How do SC colleges stack up across the state and nation? U.S. News rankings out
Clemson University and the University of South Carolina in Columbia are top-ranking colleges in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report, with programs considered among the best nationwide.
Clemson was in the top 100 national universities in the United States, tying for No. 75 in the nation with four other schools, including Rutgers University in New Jersey and Syracuse University in New York.
The university is also highly regarded for other factors. It is No. 36 among top public schools and No. 28 among most innovative schools. It is No. 202 among best value schools.
Clemson was also highly ranked for undergraduate teaching and for its engineering and nursing programs.
“The value of a Clemson degree has never been higher,” Bob Jones, Clemson executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, said in a news release. “While our focus remains squarely on our students and the citizens of South Carolina, external rankings can provide validation of the efforts of our outstanding faculty and staff.”
USC was ranked No. 127 in the nation, tying with four other schools, including the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland.
It also earned recognition as No. 63 among public schools and No. 188 among best value schools.
USC also boasted a top ranking in international business and continues to be the nation’s best school for a first-year student experience. Its nursing and supply chain programs are also among the best in the country.
“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,” USC Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick said in a news release. “The University of South Carolina is preparing the leaders of tomorrow while helping students find their purpose with a remarkable on-campus experience today.”
U.S. News uses a variety of factors when analyzing colleges and universities, from graduation and retention rates to student performance, peer assessments and student-faculty ratios.
Here are the top schools in the Palmetto State.
- Clemson University
- University of South Carolina - Columbia
- Furman University
- Wofford College
- Claflin University
- Presbyterian College
- The Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- University of South Carolina - Upstate
- College of Charleston
- Lander University
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "How do SC colleges stack up across the state and nation? U.S. News rankings out."
