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2021 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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Selectivity based on acceptance rate. Extremely Selective: < 15%, Very Selective: 15%-30%, Selective: 30%-60%, Average: 60%-90%, Not Selective: > 90%.

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A critical mass of the student body falls within the specified group, low and middle income students pay a reasonable net price, the school participates in tuition relief programs for veterans, and the school's overall Niche Grade is above a B-.

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Median salary of all students at the school employed 2 years after graduation.

1 – 25 of 1,434

Showing results 1 through 25 of 1,434

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Duke University
4 Year
Durham, NC
Rating 3.9 out of 5 1,139 reviews
#1 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Alum: Duke is a great school with tons of academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities for its students. Many of Duke's majors/minors are flexible and easy to combine, so I was able to study what truly interested me while still getting a well-rounded education. The strong level of professor engagement also sets Duke apart; I became close with many of my professors who served as mentors, advisors, and friends throughout college and even now after graduation. It's easy to get involved with research, study abroad, or engage in other opportunities that interest you. Duke has a diverse social scene, so there really is a place for everyone, but it can be challenging to navigate the selective organizations. There are hundreds of student groups to join, and most have strong social components too. The food and campus living environment are both superb, and the city of Durham is nearby and nice as well. Duke grads have numerous post-grad opportunities, and I was able to get a great job.
Read 1,139 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
8% Acceptance Rate
$24,386 Net Price
1480-1570 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Princeton University
4 Year
Princeton, NJ
Rating 3.96 out of 5 442 reviews
#2 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Freshman: The courses, faculty, resources, and community here are all wonderful. There is truly a culture throughout the university of caring about the students and doing everything possible to help them succeed. The academics are, of course, extremely challenging, but there are plenty of ways to get help and the academic faculty are always very receptive to students needing assistance. Most everyone has the drive to succeed without creating an overly competitive or cutthroat environment. Culture outside of academics - arts, music, clubs, sports - is vibrant as well.
Read 442 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
6% Acceptance Rate
$18,712 Net Price
1460-1570 SAT Range
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University of Chicago
4 Year
Chicago, IL
Rating 3.75 out of 5 1,191 reviews
#3 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Freshman: My favorite part of UChicago is definitely its academics -- students are constantly encouraged to debate, rethink, and most importantly, listen. I was able to take a graduate student course as a first-year, and was amazed by the level of respectful and intellectual discussion that was possible! Students and professors alike are motivated, caring, and inclusive, and there's a strong sense of community everywhere you go, from the UCPD officer on the street corner to the dining hall staff. There's truly something for everyone, from Student Action to University Theater to Circus Club to Greek life. Regardless of extracurricular interests, however, there's an undeniable bond in the love of learning and open-mindedness that ties everyone in UChicago together.
Read 1,191 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
6% Acceptance Rate
$34,719 Net Price
1500-1570 SAT Range
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Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
Rating 4.07 out of 5 1,203 reviews
#4 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Graduate Student: There is no other university like it on the planet. The undergrad experience is fantastic--Stanford really makes sure to integrate first year students into campus life.

Stanford does everything well: academics, extracurriculars, social scene, sports, food, the arts, improv comedy(!), etc. You name it, Stanford does it and does it brilliantly. It even has the best weather!

And don't forget about the grad programs. They are outstanding across the board.
Read 1,203 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
4% Acceptance Rate
$16,779 Net Price
1440-1570 SAT Range
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Northwestern University
4 Year
Evanston, IL
Rating 3.68 out of 5 1,412 reviews
#5 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Freshman: Northwestern is definitely an academically rigorous school, but the amount of resources provided to its students makes success attainable. The Northwestern faculty goes above and beyond to ensure that their students have the support they need, not only to promote strong academics, but also all facets of health. Also, the student body at Northwestern is incredible! Everyone is extremely kind and inclusive. Thus, despite the rigor of the classes at NU--and the stress that such rigor entails--I have had such a positive experience that has made it all worth it!
Read 1,412 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$26,196 Net Price
1440-1550 SAT Range
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Brown University
4 Year
Providence, RI
Rating 3.8 out of 5 1,019 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 1,019 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
7% Acceptance Rate
$27,218 Net Price
1440-1570 SAT Range
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Rice University
4 Year
Houston, TX
Rating 4.06 out of 5 1,068 reviews
#7 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Junior: Great size and location. I love our student run businesses - coffeehouse, east west tea (boba), the hoot (late night eats), etc. Campus and the nearby rice village can get old after awhile. Definitely explore houston when you can! It’s pretty diverse and spread out. If you don’t have a car, they give you a bus/metro rail pass which I actually used pretty often pre-pandemic.
Read 1,068 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$20,335 Net Price
1470-1570 SAT Range
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University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Rating 3.95 out of 5 3,771 reviews
#8 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 3,771 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
11% Acceptance Rate
$37,521 Net Price
1360-1530 SAT Range
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University of Pennsylvania
4 Year
Philadelphia, PA
Rating 3.87 out of 5 1,258 reviews
#9 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Alum: My experiences with the University of Pennsylvania were overall positive. The breadth of academic choices available was incredible. I explored a variety of subjects and transferred internally mid-way through my undergraduate career to focus on a business degree at Wharton, with a computer science minor. The school emphasizes pre-professionalism, providing many resources for corporate career development but also placing a lot of pressure on the student body. The student climate was compettiive, and students often spent most of their time with their extracurricular groups. The older dorms (I did not live in any of the newer developments) needed to renovations, and were unhygenic and cramped.
Read 1,258 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
8% Acceptance Rate
$24,771 Net Price
1450-1560 SAT Range
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Columbia University
4 Year
New York, NY
Rating 3.79 out of 5 1,248 reviews
#10 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Alum: Wow, I loved it there! The academics were top notch, and several of my peers are already successful in their careers; the degree as a label has traction in the job market.

