A 2025 economic impact study prepared by the University of South Carolina indicates that the state’s 16 technical colleges, which serve more than 147,000 students, deliver a strong return on investment. The study estimates that the South Carolina Technical College System as a whole generates approximately $6.4 billion in annual economic impact statewide, supporting more than 38,000 jobs each year.
This study shows that Greenville Technical College generates $932.7 million in total economic output. Economic output reflects the dollar value of all final goods and services that can be attributed directly or indirectly to the college.
A key element of economic impact is the marginal wage increase of each alumnus over what he or she would have likely earned without the academic credential. Greenville Technical College graduates earn about 52.4% more per year than those with only a high school diploma. A significant portion of these higher wages are then spent locally. While wages vary by sector, the estimated median wage of a GTC graduate is $56,013 compared to $36,753 for a high school graduate.
“Greenville Technical College delivers a strong return on investment for our students and for our community,” said Dr. Larry Miller, president. “The credentials our graduates earn mean better job opportunities and higher earning potential over a lifetime, success and growth for those who employ them, and a strong local economy.”