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2020 Best Colleges for Public Policy in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best colleges for public policy and social services. Read reviews and rankings based on research funding, faculty ratings, and more. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,088 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It's so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available. The academic advising here is amazing as well.
    Read 1,088 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
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  2. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 425 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Niche User: I greatly enjoy the overall ambience of Princeton University. The University truly offers a high quality education, especially as a result of its wonderful professors, some of which are Nobel Laureates. Moreover, the University's network allows for extensive connection between current and graduated students. This leads to great opportunities that would not necessarily be available elsewhere. Lastly, I really believe the Bridge Year program instills a humble nature in students through introducing the opportunity to volunteer for a year abroad. Doing so allows students to mature and experience other cultures prior to embarking on a difficult, yet rewarding task of attending Princeton University.
    Read 425 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,302 Net Price
    • 1430-1570 SAT Range
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  3. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,169 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: The University of Chicago has an incredibly welcoming and yet challenging atmosphere that is unlike any other. The Core Curriculum introduces truly applicable frameworks for critical thinking that can the applied in a diverse curriculum. At UChicago you can attend your Physics lecture in the morning, work on your film project until you participate in a religious discussion in the afternoon and rehearse with your traditional African music group in the evening. In spite of the lack of affordability, UChicago does offer various ways of financing, including generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships. However, Uchicago is not need bling to international applicants, which is likely to discourage low-income international students to apply.
    Read 1,169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
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  4. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,354 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Niche User: I have been to the Evanston campus once, but in that visit I was astounded by the various opportunities offered by the university. Every program, whether that be the musical program, theater, biology, medicine, or integrated science, was fleshed out to a point of great immersion and understanding. Not to mention that there was an overall atmosphere of learning and curiosity. Highly recommend!
    Read 1,354 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
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  5. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,632 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
    Read 3,632 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
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  6. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 985 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
    Read 985 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
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  7. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,205 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: A true research institution, the University of Pennsylvania encourages all of its students to be curious about the world. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming. Whether it be an Ivy League conference on LatinX heritage, political science, or veganism, the University of Pennsylvania encourages curiosity at every seam of the institution’s fabric.
    Read 1,205 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
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  8. Barnard College

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 435 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: The teachers are supportive and there are tons of resources to take advantage of. You can take classes at Columbia and you can also eat at Columbia's dining halls, which is fun! But I prefer Barnard's food, there's also tons of good restaurants around Barnard and Columbia. The academics are definitely challenging.
    Read 435 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,736 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
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  9. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,030 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: The culture at Rice is amazing! We are a diverse community of scholars who value collaboration, not cut-throat competition. We value what known as a "culture of care," and I believe this makes us unique from all other elite schools. The professors are amazing, classes push you and challenge former beliefs, and the community becomes family. Rice University is an amazing place, even with intense academics.
    Read 1,030 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,131 Net Price
    • 1490-1580 SAT Range
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  12. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,164 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: Stanford's motto, "The wind of freedom blows," seems to permeate through all classroom walls, dorm rooms, and dining halls as students at this school are passionate, diligent, and lively. There is definitely a culture distinct to Stanford University, one which embodies free-spirited, unbounded learning. Aside from academics, though, I'd have to say that what makes Stanford unique is its people. Times when I've felt inspired, moved, and at home, were in moments I shared with others in discussions or conversations, whether it was academic or truly frivolous.
    Read 1,164 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
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  13. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,866 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: Cornell is an amazing blend of people from various cultures who have come to one place for the purpose of pursing an education. I come from a very small town in Maryland. Coming to Cornell has allowed me to experience different cultures in lots of new ways. However, I believe that Cornell could work on accepting people not only from diverse backgrounds, but also from various socioeconomic statuses. I am middle class. My father is a principle of and I am grateful to have a well-supported family. Many Cornell students are in top-earning families. Currently, I am taking a class called “Controversies About Inequality.” I have learned that Cornell accepts more students from the top 1% than they are from the bottom 1%, and this cycle continues. I would like to point out that Cornell is very aware of this issue and is taking steps towards leveling the playing field for both high and low income students. And the food is absolutely amazing here, so that’s a huge plus!
    Read 1,866 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,449 Net Price
    • 1390-1550 SAT Range
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  14. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 375 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: Pomona students are so accomplished, but they are always so willing to help. The professors also really go out of their way to ensure that students feel supported. Graduate schools really know Pomona and the seniors are doing so many great things. The best part is that these seniors keep first years in the loop and are willing to share so much about their work. The atmosphere is intense in terms of academics, but the competition is against yourself!
    Read 375 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
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  15. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,235 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: What I love about Vanderbilt is the commitment to creating a meaningful & memorable experience. Ever since stepping foot on campus - when I was met by my freshman Head of House and the Move Crew - I've been supported and welcomed. I've been encouraged to pursue my interests in and outside of the classroom and attended countless events.

