College & Education in South Carolina

14 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

14 Resources

1. SC Commission on Higher Education — Free

State financial aid, scholarships, and higher education information for South Carolina residents including fathers returning to school. The Commission administers state programs and publishes tuition, program, and financial aid guidance from the Lady Street office in Columbia. Call during weekday hours or visit online for eligibility details. Gather tax returns, ID, and school transcripts before applying for state aid programs.

803-737-2260 · 1122 Lady St #300, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. SC Technical College System — Paid

Network of 16 technical colleges offering affordable career and transfer programs to South Carolina fathers and residents. Programs range from certificates and diplomas to associate degrees and workforce training across the state. Call the system office or visit online to find the nearest campus and program. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when starting admissions and financial aid.

803-896-5410 · 111 Executive Center Dr, Columbia, SC 29210 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Midlands Technical College — Paid

Affordable associate degrees, certificates, and technical training for Columbia-area fathers and residents. MTC offers transfer programs, workforce certificates, and continuing education at multiple campuses anchored on South Beltline Boulevard. Call during weekday hours or visit online to speak with admissions. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when applying for admission and financial aid.

803-738-8324 · 316 S Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Greenville Technical College — Paid

Career and transfer programs with multiple campuses across the Greenville area, serving fathers returning to school and traditional students. GTC offers certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees along with workforce and continuing education programs. Call or visit weekdays to speak with admissions. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when applying for admission and financial aid.

864-250-8111 · 506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Trident Technical College — Paid

Affordable education and workforce training for Charleston-area fathers and residents. Trident Tech offers associate degrees, certificates, and industry partnerships at multiple campuses anchored on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. Call or visit weekdays to speak with admissions and financial aid. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when applying so advisors can match you to programs.

843-574-6111 · 7000 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

Apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study for college or career programs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Fathers returning to school can qualify for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study based on income. Apply online any time, 24/7, with a federal student aid account. Gather your Social Security number, tax returns, income documentation, and school list before starting the FAFSA form.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

7. SC Adult Education – GED Programs — Free

Free GED preparation and adult literacy programs for South Carolina fathers and residents who did not finish high school. Local adult education centers offer classes, testing support, and career preparation across the state. Call the state office or visit online to find your county program. Bring a photo ID and any prior school records when enrolling; classes and testing are typically free for state residents.

803-734-8347 · 1429 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Varies by location · Visit Website

8. Spartanburg Community College — Paid

Affordable associate degrees, certificates, and career training for Spartanburg-area fathers and residents. SCC offers transfer programs, workforce training, and continuing education at the Community College Drive main campus and satellite sites. Call or visit weekdays to speak with admissions. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when applying for admission and financial aid.

864-592-4600 · 107 Community College Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29303 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Horry-Georgetown Technical College — Paid

Career and transfer programs serving Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Georgetown-area fathers and residents. HGTC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training across three campuses anchored on Highway 501. Call or visit during weekday hours to speak with admissions and financial aid. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when applying so staff can match you to programs.

843-347-3186 · 2050 Hwy 501 E, Conway, SC 29526 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Florence-Darlington Technical College — Paid

Affordable education and workforce training for Pee Dee-area fathers and residents. FDTC offers associate degrees, certificates, and apprenticeship partnerships at the West Lucas Street campus in Florence and nearby sites. Call or visit weekdays to speak with admissions. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when starting the application process for admission and financial aid.

843-661-8324 · 2715 W Lucas St, Florence, SC 29501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. York Technical College — Paid

Career and transfer programs for Rock Hill and York County fathers and residents. York Tech offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training at the South Anderson Road campus and regional sites. Call or visit during weekday hours to speak with admissions and financial aid staff. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when starting the application for admission and aid.

803-327-8000 · 452 S Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Aiken Technical College — Paid

Affordable associate degrees, certificates, and technical training for Aiken County fathers and residents. Aiken Tech offers transfer programs, workforce certificates, and continuing education at the Jefferson Davis Highway campus in Graniteville. Call or visit weekdays to speak with admissions and financial aid. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when starting your application for admission.

803-593-9231 · 2276 J Davis Hwy, Graniteville, SC 29829 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Tri-County Technical College — Paid

Career programs and transfer degrees for fathers and residents of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties. TCTC offers certificates, associate degrees, and dual-enrollment partnerships at the Highway 76 campus in Pendleton and satellite sites. Call or visit weekdays to speak with admissions. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when applying for admission and financial aid.

864-646-1500 · 7900 Hwy 76, Pendleton, SC 29670 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Technical College of the Lowcountry — Paid

Affordable education and workforce training for Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Lowcountry fathers and residents. TCL offers associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education at the Ribaut Road campus in Beaufort and area sites. Call or visit weekdays to speak with admissions and financial aid. Bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA confirmation when starting the application for admission and aid.

843-525-8211 · 921 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.