Rutgers SPAA Recognized as Top National Public Affairs School in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Rankings

The School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University–Newark has received top national accolades, including the rank of #25 in Best Public Affairs Programs and top recognitions across six specialty program areas, in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools Rankings, which were released today. 

In specialty areas, SPAA ranks:

• #8 in Public Management and Leadership
• #8 in Nonprofit Management
• #9 in Urban Policy
• #14 in Local Government Management
• #19 in Public Finance and Budgeting
• #36 in Public Policy Analysis

Rutgers SPAA: A World-Class Education

Students from across the region and around the globe come to Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration to experience a world-class education from renowned faculty, to learn cutting-edge knowledge and skills, to advance their careers, and to help create a better world. Prospective students can enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs and certificates at SPAA, which are offered on campus and online with opportunities for flexibility and customization. Programs at SPAA include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)
• PhD in Public Administration
• Certificates and Professional Development Programs

Methodology

The rankings of public affairs programs, conducted each year by U.S. News & World Report, are based solely on peer assessment survey results. More information on U.S. News & World Report’s methodology for ranking public affairs programs can be found here.