The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s leading graduate programs in public affairs, securing the #3 spot overall in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. Demonstrating excellence across multiple domains, the Ford School achieved the #1 ranking in the U.S. for social policy, affirming its long-standing leadership and impact in this critical area.
Further establishing this dominant position, the Ford School has been ranked #2 in public policy analysis—a distinction that highlights the school’s rigorous social science-based approach. The school also maintained a prominent position with top-five placements in health policy (#2) and environmental policy (#5), complemented by strong showings in urban policy (#12) and international global policy and administration (#12).
“The Ford School’s top rankings reflect our deep-rooted commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges through innovative research, teaching, and public policy engagement,” said Celeste Watkins-Hayes, Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy. “It is an honor to be acknowledged by our peers for our continued success in equipping future leaders with the skills to navigate and resolve the complex issues of today’s world.”
At the core of the Ford School’s success is its unwavering dedication to research excellence and impactful public policy involvement across diverse domains, including poverty, health, education, racial justice, political participation, energy and the environment, science and technology, and public management. These efforts not only enhance domestic policy but have significant global implications.
Learn more about the Ford School’s graduate programs:
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are determined exclusively through peer assessment surveys conducted among deans, directors, and department chairs of 268 master's programs in public affairs and administration. This recognition underscores the caliber and influence of the Ford School’s academic programs and faculty.
*NOTE: Due to an error in assembling the list of schools to nominate, the latest specialty rankings are based on the nominations from the 2023 and 2024 survey, not the 2024 and 2025 survey used for the overall rankings. Therefore, the current public affairs specialty rankings are unchanged from the 2024 edition. Nominees for the specialty rankings were drawn from the 271 master's programs in public affairs and administration surveyed in fall 2023 and early 2024. The next release of Best Public Affairs Schools should include updates of both the overall and specialty rankings.