US News: USC retains top rankings in international business, first-year student experience – USC News & Events

The University of South Carolina retained its top ranking in international business
and is home to the nation’s top first-year student experience among public institutions,
according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Tuesday
(Sept. 23).

Also in this year’s rankings, the USC College of Nursing continued its rise, jumping
17 spots in the new rankings, with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree ranked
at No. 22 in the country. The ranking places USC in the top 3 percent of more than
700 nursing schools evaluated by U.S. News, says Jeannette Andrews, dean of the USC
College of Nursing.

 “Our program consistently stands out nationwide, with NCLEX pass rates, retention,
graduation and employability outcomes,” Andrews says. “This recognition reflects the
dedication of our faculty, staff and students whose commitment to excellence drives
our continued success, and it underscores not only the strength of our reputation
and academic quality but also our unwavering mission to prepare outstanding nurses
who will lead and transform the future of health care.”

The international business program at the Darla Moore School of Business stayed atop
the rankings for the 27^th consecutive year, while the school’s operations and supply chain program was ranked
as the 15^th best in the nation, according to the U.S. News rankings.

“The Moore School is proud to celebrate its 27th consecutive top ranking in undergraduate
international business and another top 15 in operations and supply chain,” says Dean
Rohit Verma. “Our rankings are a testament not only to our faculty and curriculum,
but also to the drive and talent of our students, who are ‘Built at Darla Moore’ to
lead the global enterprises of tomorrow.”

This marks the seventh straight year that USC has ranked No. 1 among public institutions
for its first-year student experience. The university welcomed its largest freshman
class in August, with 7,829 first-year students enrolling at USC Columbia, part of
a student body that topped 40,000, according to preliminary figures. The enrollment increase
has been aided by USC’s growing national reputation for offering a world-class student
experience, as well as the university’s efforts to retain more students through academic
support.

“Our continued No. 1 ranking in international business, the strong rise in our nursing
program and our highly ranked first-year experience shows our commitment to students
in and out of the classroom,” said USC Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick. “The University
of South Carolina is preparing the leaders of tomorrow while helping students find
their purpose with a remarkable on-campus experience today.”

Other ranking highlights:

• The Columbia campus is ranked No. 63 among public universities and No. 127 overall.
• System institutions were also recognized in the rankings. USC Upstate ranks No. 2
  among public regional colleges in the South and USC Beaufort ranks No. 11 in the same
  category.