College of Charleston and Spartanburg Community College announce strategic partnership to expand educational opportunities

College of Charleston (CofC) and Spartanburg Community College (SCC) announced a new partnership designed to strengthen educational pathways and expand opportunities for students across South Carolina.

This collaboration, part of the EPIC Scholars program, will establish seamless transfer pathways for SCC students seeking to continue their education at the College of Charleston, ensuring a smooth transition from associate to the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree program. The partnership aims to increase access to higher education, support student success, and build a stronger workforce for the state.

“Partnering with Spartanburg Community College reinforces our dedication to expanding educational opportunity and fostering student success throughout South Carolina,” says Suzanne Austin, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at College of Charleston. “Together, we are building a direct and supportive pathway to the College of Charleston that helps students pursue their aspirations and prepare a more capable, future-ready workforce.”

Through this new partnership, SCC students will benefit from:

• Guaranteed admission to College of Charleston’s Bachelor of Professional Studies program upon completion of designated Associate of Applied science (AAS) degrees from SCC, provided students meet all admission requirements.
• Streamlined credit transfers that reduce duplication of coursework and time to degree completion, including a guaranteed 60 credits from the approved associate degree programs.
• Financial Assistance to help students pay for the program, like eligibility for scholarship opportunities, including a tuition discount of 20%, and a $2,500 grant for two years.
• Collaborative programming focused on workforce development and community engagement.

The agreement includes the following Spartanburg Community College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs that qualify for streamlined transfer into the College of Charleston’s Bachelor of Professional Studies program:

• Accounting
• Administrative Office Technology – Medical
• Administrative Office Technology
• Computer Technology – Software Development
• Computer Technology – Networking/Cybersecurity
• Culinary Arts Technology
• Digital Arts
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Management with Marketing Electives

“The partnership between Spartanburg Community College and the College of Charleston reflects a shared commitment to expand access to high-quality education and promote student success. Through the strategic alignment of academic programs, our institutions are creating seamless, affordable pathways that reduce barriers to educational attainment. This collaboration empowers academic success, strengthens workforce readiness, and prepares our students to make meaningful contributions to the communities they will serve,” said William Brothers, D.B.A., vice president for academic affairs of Spartanburg Community College.

The partnership officially launched in August 2025 and will remain in effect for a period of five years.