The University of South Carolina announced on April 6 that its College of Nursing master’s degree program has been ranked No. 18 nationally and remains the top program in South Carolina, according to the 2026 Best Graduate School rankings by U.S. News and World Report.
These new rankings highlight continued recognition for the university’s graduate programs, which serve a vital role in preparing skilled professionals across multiple fields. High placements can attract prospective students and support efforts to meet healthcare and workforce needs within the state.
The College of Nursing’s doctor of nursing practice also remains a top 40 program, ranked at No. 37 nationally. Jeannette Andrews, dean and Helen Gurley Wolford Professor of Nursing, said, “These rankings reflect our commitment to shaping the future of nursing. For the last six years, our graduate programs have ranked among the top nationally, a testament to the strength of our faculty and staff and the real-world preparation our students receive. Our work remains grounded in meeting the evolving health care needs of South Carolinians. Building on this momentum, we will continue advancing innovation, expanding access, and preparing the next generation of nurse leaders.”
In addition to nursing achievements, several other University of South Carolina programs received strong recognition in this year’s report. The Darla Moore School of Business was named No. 1 International MBA program among public institutions; it has been ranked in the top three nationally for 37 consecutive years and as best among public institutions for 13 straight years. The school’s supply chain management program is listed as No. 29 nationwide.
Gregory Niehaus, interim dean of the Darla Moore School of Business said: “The International MBA program ranking is a testament to our world-class faculty and staff and to our hard-working students… We are honored to set the standard for public institutions across the country.”
Both medical schools showed significant improvement in producing graduates who practice medicine in rural or medically underserved areas: The School of Medicine Columbia rose eight spots (No. 25) for graduates practicing in medically underserved areas; up eighteen spots (No. 44) for primary care; up fifteen spots (No.71) for rural practice graduates; while Greenville climbed seventy-eight places (No.40) nationally for rural area practitioners.
Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost said: “These rankings reflect the extraordinary work across the University of South Carolina… From nursing and business to medicine, education and public health, we are advancing programs that not only rank among nation’s best but also make a meaningful difference in communities we serve.”
Graduate-level offerings at USC span sciences, technology fields including engineering; health sciences; education; law; business—preparing future leaders needed by both state economy as well as broader professional sectors.