The University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing ranks No. 1 among all U.S. universities for its online graduate nursing program, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual online rankings. The rankings also place the university No. 1 for its online nursing graduate program for veterans.

Online graduate programs are common in nursing because many students are already practicing in the field. UofSC Nursing's success in this area demonstrates its academic excellence and its commitment to providing flexible degree pathways. Both online programs increased in ranking from last year’s No. 2 placements (#1 among public universities), demonstrating the university’s success in providing exceptional leadership in health science education. The rankings are a great achievement, especially given the category’s competitiveness.

 “Most nursing graduate programs in the U.S. are online, making this competition (and success) even more important,” says Dean Jeannette Andrews. “We have a strong history of excellence, and the metrics used for this ranking showcase our faculty and student achievements, which includes our faculty credentials and training, IT and distributed learning support, and evidence-based teaching methods.” UofSC Nursing has placed in the top 10 rankings for the past seven years, last ranking No. 1 in 2016. In 2020, new FNP and AGACNP graduates had 97-100 percent ANCC pass rates. 

“As our national reputation continues to flourish – we attract diverse, stellar faculty, staff and students who choose to work and/or learn here. It is well known among the Gamecock Nursing Nation that the bar is high and we challenge each other to be our own individual and collective best in all we do.”  Dean Andrews

Dr. Andrews attributes the College of Nursing’s stellar reputation as appealing to veterans interested in pursuing their graduate nursing degree online. “Our veterans want to attend a top-rated school with expert faculty who are engaged and committed to their success, and many choose us to pursue their graduate nursing education,” Dr. Andrews says.

In addition, U.S. News ranked specialty areas. Among those, the College of Nursing ranked No. 14 for Best Online Master's Nurse Practitioner (Family) and Best Online Master's Nurse Practitioner (Nursing Administration/Leadership).