The Economic Impact of USC Salkehatchie

From its beginning in 1965, USC Salkehatchie has grown to 1,000 students and more than 50 full- and part-time faculty on its Allendale and Walterboro campuses. It is now possible for students unable to attend a four-year institution to earn a USC Columbia bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies or a USC Aiken bachelor of arts in elementary education by earning 120 credit hours at USC Salkehatchie. Courses toward Palmetto College bachelor's degrees also are available.

USC Salkehatchie programs and initiatives include:

• the Salkehatchie Consortium, which links USC Salkehatchie with 17 school districts in nine nearby counties. It serves 2,400 teachers and administrative personnel with graduate courses and staff development activities. An expanded selection of distance education and ETV classes adds to the curriculum.

• the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, which was established in 1998 to help stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Hampton, and Colleton counties. The institute oversees programs that make real, tangible advances in its three areas of emphasis: leadership development, community development, and business development.

• plans to develop a New Model for Health Fitness Center, which will feature fitness equipment and health education services for students and citizens.

USC Salkehatchie
Total Impact on the Lowcountry and Augusta-Aiken Regions

Economic output
$14.9 million

Income
$5.8 million

Employment impact
263 jobs