As a Veteran who grew up in Minnesota, the weather was mild for me, but those from the South will find the winter challenging.

I found myself very absorbed by my studies at that time, and so did most of the other students. That can make it extremely easy to meet people in an intellectual sense but somewhat difficult to meet in a social sense. My advice is if you want to date, you should learn how to meet people at NYU.

Financial aid is difficult to obtain, but I was a Veteran, and the government paid my tuition, so that was not my struggle.
Read 1,248 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
5% Acceptance Rate
$21,828 Net Price
1440-1570 SAT Range
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Cornell University
4 Year
Ithaca, NY
Rating 3.74 out of 5 1,963 reviews
#11 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Alum: Supportive Professors and administration. No shortage of ways to get involved on campus socially. You will be surrounded by warm, intellectual, and hard-working peers. Weather can be unpleasant for those used to warmer climates. Career resources could be better, and students approach job fairs in a somewhat cut-throat manner. I have heard that the same is true for certain undergraduate majors/pre-professional tracks, such as pre-med and engineering. Overall, a memorable and wonderful place to go to school as an undergrad-- Ithaca is gorges! You will work hard, learn a great deal, and make long-lasting connections.
Read 1,963 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
11% Acceptance Rate
$28,921 Net Price
1400-1560 SAT Range
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Vanderbilt University
4 Year
Nashville, TN
Rating 3.99 out of 5 1,283 reviews
#12 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Sophomore: I've very much enjoyed my time here! My favorite thing about this school is the collaborative environment. You never feel alone here, and you'll find professors and friends who will support you through thick and thin. The liberal arts education is amazing because I've been exposed to so many new topics that I would've never studied otherwise. Although I'm here to get into medicine, I've developed a love for studying French, and this school has helped me pursue my passions in both fields.
Read 1,283 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
9% Acceptance Rate
$25,855 Net Price
1460-1560 SAT Range
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Barnard College
4 Year
New York, NY
Rating 3.85 out of 5 450 reviews
#13 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 450 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
12% Acceptance Rate
$26,649 Net Price
1340-1520 SAT Range
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Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Rating 4.2 out of 5 397 reviews
#14 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Sophomore: Pomona College is a great school with so many interesting people from all over the world! It's a very diverse group of students, and because there are 4 other colleges there, we have access to a wide range of classes, locations and experiences across the "5C's." I play softball for Pomona Pitzer, and the team spirit keeps me sane, while the support from other student-athletes from football and baseball, etc. is really cool. It's a small school, but big on ideas and things to do in and around LA area. Claremont is a cool little village we walk to from campus and its only a short drive to beach or mountains.
Read 397 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
7% Acceptance Rate
$18,500 Net Price
1390-1540 SAT Range
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University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
Rating 3.9 out of 5 4,313 reviews
#15 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Senior: Courses, professors, and student life at UM are all wonderful for the most part! There's nothing like getting a world-class education from instructors who are experts in their field on weekdays and enjoying a packed Michigan Stadium on Saturday's. No matter what you're trying to study, or even if you don't know what you want to learn about, there's a place for you here. UMich offers a diverse array of coursework and opportunities. Whether you want to launch a tech startup, tutor kids in the university's hospital system, or learn about Indigenous cultures in Nepal, Michigan has it all!
Read 4,313 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
23% Acceptance Rate
$17,357 Net Price
1340-1530 SAT Range
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New York University
4 Year
New York, NY
Rating 3.73 out of 5 5,340 reviews
#16 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Sophomore: I absolutely love NYU. I study at the College of Arts and Sciences as a student on track for pre-med and I absolutely love the diversity and resources available to me. Everything about the campus is perfect. I wasn't one to really care about having the "traditional college experience" from sports, to having an actual solidified area for the campus, so NYU was absolutely perfect for me. I feel as if I am just living in the city and taking classes, and everyone here is so friendly and motivating. This is an amazing environment if you want to work hard and succeed academically and career-wise, and occasionally indulge in a little bit of fun in the social scene. The dorms are so great, I was in Lipton Hall my first year and it is honestly so nice, bright, cozy, and clean. There is a food hall as a part of my dorm that offers so many different selections (and also caters to your dietary needs like vegan food). I love NYU so much and you should definitely apply here!
