Top-ranked policy school | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Top-ranked policy school

The Ford School's consistent top-level rankings reflect deep and long-standing strengths in and commitment to research and public policy engagement related to poverty, structural inequalities, educational disparities, and vulnerable populations. It is reflected in our recent recognition by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) with its 2020 Social Equity Award.

Our world-renowned faculty and dynamic research centers continue to shape policy across a wide range of domains, including health care, energy and the environment, access to education, smart cities, labor markets, and science and technology policy.

In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, the Ford School is the #4 overall public policy school. The school was ranked #1 in social policy and #2 in the U.S. for public policy analysis—the essential element that distinguishes our rigorous social science-based program from competitors in the field of public affairs. We also received top rankings in other specialty areas.

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Ford School

#4

Public affairs (overall) 2025 U.S. News and World Report

Ford School

#1

Social policy 2025 U.S. News and World Report

Ford School

#2

Public policy analysis 2025 U.S. News and World Report

Ford School

#2

Health policy and management 2025 U.S. News and World Report

Ford School

#5

Environmental policy 2025 U.S. News and World Report

Ford School

#12

International global policy 2025 U.S. News and World Report

World-renowned faculty

Our faculty are internationally recognized experts in vitally important policy areas, deeply engaged in the world of practice, and committed to our students.
Expertise

Dynamic research centers

Our innovative research centers take on the most challenging issues of the day.
Research centers

U-M

#3

Top public schools U.S. News & World Report (2023)

U-M

#1

U.S. public university QS World University Rankings (2020-2021)

Ann Arbor

#1

Best college towns in the U.S. WalletHub (2023)

U-M

#18

World reputation rankings Times Higher Ed (2022)