Horry County Colleges Set to Receive Over $44 Million for Major Expansion Plans

Exciting Developments in Horry County’s Higher Education

Horry County, S.C. is buzzing with anticipation as state leaders have just thrown their support behind some major expansion plans for local colleges and universities. In a recent hearing, three institutions—Coastal Carolina University (CCU), Francis Marion University (FMU), and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC)—are set to receive over $44 million in financial aid for a variety of campus enhancements. These projects are not just buildings; they represent significant growth and commitment to both students and the community.

Coastal Carolina University’s Ambitious Plans

First up, CCU is on a mission to develop an athletics district on the eastern end of its campus. This expansion will involve relocating its current track-and-field facility to merge with existing sports complexes, which already include beach volleyball, soccer, and tennis. As part of this endeavor, lawmakers approved using $1.02 million from state auxiliary reserve funds, all derived from food service, vending, and bookstore commissions.

CCU is purchasing land to make this possible—63 acres appraised at $1.87 million from the CCU Student Housing Foundation. The university plans to build a new track and field facility, projected to cost around $3 million. The best part? Students won’t feel the pinch as there won’t be any hikes in fees or tuition as a result of these developments.

Francis Marion University’s Growth Spurt

Meanwhile, at FMU, excitement is in the air, especially with a couple of multipurpose buildings on the horizon. An $18 million forestry research and classroom facility is planned to open its doors by the summer of 2026. This dedicated space will greatly enhance the university’s Environmental Sciences and Forestry program, ensuring students receive hands-on experiences and top-notch education to meet local and state workforce needs.

The new facility will sit right across from FMU’s main East Palmetto Street campus and is set to foster collaboration between the university and the Department of Natural Resources. Approximately 250 students, faculty, and staff are expected to utilize the new space, creating a vibrant hub for environmental studies.

Adding to that, a $21 million medical education building is also in the works, set to transform what was formerly the Circle Park Behavioral Health Center. This facility aims to support a partnership between FMU, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina, forming a nonprofit called the Pee Dee Medical and Health Education Consortium. The aim is clear: to elevate the region’s healthcare workforce. This 53,000-square-foot building is designed for maintenance, instruction, and administration, with construction plans having been approved in 2022.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s New Marine Center

As if that wasn’t enough, HGTC has made headlines too! They recently secured a whopping $8 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration to construct a 27,000-square-foot marine technology center. This facility is set to cater to the college’s widely popular boat building program, the only one of its kind in the state. The program has such high demand that there’s a consistent waiting list for students eager to enroll.

With an additional $6 million from this year’s budget, construction is slated to kick off in July 2025, with an expected completion date in December 2026. This new facility promises to open up avenues for students and enhance training for careers in marine technology.

Looking Ahead

The developments across these institutions in Horry County illustrate a bold and forward-thinking approach to education and workforce development. With each college gearing up to enhance its facilities, they are not only enriching the educational experiences of their students but also positively impacting the local economy and job market. It’s an exciting time for Horry County—as these projects take shape, they will undoubtedly bring new energy and opportunities to the community.