South Carolina Trade Schools, Colleges

Do you currently reside in the great state of South Carolina? Are you interested in furthering your level of education through one of the great colleges or universities that are found throughout the state? Before you begin doing your research regarding potential learning facilities that you may be interested in, it is probably a good idea to narrow down your choices of career paths that you are interested in. While you may not initially think that step should come first, some schools are well known for particular degree programs. Having identified possible career paths will likely help to eliminate some of the options that aren't as appropriate for you, thus making some choices much more obvious. In the state of South Carolina it is projected that 32-41% of the available jobs will be appropriate for an individual who only has a high school diploma.

On the opposite end of the employment spectrum, 49-58% of available jobs in South Carolina will require applicants to have a post secondary degree. It is important to note that in many cases a two year associate's degree program will qualify you for the positions that require a completed degree. Furthermore, if you have completed a vocational training program you may also fit the qualifications that are required for these available jobs. Keep in mind, a post secondary degree or training program does not always refer to a formal degree program. A few of the most popular collegiate options for the state of South Carolina are discussed below. It is important to note that not all of this state's options are listed; therefore, if none of these schools appeal to you it may be wise to further extend your research.

Clemson University is one of the country's top public universities. Current online research shows that this university has a total enrollment of about 19,000 students. Although the large majority of the enrolled students are working on completing an undergraduate degree program, it is also possible for interested individuals to complete a graduate level degree program at this educational facility. In addition to a strong academic curriculum, Clemson University's campus is located along the beautiful Lake Hartwell at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Prospective students can expect strong degree programs in the areas of engineering, sciences, business, and the liberal arts. Particularly appealing to most first year college students is the University of South Carolina at Columbia.

This publicly operated university currently reported a total enrollment of just less than 30,000 students. The large majority of these enrolled students are currently working to complete an undergraduate degree program. The University of South Carolina has 350 different degree programs to offer their students; the bachelor's level, master's level, and doctoral levels are all addressed within this number. Like many other colleges and universities, this facility is recognized for having strong degree programs in the areas of science and the liberal arts. If a smaller, diverse student body sounds appealing to you, then you will definitely want to check out Winthrop University.

This public university is home to about 6,200 students, with the vast majority of them pursuing an undergraduate degree program. Students who choose this university can expect the opportunity to learn in a fairly intimate setting. After all, Winthrop University boasts an average class size of 24 students and a student to faculty ratio of fifteen to one. Located in Rock Hill, this university currently reports having students from 42 different states and over 50 different countries.

Although it operates on a fairly small scale when it comes to total enrollment (currently only about 1,200 students), Presbyterian College is recognized for its broad range of academic offerings. In fact, this private liberal arts college has 34 different majors, 47 different minors, and 50 different academic clubs and organizations for their students to choose from. In addition to a good academic value, students will have the chance to thrive among an educational environment with a thirteen to one student to faculty ratio. It is important to note that this Clinton located college only offers undergraduate level degree programs to its prospective students.

If you have your sights set beyond an undergraduate degree, then you may be interested in Erskine College. This very small college (currently less than 1,000 students) is known for having students who place high when applying for law school, medical school, and other graduate level programs. At this educational facility students will have the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate or a graduate level degree program and to enjoy the Bowie Arts Center.

 

Top Industries in South Carolina

The state has a population of 4.83 million. With a great college school system it attracts students from out of state as well as internationally. Some of the top industries thrive in the type of economic environment that South Carolina has including:

Automotive - Over 250 automotive companies call SC home. The state has zero state and local property and income taxes which attract top companies.

Aerospace Industry - The growth rate in South Carolina is 11.4% with over 400 civilian and 4 major military companies, many focusing on aerospace technology and manufacturing. The total employment reached $53,768 with $17 billion in total economic impact for the state.

Renewable Energy - Using wind, solar and hydrogen SC is taking advantage of all of their available resources to help boost the dependency on oil. Only 1.6% of all the electricity for the state comes from renewable resources currently but this percentage has slowing started to increase. The state has been using hydropower since the 1940’s. Engineering jobs have always been a career most companies in the industry hire for but now they are looking into solar and wind installers and more trade related positions.

Manufacturing – Since the introduction of NAFTA in 1994 South Carolina has lost 1/3 of all of its manufacturing jobs. The industry peaked with 347,000 employs but now only employs 232,000. The state most recently has had an increase of 13.5% in this sector as large companies have built plants and invested in the south. Unions don’t exist in the state which is why many of the companies that left the state are now coming back.

 

Getting Ready for College

If you are a graduating senior or an adult learning you’ll need to be sure to follow the below steps to make sure you are all ready for college and save time and money at the same time.

Research Schools – South Carolina has 61 traditional colleges and over 30 trade or vocational schools. It is important that you conduct the proper research before enrolling in any school. Some SC colleges due to low enrollment numbers have decreased their tuition costs by 40% for the upcoming school year.

Scholarships – Be sure to not only ask the school but research all the available scholarships that we have listed that could be available to you. We want you to avoid taking out a big student loan if all possible.

Career Outlook – When was the last time you checked the career outlook or jobs available for the career you want. If you are staying in South Carolina after college graduation then check the city you wish to be employed in and look into job openings. Is the sector you intend to work in increasing?

 

Career Trade Sectors to Consider in South Carolina

During economic hardships we realize many have to get a job and get one fast and a 4 year college might not be in your future. Career schools might be the right fit for the training you are looking for.

Medical/Healthcare
One of hardest things that face the state is the obesity rate which is 36.1% of all high school graduates. As of last year over 714,000 of the population were uninsured. With the new mandated healthcare rules the hospitals and industry are seeing a need to fill positions. Careers that help obesity such as health nutrition and research will play a vital role in the industry. Other entry level positions such as those in medical assisting, billing and coding and surgical technologist are careers one can start training now and be ready in 12-18 months for employment.

 

Culinary Arts

If you have a desire to work in a kitchen and have always loved to cook for others then consider a chefs school in South Carolina. The job market in cities such as Hilton Head, Charleston and Columbia have led the way with employment. Many of the schools you’ll find have 4-5 campus location throughout the state including campuses in Greenville. It is recommended you earn your Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts in order to have the best chance for employment.

Computer Technology

The technology industry has grown 26% faster than the national average and now is home to over technology companies focusing on cloud computing and network security. Charleston alone employs over 11,000 and it growing fast due its low cost of living.

Business Sector

As companies continue to grow in the state the need for trained business college major’s increase. Degrees in management, international trade, business administration and accounting are all desired among businesses.

Career Trades

Of the 12 schools that offer HVAC technician training they range in costs from $5500 to $19,000. Because of this it is advised to do your own research and find a school close to you that has a high graduation rate. The average salary is $40,000 in SC up 4% over the past 3 years. Currently the state has over 4,000 HVAC technicians.

Cosmetology

You’ll need 1500 hours of training in South Carolina to earn your license. The media salary is $38,000 and trade programs are available in Conway, Charleston, Florence, Spartanburg and Columbia.

 

South Carolina Resources
http://sccommerce.com/
http://www.crda.org/
http://www.energy.sc.gov/renewable
http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/SCPublicHealthStatisicsMaps/