Guide to Community Colleges and Technical Institutes in Greenville, South Carolina

Attending a community college or technical institute is ideal for students coming straight out of high school who want to enter professions that only require two years experience or who want to transfer their credits to four-year colleges. Another group of students that community colleges and technical institutes appeal to are mid-career level adults desiring to continue their education sometimes with the assistance of tuition-reimbursement by their employers. As many students are choosing state colleges during tight economic times, local community colleges and technical institutes will see an increase in applications. Some of the community colleges and technical institutes of interest in Greenville, South Carolina are reviewed below.

Greenville Technical College

Greenville Tech is one of the largest two-year colleges in South Carolina having four campuses: Barton (main campus), Brashier (for the cities of Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn), Greer (for the cities of Greer and Taylors), and Northwest (for the areas of Berea, Traveler's Rest, and West Greenville). The main campus, Barton, is located on 620 South Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville. The academic areas offered at Greenville Tech are Business (including Accounting and Marketing), Public Services (including Early Care & Education, Human Services, and Criminal Justice), Health Sciences, and Technology. Greenville Tech partners with seven four-year universities that allow the transfer of credits: Clemson, Furman, Lander, South Carolina State, University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina Upstate, and Medical University of South Carolina. In addition, Greenville Tech is a member of the University Center that is located beside its Admissions Building. With courses taught by professors from the sponsored universities mentioned above, this center allows Greenville Tech's graduates to earn Bachelor's degrees right at its campus. Full-time tuition at Greenville Tech ranges from $1,608/semester for Greenville County residents to $3,372/semester for out-of-state residents and non-US citizens. Part-time tuition ranges from $134 per credit hour for Greenville County residents to $281 per credit hour for out-of-state residents and non-US citizens. A variety of financial aid is available including grants such as the Lottery Tuition Assistance, Academic Competitive Grant, and Federal Pell Grant; scholarships such as LIFE; loans such as Federal Stafford, and work study.

ECPI College of Technology

ECPI is a private college that offers Associates and Bachelors degrees as well as certification programs. With an emphasis on hands-on-learning, its major academic areas include Information Technology, Business Administration, Information Technology, and Nursing. ECPI is located at 1001 Keys Drive, Greenville, SC 29615. While the cost of tuition may be requested by submitting an inquiry form through their website www.ecpi.edu, monthly payments options are available including payment by phone or by online checks and credit cards. ECPI offers scholarships for academic achievement in high school, community service, and military service. Other available financial aid includes grants, student loans, and work-study.

ITT Technical Institute

Another technical college that specializes in technology programs is ITT Tech that offers Associates and Bachelors degrees in addition to certification programs. Its main academic areas include Information Technology, Electronics Technology, Drafting and Design, Business, Criminal Justice, and Health Sciences. ECPI details its admission costs and financial aid information when individuals request a brochure at its website www.itt-tech.edu. ECPI is located at 6 Independence Pointe, Greenville, SC 29615.

Virginia College

Opened in October 2008 in Greenville, South Carolina, Virginia College is located on 78 Global Drive, Suite 200. It offers both Associate and Bachelors degree programs in the areas of Health and Medical, Business and Office, Cosmetology, and Therapeutic Massage. Tuition costs are provided by completing an online information request at www.vc.edu or by calling an admissions officer. Financial Aid is available in the form of scholarships, student loans, and grants.

Overall, individuals of various age groups and career interests will find worthwhile academic courses or programs to pursue at these community colleges and technical institutes. Wherever one is in life, it does not hurt to increase skills and become more marketable.

Sources

www.ecpi.edu

www.gvltech.edu

www.itt-tech.edu

www.vc.edu