UNC MPA Maintains Position as Top 20 Public Affairs Program in United States

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UNC-Chapel Hill’s Master of Public Administration program at the School of Government has once again been named one of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023 rankings.

The program is among the top 20 public affairs programs in the nation, ranking 20th overall and remaining the top-ranked MPA graduate program in North Carolina. For the 10th 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 improved one spot in both the public management and leadership field, ranking 12^th, and the public finance and budgeting field, at 26^th.

“We are grateful for this continued recognition from our peer programs and remain committed to continuous improvement,” said Program Director Willow S. Jacobson, who took over the helm in fall 2021. “Our deep roots throughout the state of North Carolina, unique position within the School of Government, and meaningful relationships with local officials contribute to an unmatched experience for our students and unparalleled scholarship from our dedicated faculty.”

This year's list—released March 29, 2022— included updated rankings for graduate programs in public affairs; public health schools and programs; business; engineering; and library and information studies, as well as doctoral program rankings in economics, English, history, sociology, political science, and criminology and criminal justice. In total, 30 of the University’s programs increased their rankings this year.

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