The University of South Carolina is home to the nation’s top first-year student experience
among public institutions, and its living-learning communities are ranked 10^th best in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate
rankings released Tuesday (Sept. 24).

The international business program at the Darla Moore School of Business retained
its No. 1 ranking for the 26^th consecutive year, while the school’s overall undergraduate business ranking improved
seven spots to No. 40 in the country. The operations and supply chain program also
improved to the 13^th best in the nation, according to the U.S. News rankings.

“A 26^th consecutive No. 1 ranking for the Darla Moore School of Business international business
degree is a direct reflection of our outstanding faculty, comprehensive curriculum
and diligent, successful students,” said Rohit Verma, dean of the Moore School. “So,
too, is the continued rise of our operations and supply chain program. The strength
of each program is the result of years of hard work and dedication to top-quality
education, research and industry impact.”

This marks the sixth straight year that USC has ranked No. 1 among public institutions
for first-year student experience, while its living-learning communities moved up
three spots into the Top 10 nationally and No. 4 among public institutions.

The university is home to 13 living-learning communities, which are led by USC faculty
and staff members and bring together students with shared interests — academic or
personal — that often cut across traditional majors and degree programs. The communities
are credited for helping students meet new people and connect with faculty and the
community.

This fall, USC opened its newest living-learning community, bringing together first-generation
college students in Maxcy residence hall. This community is designed to provide a
support system for students as they transition into life at USC.

“The University of South Carolina is a destination of choice because of our students’
experience both inside and outside the classroom,” said Donna Arnett, executive vice
president for academic affairs and provost. “These rankings reflect our commitment
to academic excellence and to the experiential learning that equips our students for
life after graduation.”

Other ranking highlights:

• The Columbia campus is ranked No. 61 among public universities and No. 121 overall.
• The College of Nursing’s BSN program is ranked No. 39.
• The university improved 42 spots in the Best Value Schools category, and also is included
  in the Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Performers on Social Mobility categories.
• System institutions were also recognized in the rankings. USC Upstate ranks No. 2
  among public regional colleges in the South and USC Beaufort ranks No. 10 in the same
  category.