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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
    • 1,065 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,065 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 421 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 421 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,302 Net Price
    • 1430-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,158 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 1,158 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,333 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Alum: Northwestern is a well-balanced school--top notch academics, great arts programs, amazing engineering and science facilities, in a minor city (Evanston) and very close to a major one (Chicago), and even a bit of sports culture. NU students tend to be fun-loving, driven and ambitious, both in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. It's definitely a work-hard-play-hard atmosphere when you're on campus, and while there is danger in this as you can easily over-extend yourself (and many students do at some point), it makes for a fulfilling four years.
    Read 1,333 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,582 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: USC is an amazing school in terms of academics. There's definitely a higher standard and you have to work for your grades but you come out having learned a lot. Because it is a private school with lots of appeal in the heart of Los Angeles, it does attract a fair share of ignorant, privileged people. However, you can definitely find genuine people, just keep looking and being you! USC has so many perks and resources and I highly recommend getting involved whether it be sports or clubs! The professors are very experienced and amazing.
    Read 3,582 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 975 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 975 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,184 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,184 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. Barnard College

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

    Senior: Barnard College is an amazing institution. If you want to live in New York City but still have a campus, this is the place for you. I love being able to walk a few blocks away from school and feel like I'm immersed in the bustle of NYC - while still having a quiet, beautiful campus to escape to.
    The English department has incredibly intelligent, dedicated professors.
    However - this is not the easiest school if, like me, you have a difficult time obtaining financial aid. Juggling classes, multiple jobs, and multiple extracurriculars can be difficult - but this is a high intensity school in a high intensity city.
    I love women's college though! I've learned so much from the incredible women I go to school with.
    Read 431 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,736 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,019 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 1,019 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,131 Net Price
    • 1490-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,149 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: Stanford is the greatest place on earth. I feel so at home here and love everything about the campus and life here. The weather is amazing (no snow! or freezing temperatures), people are happier than many other schools, and you have the freedom and flexibility to study anything and switch your major around.
    Read 1,149 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,836 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: Prepare to work hard - especially if you're in STEM. As an engineering major my life here is a never ending cycle of attending classes, working in lab, engineering project team related work, doing homework and crashing/going to bed at 1-2AM. It may seem rough to the outsider but if you're coming from a challenging high school (as I did) its a relatively seamless transition and I am infinitely happier here at Cornell! There is constantly something new happening from the range of amazing speakers visiting, cool things your classmates are creating/doing, Ithaca's quirky charm, your eccentric professors , etc... I came here expecting the competition to be intense and thank goodness its not ; there's a sense of general comradery amongst engineers. The motto 'any person, any study' is really true. They have just about every major allowing allotting the opportunity to study a great variety of fields. Fair warning about Ithaca; it gets REALLY cold! Invest in a warm coat!
    Read 1,836 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,449 Net Price
    • 1390-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Pomona College

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

    Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
    Read 370 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,220 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 1,220 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,295 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,062 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: From amazing academics to contagious school spirit, I have loved my first year at Michigan. The universe exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone student is motivated to do their best. This is not only in a classroom setting, but it is in every aspect of their lives. I am pushed by all my peers to try my hardest. Although a large school, the administration truly cares about every student, and there are countless numbers of resources available to help with anything one may need. The social aspect of school is amazing. There are so many different types of people, clubs, and parties, so everyone can find something they like. GO BLUE!
    Read 4,062 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. New York University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 5,041 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 5,041 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,256 Net Price
    • 1290-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,918 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Senior: For context, I am a transfer student who transferred at thirty years old to finish my undergraduate degree in Media Studies. Their orientation week is amazing if you do it. The alumni and career center are amazing resources for networking and internships. It is very possible to achieve what it is that you're setting out to achieve. Beware that the South Side of campus is slightly dodgy, but you are told the best ways to stay safe. In-state tuition is great if you're from California, if not, I highly recommend attempting to gain residency. Save utility bills and a lease agreement from your Freshman apartment (if you come as a Freshman. You'll save yourself or your parents thousands of dollars. Get involved though. You get out what you put in!
    Read 3,918 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,137 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Junior: It has been an amazing home away from home! Everyone is focused not only on academics but growing as invididuals. My only critique is housing— as a first year you are not promised AC, and hopefully that will change. Also some professors are too focused on their research rather than their classrooms. The local food scene is great, and Dinning makes sure to support local farmers and promote sustainability!
    Read 2,137 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,594 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,296 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Junior: I have loved my time at UNC so far. My first year was very difficult, but that was because college is such a hard adjustment and I was also taking the wrong classes. Now that I am in a major I enjoy and am taking classes I am interested in, I love being at UNC. Although it is a very difficult school, and sometimes it is too hard for no reason, I believe that it will all be worth it after I graduate because the school will provide me with great opportunities because of its academic reputation. The campus is absolutely beautiful, the parties are great, Chapel Hill is a quaint little area, and of course, Carolina athletics (especially basketball) are unmatched. One of my favorite things about UNC is the study abroad department. There are so many different programs to choose from all over the world. You can go for a year, a semester, or a summer. There are programs for every major, including hard sciences such as chemistry. UNC is a great school and I am lucky I go here. Go Heels!
    Read 2,296 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,100 Net Price
    • 1270-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Boston University

