The University of South Carolina Aiken has ranked as one of the best public schools in the South by U.S. News and World Report for the 26th year in a row.
In its annual undergraduate rankings, published on Sept. 24, USCA placed #65 out of 135 regional universities in the South. The university also placed #32 for top public schools and #40 for best value school.
“Previously recognized as a top baccalaureate university in the South, USCA continues to excel in its rankings due to the growing number of master’s degrees awarded annually,” stated a press release from USCA.
Additionally, USCA received recognition for best undergraduate engineering programs, nursing, best college for veterans, and as a top performer in social mobility.
“We appreciate these recognitions. They serve as a reminder that others see our commitment to providing an excellent education for our students in a supportive environment,” said Dr. Phil Bridgmon, provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs at USCA.
Bridgmon, who started his tenure at USCA in July, said he is elated about future campus improvements. Over the past two years, USCA has developed new programs in information science, cybersecurity, software engineering, educator leadership, emerging media, and foreign language training for practitioners.
USCA’s new Student Success Center is also set to open soon in October, along with the 2025 opening of the Savannah River National Laboratory’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative on campus.
“The campus construction projects are extremely exciting,” Bridgmon said. “They will provide access to researchers, innovative problem solving, and opportunities for public service that are truly unique.”
Bridgmon also said he is intensely focused in USCA’s areas of recruitment and retention.
“We have begun working on a sustainable enrollment model whose hallmark will be partnering with our regional employers, non-profit, and public sectors to facilitate learning and service opportunities for our students,” he said.
In August, USCA welcomed 695 freshman students, the largest number recorded in the university’s history.
To find out more about the U.S. News’ best college rankings, visit: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/usc-aiken-3449/overall-rankings
