UNC MPA Improves its Ranking Among Nation’s Top 20 Public Affairs Schools

Now in its 26^th year at the School of Government, the UNC-Chapel Hill Master of Public Administration program has once again been named one of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024 rankings.

The program improved its ranking among the top 20 public affairs programs in the nation. It is ranked 19^th overall and remains the top-ranked MPA graduate program in North Carolina. This marks the 11th consecutive year UNC MPA has maintained its position among the top 25 public affairs programs in the United States.

In addition, the program retained its prestigious second-ranked position in the local government management specialty area. UNC MPA also improved its ranking in the public finance and budgeting specialty, jumping four spots to rank 22^nd in the country.

The program retained its top-20 standing in the public management and leadership field, ranking 13^th overall.

“We are grateful for this continued recognition from our peer programs—and as always remain committed to continuous improvement in the years ahead,” said UNC MPA Program Director Willow S. Jacobson.

“Our unique connection to the state of North Carolina and School of Government, award-winning faculty and staff, and leadership in engaged scholarship position the program to transform the field of public administration and solve challenges in our state and beyond.”

This year’s list—released April 25, 2023—saw numerous University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate programs earn high rankings. UNC MPA joins 15 other University programs in increasing their rankings this year, including programs in the Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, and Kenan-Flagler Business School. Rankings for graduate medical and law programs will be released at a later date.

Find all of the U.S. News & World Report rankings online.

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