Independent recognition reinforces the college's longstanding record of NCLEX success.

Preparing the next generation of nurse leaders starts long before graduation. A recent national analysis by Nurse.org recognized USC Nursing among a select group of nursing programs with consistently strong first-time NCLEX pass rates over multiple years.

According to the South Carolina Board of Nursing, University of South Carolina’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program achieved first-time NCLEX pass rates above 97% from 2022 through 2025. With close to 300 graduates each year, the program's first-time pass rates place the college in the Top 1% nationally. The recognition highlights a sustained record of academic excellence and student success.

“This recognition reflects the sustained commitment of our faculty, staff and clinical partners to preparing exceptional nurses,” says Jeannette Andrews, Dean and Helen Gurley Wolford Professor of Nursing. “It affirms our commitment to graduating nurses who are ready to provide exceptional care to the communities they serve.”

That preparation begins early and builds throughout the nursing curriculum.

“The faculty are purposeful in layering in what students will need to succeed on NCLEX from their first clinical to graduation,” says Kate Chappell, Professional Nursing Practice department chair. “We follow the data on where our students need more support and follow intentional strategies to challenge their thinking — our goal is to prepare them to succeed on NCLEX and as they prepare to join the profession, ready to deliver the highest quality of nursing care.”

Through immersive simulation, clinical learning, strong healthcare partnerships and faculty mentorship, students build the clinical judgment, confidence and leadership skills needed to care for patients in today's complex healthcare environment.

“USC Nursing went beyond my expectations in preparing me for this test. Along with the traditional nursing curriculum, the college taught me how to fully read through each question and answer and understand exactly what is being asked,” says Nina Cillino, ’26 BSN. “I am so incredibly grateful for my professors and education at USC.”

The college's success is measured not only by NCLEX results but also by where its graduates choose to serve. Seventy percent of USC Nursing graduates remain in South Carolina, helping meet the state's growing healthcare workforce needs.

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