Greenville Technical College, in partnership with the University of South Carolina Upstate, will guarantee admission to USC Upstate for any student who graduates with an AA, AS or select AAS degree from Greenville Technical College. 

What is Upstate Direct Connect? 

Upstate Direct Connect is an exclusive opportunity for two-year colleges partnering with the University of South Carolina Upstate. Any student who graduates with an AA, AS or selected AAS degree from Greenville Tech or another partner school is guaranteed admission to the University of South Carolina Upstate.

Why should I consider Upstate Direct Connect?

The University of South Carolina Upstate and its partnering two-year colleges want you to have a clear, smooth, worry-free transition to USC Upstate when you are ready to earn your bachelor’s degree. Once you have indicated your participation in the program, Greenville Tech and USC Upstate work together to prepare you for completion of your bachelor’s degree.

Why join before I graduate with my two-year degree? 

There are many reasons to join as soon as you decide a bachelor’s degree is your goal. As a member of Upstate Direct Connect, you will have:

• Guaranteed entrance to USC Upstate – Students graduating with AA, AS or select AAS degrees are guaranteed admission to USC Upstate.* 
• Accelerated admissions to USC Upstate - Provides smooth transition through the USC Upstate admissions process including orientation, transcripts, advising, and financial aid. 
• Enhanced academic advising – Students receive comprehensive on-site advising from both Greenville Tech and USC Upstate advisors. 
• Priority registration at USC Upstate - you'll be able to register for classes before many other new students.
• Concurrent admission to select USC Upstate courses after completing 45 semester hours of credit at Greenville Tech.

Do I qualify?

You qualify for Upstate Direct Connect if you are applying for or working on your AA, AS or selected AAS from Greenville Tech or another one of USC Upstate’s partnering two-year colleges and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.Is there a fee to join Upstate Direct Connect?

Is there a fee to join Upstate Direct Connect?

There are no fees to join. You will just need to pay your application fee to each school.

How do I get started?

If you are a high school student, start by indicating your interest on your Greenville Technical College application. If you’re already a Greenville Tech student, you can start the process at any time. Here’s how to get started: 

   Make an appointment with the Greenville Tech Advising Center 
   Attend an Upstate Direct Connect information session for specific instructions 
   Sign a form of intent to join Upstate Direct Connect

How Do I Join?

You can indicate your desire to join Upstate Direct Connect at any time during your Greenville Tech career by contacting Greenville Tech's Advising Center at McAlister Square.

If you are a new student: 

• Submit an application to Greenville Tech and mark the appropriate sections to indicate your desire to join Upstate Direct Connect. 
• Submit an electronic application to USC Upstate during the term in which you will complete 45 hours at Greenville Tech. (The enhanced advising for Direct Connect students will alert you when it’s time to do this.) 
• Provide official transcripts from any other schools you have attended to Greenville Tech and USC Upstate as well as any other required documents. 
• Meet with an advisor before initial registration and at regular intervals to maintain an appropriate academic plan. When you have completed:
  • 15 hours, meet with your Greenville Tech advisor. 
  • 30 hours, meet with your Greenville Tech and USC Upstate advisors.
  • 45 hours, meet with your Greenville Tech and USC Upstate faculty advisors and confirm status with USC Upstate. 
   
• Apply for graduation from Greenville Tech by the published deadline in the term you will complete your requirements.
• Verify your acceptance to USC Upstate.

Will I have priority for orientation and class registration when I transfer to USC Upstate?  

You will be invited to an Upstate Direct Connect Orientation Program which will be scheduled before other new student orientation programs. The orientation program will give you the opportunity to register for classes before other new students, giving you a great selection of courses.

Will I be issued an Upstate Direct Connect identification card?

Upstate Direct Connect identification cards will be issued from the USC Upstate University Police Department.

Will I be invited to participate in activities, special events or athletic events at USC Upstate?

USC Upstate will provide a list of activities and special events for you to attend on the campus. Athletic calendars will be published, and admission will be free of charge with your Upstate Direct Connect identification card. You will not be allowed to be a member of an athletic team while attending Greenville Tech but are encouraged to come support the Spartans as a cheering fan. 

PLUS, Direct Connect students are welcome to participate in summer Study Abroad opportunities that are available through USC Upstate.  Learn more about this summer's planned programs from USC Upstate's Center for International Studies.
 

*Consistent with Greenville Tech and university policy. Limited access and restricted access programs may require an additional admission process.