HGTC advances student success, meets all state performance funding measures

College reports increases in licensure participation, persistence, and progression while maintaining strong workforce placement outcomes

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has met the criteria for four key performance funding measures established by the State of South Carolina, demonstrating continued strength in student success, retention, and workforce outcomes.

The state’s performance funding model evaluates technical colleges based on licensure pass rate, persistence rate, placement rate, and progression rate.

HGTC reported significant growth in licensure participation, with 647 students sitting for licensure exams in 2024, compared to 456 in 2023. This marks the highest number of test-takers in the College’s history, reflecting an increase of 191 students year over year. The College achieved an overall licensure pass rate of 89.95 percent.

The College also demonstrated strong student retention, reporting a persistence rate of 79.51 percent, a 3.91 percentage point increase from 75.60 percent in 2023. Among South Carolina technical colleges, HGTC ranked second in persistence.

In workforce outcomes, HGTC recorded a placement rate of 93.76 percent, indicating that graduates are successfully entering employment or continuing their education. The College also reported a progression rate of 72.71 percent, an increase from 70.35 percent in the previous year.

“These results reflect the intentional work of our faculty and staff to support students from enrollment to career success,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “As we continue to grow, we remain focused on delivering high-quality education, strengthening workforce pathways, and creating opportunities that have a lasting impact on our communities.”

These outcomes reflect HGTC’s continued focus on student achievement, academic quality, and alignment with workforce needs across the region.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is a public, two-year college serving Horry and Georgetown counties with campuses located along the Grand Strand in Conway, Myrtle Beach, and Georgetown, South Carolina. A member of the South Carolina Technical College System, HGTC offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, including many online options, designed to prepare students for careers or transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The College also provides workforce development programs that support regional economic growth. HGTC is the fourth-largest of South Carolina’s 16 technical colleges and among the fastest-growing higher education institutions in the state. For more information, visit www.hgtc.edu.