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.
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Midlands Technical College
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.
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Northeastern Technical College
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.
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Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
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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Piedmont Technical College
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.
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Spartanburg Community College
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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Technical College of the Lowcountry
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.
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Tri-County Technical College
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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Trident Technical College
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.
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Williamsburg Technical College
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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York Technical College
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.
What Will You Defy?
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.