New College Rankings Released: Clemson and USC Stand Out
Columbia, SC – It’s that time of year again! The 2025 college rankings have been announced, giving high school students a chance to explore schools they might not have thought about before. Among the ranked institutions, two South Carolina colleges caught the spotlight this year.
Clemson University Takes the Lead
Leading the pack in South Carolina is Clemson University, which earned the impressive ranking of No. 80 out of 436 national universities. This ranking highlights Clemson’s commitment to academic excellence and overall student success. The university boasts an average six-year graduation rate of 86%, showing its dedication to helping students complete their degrees.
Not only does Clemson hold a strong overall position, but it also excels in several specific categories. It is ranked No. 39 among Top Public Schools, No. 48 in Best Colleges for Veterans, No. 54 for Nursing, and No. 57 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. The current acceptance rate at Clemson is 38%, making it a competitive choice for prospective students.
University of South Carolina Makes a Mark
Following closely behind is the University of South Carolina, which received a ranking of No. 121 among national universities. UofSC shines in several areas, leading the nation in International Business and earning the No. 2 spot for First-Year Experiences. The university also ranks No. 10 in Learning Communities and No. 39 for Nursing, showing a well-rounded educational approach.
The university’s four-year graduation rate is 69%, and it has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. With an acceptance rate of 61%, UofSC remains an accessible option for many students in South Carolina and beyond.
Rankings Across the State
Readers interested in how other South Carolina colleges fared in the rankings will find some familiar names. Here’s a quick rundown of other notable schools in the area:
- No. 45: Furman University
- No. 66: Wofford College
- No. 147: Presbyterian College
- No. 153: Claflin University
- No. 1: The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
- No. 7: University of South Carolina-Upstate
- No. 9: College of Charleston
- No. 12: Winthrop University
- No. 29: Columbia International University
Additional rankings also showed many regional colleges performing well, such as No. 34: Anderson University and several schools tied around that spot, including Coastal Carolina University and North Greenville University.
How the Rankings Were Determined
This year’s rankings didn’t see many significant changes from last year’s grading system. Colleges were evaluated using various factors such as borrower debt, first-year retention and graduation rates, financial resources, faculty resources/salaries, and the earnings potential of graduates compared to high school diploma holders. The report includes over 25 articles that elaborate on these methodologies for those interested in the details.
Conclusion
As high school students begin their college search, this year’s rankings provide a wealth of information about South Carolina schools and their standings on a national stage. With top-tier programs and supportive environments, universities like Clemson and USC continue to pave the way for aspiring students. Whether you’re drawn to engineering, nursing, or international business, there are options available for every interest.
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
