US News rankings: USC’s online nursing master’s remains No. 1 in the nation
January 21, 2025For the fifth straight year, the University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing is ranked No. 1 in the country for its online master’s in nursing program, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual online program rankings released Tuesday (Jan. 21).
It is the seventh time in the past decade that the college’s online nursing program has earned the top spot and illustrates the university’s commitment to combining excellent education with flexible degree pathways.
“USC Nursing has a long tradition of providing access to working nurses who are pursuing graduate degrees,” Dean Jeannette O. Andrews says. “Our students, faculty and staff all have high expectations for the highest quality education and a strong commitment to excellence, and I wish to congratulate our entire team and our stakeholders for this prominent recognition.”
USC’s online master’s in nursing education program also is ranked in the Top 10, with a No. 7 national ranking by U.S. News. Online graduate programs are particularly important in nursing because they offer flexibility to the many students who already are working in the field.
The college also is in the top 1 percent in the country for pass rates on the NCLEX, the national exam for licensing nurses, with Fall 2024 BSN graduates earning a 98.8% pass rate on the NCLEX. USC’s second cohort of master’s entry to practice nursing graduates earned a 100% NCLEX pass rate. MEPN students must have an undergraduate degree from a nationally accredited program, but the degree does not have to be in nursing.
“As these newest rankings reflect, our students continue to receive a world-class education whether they are here on campus or participating virtually,” says Donna Arnett, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We’re proud that the University of South Carolina graduates more nurses than anyone in the Palmetto State, as South Carolina ranks fourth in the nation for a projected nursing shortage by 2030.”
Also, USC’s online master’s in education program is ranked No. 27 is the latest U.S. News rankings.
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