Read 5,340 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$37,739 Net Price
1350-1530 SAT Range
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University of Virginia
4 Year
Charlottesville, VA
Rating 3.87 out of 5 2,243 reviews
#17 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Alum: I really enjoyed my experience at UVA. Not only did I make more lifelong friends, I branched out and took the first few steps towards becoming an adult. I got a job, and for the first time in the life, I had to balance the stress of a job and schoolwork. Talk about adulthood! Not only does UVA have amazing places for students to study, they also have an arousing nightlife if you just want to take the night off. The Corner was always my favorite place to hangout because it contained my favorite restaurants: Bodo's Bagels ( I normally got the sausage and egg on plain bagel), Roots (I normally got the El Jeffe), and The White Spot (their signature burger is de-lish)! If I could go bac to undergrad, I would not do anything different. I had so much fun at UVA, and I had awesome friends that I made memories with.
Read 2,243 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
24% Acceptance Rate
$17,579 Net Price
1340-1520 SAT Range
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Washington University in St. Louis
4 Year
Saint Louis, MO
Rating 4.08 out of 5 1,470 reviews
#18 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Sophomore: As a parent of a sophmore in Visual Arts and Writing programs, I feel so grateful she got in. First of all she got a full ride, they removed a massive strain off of our family and did it completely and thoroughly. She had met and spoken with several faculty members before applying (Early Decision) and visited the campus, and they were so helpful and supportive it really allowed us to make a confident Early Decision. My daughter is gifted, but shy shy shy, and her mother is Brazilian, so VERY attached and we worried about sending her away. It was tough, but the support of programs like Deneb Stars and the many other programs (including late night escorts for safety) allowed her to make the leap and find her feet. Once the pandemic hit, WashU was amongst the first half dozen schools to move online (they are now hybrid, my daughter is working from home). The faculty and admin prioritized their health first, while the coursework has remained rigorous. She is thriving. A+ response Washu!
Read 1,470 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
14% Acceptance Rate
$27,108 Net Price
1480-1560 SAT Range
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4 Year
Chapel Hill, NC
Rating 3.85 out of 5 2,439 reviews
#19 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Sophomore: Going to UNC Chapel Hill was one of the best decisions I have ever made. For the first time in years, I felt comfortable being myself because I did not feel judged by others. The students are extremely welcoming and it did not take long for me to find friends. Although I did not know all of my suite mates upon moving in, we all quickly became best friends. There are countless resources available to the students, whether you need tutoring for certain classes, finding a job, community service opportunities, etc. Along with resources, there are many clubs for every hobby. In the fall, I joined a dance team called Kamikazi. I was ecstatic to have made the team because I had not had the chance to dance on a team for four years. Starting from the first practice, I felt right at home. No matter your interests, there is always a place for you at UNC Chapel Hill. The tight-knit community is positive, motivational, and, most of all, uplifting!
Read 2,439 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
23% Acceptance Rate
$10,085 Net Price
1310-1500 SAT Range
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Haverford College
4 Year
Haverford, PA
Rating 3.89 out of 5 233 reviews
#20 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Freshman: Haverford is a great place! This is very cliche but the community is amazing, the professors are supportive and very knowledgable, and the atmosphere is welcoming! I chose Haverford because of the unique Honor Code and the Quaker Consortium. At Haverford, the students have a lot of trust (we have take home exams, self-proctored finals, and we can even change the rules of the school). The Quaker Consortium allows Haverford students to take classes at Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, and the University of Pennsylvania! There are endless opportunities and I've made great memories. The only complaint I have is the social scene and things to do around campus are limited. Otherwise, the atmosphere is amazing and you will receive a great education here!
Read 233 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$22,837 Net Price
1380-1540 SAT Range
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Carnegie Mellon University
4 Year
Pittsburgh, PA
Rating 3.68 out of 5 1,406 reviews
#21 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Alum: My time at CMU was great. My advisor was really caring and helped me do more than plan my schedule. The school acknowledges the stress culture is pretty bad and has taken steps to provide stress relievers (eg: mindfulness room, paws to relax, the petting zoo, etc). The campus food wasn't bad and the staff was friendly. Professors were, for the most part, understanding when things came up. I was able to make a few lifelong friends too! The campus is pretty diverse, with a majority of students being internationals!
Read 1,406 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
15% Acceptance Rate
$30,618 Net Price
1460-1560 SAT Range