    Sometimes it feels like there are too many things to get involved in, especially with the weight of academics on our shoulders, but not everyone experiences this the same way. One of my favorite things is the identity centers like the Women's Center, Black Cultural Center and KC Potter (LGBTQ) Center who provide students with fun and informative programming and the comforts of home. Plus, can you ever go wrong living at an arboretum?

    I mean this honestly (but always a little ironically), Anchor Down!
    Read 1,235 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,295 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
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  16. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,135 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Junior: Overall, the University of Michigan is a very strong academic choice. Professors generally care about their students and wish to see them succeed and departmental advisors are incredibly helpful in finding the right classes for you. Once you get past intro level classes, the material and class sizes become much more enjoyable. The dorms are hit-and-miss with some having air conditioning and are newly renovated while some are very clearly in need of improvement. Their ability to handle transfer students is lacking, though, and the general advisors are not well-equipped to handle transfer cases.
    Like any university, there many different types of people. Some are irritating, some are lovely. It is just a matter of seeking out those who you want to make friends with, they are definitely out there and most everyone you meet will be very nice along the way!
    Read 4,135 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
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  17. New York University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 5,143 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: Excited for the future. This school is great! This is a brief summary:

     New York University (NYU) is a private research university originally founded in New York City but now with campuses and locations throughout the world. Founded in 1831, NYU's historical campus is in Greenwich Village, New York City.[12][13] As a global university, students can graduate from its degree-granting campuses in NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai, as well as study at its 12 academic centers in Accra, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Washington, D.C.[14][15][16]
    Read 5,143 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,256 Net Price
    • 1290-1490 SAT Range
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  18. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,969 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: I am currently an out of state freshman at Berkeley over halfway through my second semester. I was wary of having high expectations of Berkeley and buying into the cultivated image of perfect inclusion, challenging and inspiring intellectualism, and care for social justice/activism. Even though I tried to manage my expectations, they were disappointed. THAT BEING SAID, I'm glad I am a student at Berkeley. It is the best and the worst, wonderful and terrible, and for me, that feels like a fairly accurate representation of how the world is today. If you would describe yourself as an idealistic person, yes, come to Berkeley! But be prepared to hold onto your values tightly.
    Read 3,969 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
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  19. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,165 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: UVA is a wonderful place to find your college home! Nowhere is perfect, but, coming from someone who was determined to not go to Virginia (I didn't want to go to my state's big school), I have found so many incredible opportunities and can't imagine myself any where else. It is academically rigorous, there are many resources to take advantage of, and it's diverse. You are bound to find your passion and your people at UVA.
    Read 2,165 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,594 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
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  22. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,351 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Junior: I really love the student life at Carolina. There's always so many different activities/events you can go to that range from fun and silly things like glow-in-the-dark yoga to events that really enrich your perspectives on certain topics, such as different panels of amazing guest speakers different departments may have. One thing I wish I could change, however, is the chemistry department. From my experiences being a chemistry major for my first two years in undergrad, before switching to communications, some of the professors within my department were not the most encouraging or helpful. Unfortunately, this really impacted the experiences I had being a chemistry major and eventually resulted in the huge major switch I made!
    Read 2,351 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,100 Net Price
    • 1270-1460 SAT Range
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  23. Boston University

