COLUMBIA, S.C.
Students at the state’s 16 technical colleges will be able to more easily transfer to the University of South Carolina under an agreement approved Thursday.
The program will go into effect next fall and could attract up to 500 students in the first year, officials said.
“There’s a wonderful Southern saying, ‘Y’all come!’ That’s what this is all about, ‘Y’all come!”’ university President Andrew Sorensen said at a news conference with South Carolina Technical College System President Barry Russell.
Both said they hoped the program will expand access for students from the Palmetto State, and also make a college education more affordable.
Typically, tuition at a technical college costs about $3,000 for two semesters compared with a full-time USC student that pays roughly $8,300 for a school year. Dormitory costs at the university’s main campus in Columbia and a typical meal plan add about $5,500 to the tab.
Technical schools do not have student housing, and students could live at home before transferring.
