- The mission of Forrest Junior College is to provide an environment that inspires students to more fully develop the confidence to reach their personal and professional goals. The college strives to attain its mission by providing appropriate educational experiences that stress personal and academic goal attainment and emphasize the importance of learning as a life-long process through both individual and group work.
School Highlights
Forrest College serves 27 students (89% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 2:1 is lower than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 27 students
- Private-state tuition: $9,420
- Student:teacher ratio: 2:1
- Minority enrollment: 48%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 15 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Forrest College
(SC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Vocational & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: High Vocational & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
15 staff
177 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Forrest College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 2:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Forrest College diversity score of 0.62 is less than the state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
27 students
1,971 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
2:1
18:1
# Full-Time Students
24 students
622 students
# Part-Time Students
3 students
1,349 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
133 students
279 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
24 students
605 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
8 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3 students
1,965 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
32 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
260 students
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
7%
9%
% Black
31%
29%
% White
52%
52%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
7%
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
4%
Diversity Score
0.62
0.63
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
9%
23.96%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
17%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$23,300
$28,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $9,420 is less than the state average of $11,532. The private state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$9,420
$11,532
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$17,816
$11,729
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,559
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
88%
SAT Reading
n/a
430
SAT Math
n/a
458
SAT Writing
n/a
413
ACT Composite
n/a
18
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
18
ACT Writing
n/a
6
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Forrest Junior College was founded in January 1946 by Mr. R.C. Carr. and was known at that time as the Carolina School of Commerce. The College was located on East Benson Street. Mr. Charles M. Forrest purchased the school in 1951 and, in 1954 the College moved to 500 North McDuffie Street. In 1963, a new facility was constructed and opened at its present location at 601 E River Street. The new facility became known as Forrest College. In April 1985, John Re, Ph.D., and Charles Palmer, Jr., M.Ed., purchased Forrest College, and in March 1989, changed its name to Forrest Junior College. Forrest Junior College is located at 601 E. River Street in Anderson, SC. The institution offers an associate degree program with nine areas of specialization, as well as a number of diploma programs. The College is different from traditional junior colleges in a number of ways. Our classes are small. Consequently, our students receive more individualized instruction and attention. Age is not relevant at FJC, with students ranging from the teens through the seventies. The College offers Associate Degree in Accounting, Computer Information Services, Early Childhood Development, Legal Assisting/Paralegal Studies, Legal Office Administration and Medical Office Administration. Diploma Programs offered by the College includes Administrative Office Assistant, Bookkeeper, Managed Care Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant and Medical Office Assistant. Forrest Junior College is accredited as a junior college by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), a national professional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. In addition, the College has program accreditation for its Medical Assisting Program by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Forrest College cost?
Forrest College's private state tuition is approximately $9,420.
Recent Articles
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
The Real Dollar Value of an Associate Degree
How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.
Hands Across California: Community College Students Band Together to Save the System
Facing a monumental budget crisis, California's community college students took matters into their own hands, holding rallies and conferences for Hands Across California.
