The Ford School difference
Top-ranked policy school, world-class university
Ranking and awards
The Ford School at the University of Michigan is a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare diverse leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities' and our world's most pressing challenges.
There may be no greater honor than to have a school bear your name. Such recognition means all the more when it comes from an institution that you love, and when it is dedicated —not to me personally—but to the cause of public service to which I have devoted most of my life."
President Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) on the occasion of the dedication of Joan and Stanford Weill Hall, October 13, 2006. 36th President of the United States: AB '35 and HLLD '75, University of Michigan
Our strengths
Why choose the Ford School?
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"I know that I want to work in a city that I care deeply about. I want to focus on policies that make a direct impact on peoples' lives."
Megan Nestor (MPP '19)
A Gerald R. Ford Presidential Fellow, Megan spent close to a decade working in nonprofits to address systemic inequities facing low-income students of color before coming to the Ford School. She is now an analytics strategist helping to build strong economies, great communities, and impactful organizations.
Our community
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is a top-ranked policy school located within one of the world’s premier research universities—in one of America’s best college towns. Our accessible and distinguished faculty hold a disproportionate number of awards and honors for their game-changing discoveries, exceptional teaching and mentoring, constructive policy engagement, and more.
Distinguished University Professors
3
This is the highest appointment at the University of Michigan.
Named professorships
12
Many others recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.
Social policy
#1
A recognition held for more than a decade.
U.S. News & World Report, 2020
Research & Impact
A growing, powerful network
With more than 3,000 living alumni in public service and leadership positions around the world, the Ford School alumni network is committed to the public good—and to cultivating the next generation of leaders.
