University of South Carolina ranked No. 1 public school for first-year experience

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The University of South Carolina has been ranked the No. 1 public institution in the country for first-year experience in U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings.  

It is the third straight year the school has been ranked No. 1 among public institutions in the category. The university also retained its No. 1 ranking in international business for the 23rd straight year.  

The rankings, released today, cited the school’s University 101 program, a first-year seminar started nearly five decades ago to help students adjust to college life and learn about the university.  

Private schools Agnes Scott College, located in Decatur, Ga., and Elon (N.C.) University took the top two spots in the first-year experience rankings.  

“To earn the 23rd consecutive year as the No. 1-ranked undergraduate international business program is a testament to the world-class faculty, top-performing students who go on to have illustrious careers, and a challenging and robust curriculum that make a top-ranked program,” Peter Brews, dean of the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, said in a news release. 

Seven of the university’s undergraduate academic programs are ranked, the most of any school in South Carolina.  

“I am thrilled to see the continued growth and recognition of our academic programs,” said Stephen Cutler, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at South Carolina. “We truly offer an excellent educational experience for our students across our university’s 15 colleges and schools and 324 unique degree offerings. Knowing the world-class faculty that we have and the unique opportunities we afford our students, it comes as no surprise to me that we continue to be well-represented within the U.S. News and World Report’s academic rankings.”