The University of South Carolina Aiken is again on the list of U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges."

USC Aiken is ranked first among public baccalaureate colleges in the South. The university also held that ranking in 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007.

U.S. News & World Report uses six categories to rank colleges: academic reputation/peer assessment, graduation and retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.

On the list of best national universities, Emory University was ranked the highest among Georgia colleges, tied for 18th. Georgia Tech tied for 35th, and the University of Georgia tied for 58th.

Clemson University tied for 61st, and the University of South Carolina tied for 108th. Both made a list of "up and comers."