New study shows South Carolina technical colleges deliver strong return and keep talent in-state
January 13, 2026
A new independent study finds the SC Technical College System delivers a strong return on public investment while playing a critical role in keeping skilled workers in South Carolina.
The return on investment study, conducted by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, quantifies the economic impact of the state’s 16 technical colleges and highlights their role in workforce readiness, job growth and long-term economic competitiveness. It estimates the SC Technical College System generates approximately $6.4 billion in annual economic impact statewide, supporting more than 38,000 jobs each year.
Among the study’s key findings, graduates of South Carolina’s technical colleges are significantly more likely to remain in the state and participate in the workforce. More than 80% of technical college graduates are working in South Carolina one year after graduation, and nearly two-thirds remain in-state 10 years later, reinforcing the system’s role in building and sustaining the state’s workforce and reflecting one of the strongest workforce retention outcomes in higher education.
“This study confirms what employers across South Carolina see every day,” said Dr. Tim Hardee, president of the SC Technical College System. “Our colleges are training people for real jobs in real communities, and those graduates are staying here, building careers and strengthening our economy.”
The analysis also shows investment in technical education produces substantial economic returns through higher earnings, increased tax revenue and stronger workforce participation. These outcomes are especially significant as South Carolina continues to experience population growth alongside workforce shortages in high-demand industries.
“The data clearly show technical education delivers measurable value to the state,” said Joseph Von Nessen, research economist at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. “From graduate earnings to workforce retention, the returns extend well beyond the classroom.”
The findings were presented Tuesday during a media briefing at the SC Technical College System Office, followed by a question-and-answer session with system leadership and the study’s economist.
