For the first time, U.S. News and World Report has published undergraduate nursing degree rankings for programs offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The University of South Carolina College of Nursing ranked 32nd among all public universities and 43rd nationally.
To be included in the rankings, nursing schools needed to be accredited at the bachelor’s level by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The college also needed to be a regionally accredited institution that awarded at least 35 BSN degrees, according to 2018-2019 data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. U.S. News surveyed deans and senior faculty members at 694 undergraduate BSN degree-granting nursing programs that met the above criteria.
“The College of Nursing is excited to be named one of the top BSN programs in the country, ranking in the top 6 percent of all the programs. This inaugural ranking by our national peers is a testament to our nationally recognized faculty who are committed to quality in excellence in all of our educational programs." -Dean Jeannette Andrews
The UofSC College of Nursing is in the Top 1 percent in the United States for NCLEX scores, with four consecutive cohorts achieving 100 percent pass rates in 2018-2019. The last three cohorts have achieved a 99 percent pass rate during the complexities and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, exceeding the national pass rate of 85-89 percent.
“Our college is committed to quality and excellence as we educate the next generation of nurse professionals and scientists. This accolade speaks volumes for our world-renowned faculty, staff, and our stellar students. Our students are more than great test-takers; they are excellent critical thinkers. Our undergraduate program is robust, with a keen focus on critical thinking, clinical judgment, and deductive reasoning skills. As a result of these unique skill sets, our students can provide safe, competent care to complex, vulnerable populations with culturally diverse health care needs,” says Karen Worthy, assistant dean of undergraduate studies.