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 3,259 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Junior: I've very much enjoyed my time at BU, the professors are willing to teach beyond the normal classroom and make a great effort to meet with their students. I can't speak for every department, although the professors in the Linguistics and Spanish department are AMAZING! The only reason I didn't give BU a 5 star is because the housing and food situation were a nightmare. Early into my spring semester I decided to move off campus and lose the money that I had already payed on my housing and food deposit because I was having trouble sleeping and digestive problems. These problems were addressed to the school, although they refused to help in any way.
    Read 3,259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 25% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,728 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
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  24. Hamilton College

    • 4 Year
    • Clinton, NY
    • 449 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: Hamilton College places a heavy emphasis on developing writing and communication skills, which definitely helps prepare us for applications/ careers in the future. There are very friendly and pleasant interactions on campus amongst the student body and staff. Theft isn't really an issue on campus; most people leave their belongings unattended and return to them later with nothing missing. Great school and beautiful campus!
    Read 449 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,139 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
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  25. William & Mary

    • 4 Year
    • Williamsburg, VA
    • 1,460 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Alum: Graduated on ‘87 and stayed interested in all things W&M. Have been back to visit multiple times. The core of the W&M experience remains unchanged: a superlative academic experience in a quaint, yet fun environment. A party school it is not; but, most applicants know that in advance and understand that wild times can be found if you look hard enough. The facilities are very good and always improving. The campus is compact and inspiring in both nature and architecture. I’d go back if it could!
    Read 1,460 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,415 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
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  26. Brandeis University

    • 4 Year
    • Waltham, MA
    • 994 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: I love my time at Brandeis! As a Stem student, there are so many opportunities for me to take. All of the professors have been great in their ability to explain difficult concepts and work directly with students. The introductory chemistry class was a bit difficult, but being able to work through it was a great achievement.
    In terms of housing, I couldn't have been happier. Brandeis has a policy where all incoming freshman must go random for roommates. Despite this being nerve-wracking, I was put with two amazing people that I am glad to have as friends. I was also able to make lots of friends within my building since orientation was partially organized with people from my building.
    Many people complain about the food, but I believe the food is significantly better than what people say. My mother is a phenomenal cook so I have a good frame of reference.
    Overall, Brandeis is a great school that I am excited to attend.
    Read 994 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,714 Net Price
    • 1280-1470 SAT Range
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  29. Northeastern University

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 3,345 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: There’s always something to do since we’re in the city. The academic rigor is challenging, usually in a good way. However, some professors care more about their own professional goals than actually teaching which can make digesting material rather difficult. So, take advantage of the multitude of resources and opportunities on campus! Have study sessions with friends and discuss topics and go to tutoring! Don't reduce your character or your college life to a single number. You will waste the printing dollars. Save your past notes. They love their engineering students more than CAMD so you may feel under-appreciated. Be wary of fake friends who just want to network. Balance between schoolwork and partying. Join clubs - find people who enjoy the same things as you do! Those are friends who will help you continue to cultivate your passions into something productive. Also, everyone will always seem so much busier, smarter, etc. than you. They're not. They're just different.
    Read 3,345 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,784 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
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  30. Bryn Mawr College

    • 4 Year
    • Bryn Mawr, PA
    • 417 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: I like the small class sizes that Bryn Mawr provides. Students are able to get to know each other within the class setting, as well as the ability for the professor to know each student. Bryn Mawr is an inclusive setting, where our social honor code fosters trust within the community such that creativity and diversity is always welcomed. In the future, I would like to see Bryn Mawr allow more opportunities for students to explore the greater Philadelphia area within the structure of a class, instead of strictly lecture based classes for the entire semester. In addition, Bryn Mawr needs air conditioning in ALL of the dorms! It is brutally hot in the warmer months of the year, especially on the upper floors of the dorms.
    Read 417 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 38% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,450 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
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  31. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 6,006 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: Wonderful, engaged, and passionate professors separate this school from the rest! The workload is challenging at times but encourages young people to truly dive into their studies and gain a greater understanding of the subjects they learn instead of memorizing the material short-term for tests and then losing the knowledge soon after! The resources that the university provides are bountiful and purposeful. The location of campus is in the heart of Texas and surrounded by lots to see, do, and experience. The vast majority of people are warm and caring. Efforts made on campus and off to ensure the safety and prosperity of UT's students are evident and there are good feelings all around!
    Read 6,006 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,356 Net Price
    • 1220-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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