S.C. Technical Colleges Help Keep State Competitive

Galen DeHay/via S.C. Daily Gazette

South Carolina’s economy is growing, evolving, and becoming more competitive every year.

As businesses expand and new industries take root, one question determines whether South Carolina continues to thrive: Do we have the skilled workforce to support that growth?

A new economic impact study conducted by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business offers a clear answer and a compelling case for why technical education is one of the smartest investments our state can make.

According to the study, the South Carolina Technical College System generates $6.4 billion in economic impact annually and supports more than 38,000 jobs statewide.

That impact is not theoretical. It shows up in real wages earned by graduates, in tax revenue that supports public services, and in the day-to-day success of employers who rely on a steady supply of job-ready talent.

Perhaps most impressive is where that impact stays.

With 81.8% of graduates working in South Carolina one year after graduation, the South Carolina Technical College System is not just educating students, it’s building the state’s workforce.

Ten years after graduation, nearly two-thirds of technical college graduates are still employed right here at home.

These retention rates far exceed those of four-year institutions and demonstrate why technical colleges are essential to meeting local labor needs.

At Tri-County Technical College, we see these results every day across Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

The study shows that Tri-County Technical College alone contributes nearly $350 million in annual economic impact and supports close to 2,500 jobs in our region.

That includes the wages our graduates earn, the local spending their careers support, and the ripple effects of college operations and investments.

But numbers only tell part of the story.

Behind every dollar of economic impact is a student who found a pathway to a meaningful career. Their stories illustrate the true power of a system designed to meet people where they are and prepare them for jobs that strengthen their communities.

Today, employers across South Carolina are facing workforce shortages that are expected to intensify as our population grows and ages.

Technical colleges are uniquely positioned to close that gap.

By working hand-in-hand with industry partners, we ensure our programs align with real hiring needs whether in advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology, or emerging technical fields.

As we look to the future, the question is no longer whether investment in technical education delivers results.

The data is clear: it does. The real question is whether we will invest boldly enough to meet the workforce challenges ahead.

Tri-County Technical College stands ready to do its part. With continued support, we can expand high-demand programs, strengthen apprenticeships and work-based learning, and ensure that every student has access to the skills that power South Carolina’s economy.

The opportunity before us is significant. So is the responsibility.

The South Carolina Technical College System is already delivering a strong return on investment.

With sustained commitment, we can continue to build the workforce that keeps South Carolina competitive, prosperous, and moving forward.

Galen DeHay is president of Tri-County Technical College, a public, two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. A South Carolina native, he has a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, a master's degree in zoology, and a doctorate in educational leadership, all from Clemson University.