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 3,226 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 3,226 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 25% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,728 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Hamilton College

    • 4 Year
    • Clinton, NY
    • 444 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 444 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,139 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. College of William & Mary

    • 4 Year
    • Williamsburg, VA
    • 1,437 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: I love this college! There are many things to do in Williamsburg, but also around campus, as well. It's a smaller school, which is great, and the majority of the professors try to get to know their students. It's fairly easy to get into undergraduate research here, which is great for future endeavors. The housing process is bad because they don't do a head count of everyone and have to deal with running out of housing/rooms. The course selection website is awful and constantly crashes when trying to register. Other than that, it's great.
    Read 1,437 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,415 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Brandeis University

    • 4 Year
    • Waltham, MA
    • 984 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 984 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,714 Net Price
    • 1280-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Northeastern University

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 3,306 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Sophomore: Love the school! South end is a great place to go to college. You have access to all of Boston area.
    Academically, it’s as difficult or easy as you want. Depends which major you have and it’s pretty easy to change majors. Professors are normally pretty good. I won’t lie though, one of my professors was bad.
    Only down side to the school, the parties. But that’s not too bad because you can just go to frat parties on other campuses nearby.
     Honors dorms are really nice, but can’t say the same for the other freshmen dorms. After freshman year, it’s luck of the draw.
    Food ranges from good to alright, but there’s always a decent option on bad days. Really only freshmen have meal plans, after that, you have a kitchen and are done with dining hall food anyways.
    Read 3,306 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,784 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Bryn Mawr College

    • 4 Year
    • Bryn Mawr, PA
    • 413 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 413 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 38% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,450 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,892 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America

    Freshman: The University of Texas at Austin has so much to offer to its students. There is never a dull moment on campus. Not only are students taught by world-renowned faculty, who want their students to succeed, but there are over a thousand student organizations, visits by famous world leaders, musical performances, and exciting athletic events year around. The University of Texas at Austin does a great job providing resources to fit every students' needs. No matter what your situation is there is a team of people eagerly waiting to help. The best part about the University of Texas at Austin is that its located in Austin, Texas. In Austin, you will never run out of things to do. If you have a more active lifestyle there are countless opportunities to go hiking, swimming, or rock climbing. If you like music, art, and film then head over to the 200 plus venues, museums, art galleries, and theaters located all across the city. Austin is my home away from home, and I hope it can be yours too!
    Read 5,892 Reviews

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

    Roanoke College

    • 4 Year
    • Salem, VA
    • 697 reviews

    Sophomore: This college is so artsy, personal, and full of life. The professors are incredible, and many hold class outside a lot of the time! The campus is stunning and full of trees, the food is phenomenal, and the curriculum is unique and engaging. I waited for 5 years to attend school, because no college seemed worth the price. Once I found Roanoke, I didn't hesitate for a moment. It really is a family here, and full of the best people. I have grown so much in my first year here, and I am so excited for the growth ahead. Going to Roanoke College will be the best decision that you could make.
    Read 697 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,573 Net Price
    • 1040-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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