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University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
Rating 3.67 out of 5 4,138 reviews
#22 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 4,138 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$18,522 Net Price
1330-1530 SAT Range
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Brescia University
4 Year
Owensboro, KY
Rating 3.83 out of 5 155 reviews
#23 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Junior: I think Brescia is an overlooked gem in Kentucky. It is very small, but there are a lot of benefits that come with that. It feels like home, you know every face on campus. You really get to know your professors. Owensboro is a great small city with plenty of things to do. Brescia does a good job of holding activities for the student body (bingo nights, casino nights, movies on the lawn, ice skating, bowling...those are some of the events I've participated in while I've been here). The merit scholarships they offer are good and I was able to get an athletic scholarship and private scholarships...so my freshmen year didn't cost me anything. Brescia is also the only private college I know of that offers a Comm Science and Disorders (Speech Pathology) undergrad degree. Their are several majors to choose from; Biology, Education, and Business seem to be popular. My main complaints, the caf food isn't the best! Also, my new dorm is great but the other dorms need upgrades.
Read 155 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
42% Acceptance Rate
$13,184 Net Price
1000-1260 SAT Range
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William & Mary
4 Year
Williamsburg, VA
Rating 3.63 out of 5 1,525 reviews
#24 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Junior: William & Mary is an amazing school, and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful peers, professors, and others who have made my experience so great. For people that don't want to go to very big school but also don't want to feel like everyone knows everyone, it's a great size. Additionally, it's a school with a very active student body that is both very caring and involved in trying to constantly better the W&M community. If you are someone who cares a lot about learning but also wants to make some amazing friends and live in an area with a lot of really interesting history, I definitely suggest looking into studying here! One of my favorite things about W&M is how many student groups, of all different types and sizes, exist on campus; I really do think that there's something for everyone. Furthermore, the vast majority of my professors have been fantastic and extremely dedicated to helping students succeed in their courses.
Read 1,525 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
38% Acceptance Rate
$18,551 Net Price
1320-1510 SAT Range
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Vassar College
4 Year
Poughkeepsie, NY
Rating 3.72 out of 5 636 reviews
#25 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
Freshman: Vassar College has an abundance of amazing partner programs for students coming to build up their careers in their specific fields of study. Some range from STEM-related studies while also focusing on international studies and Education. The courses are extremely challenging but there is so much support outside of class to help students with their assignments. A majority of the professors are very understanding of students situation and there is on-campus financial support for first-generation students. While Vassar is good for their partnerships programs and school- work tutoring and support, it seems that support for other necessities is lacking. It is extremely difficult to transfer credits over to Vassar and there is almost no help in the process. The system for registering for courses also needs improvement as it puts a majority of upperclassmen at a disadvantage and finally, there is a lack of social programs for students interested in STEM fields.
Read 636 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
24% Acceptance Rate
$24,811 Net Price
1370-1520 SAT Range
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University of Richmond
4 Year
University of Richmond, VA
Rating 3.88 out of 5 729 reviews
Sophomore: I am a rising sophomore. Overall, my freshman year was good, but not great. My expectations were too high. The truth is that college is completely what you make of it. At UR resources and opportunities are plentiful. Students must take the initiative in order to have a great college experience just like at any other university. The academics are challenging, but not overwhelming. One aspect that disappointed me was how dominating greek life is on campus and the VAST majority of frat bros/girls are rich white people who are very cliquey. (To ensure validity, this is coming from an upper-middle class white male not in a frat). I lost several close friends because they rushed frats and never hung out with me and my other friends every again... In summary, the social situation is not ideal, but you can still easily find your group of people and have a wonderful time! Other pros: the dining hall and gym are amazing and basketball games are hype! All campus workers are angels! Go Spiders!
Read 729 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
28% Acceptance Rate
$25,282 Net Price
1290-1460 SAT Range
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Sweet Briar College
4 Year
Sweet Briar, VA
Rating 3.54 out of 5 389 reviews
Alum: As an alum, Sweet Briar sisterhood is something I cherish the most. The school has a unique history and the ability to connect driven, confident women from all over the world. As a student at SBC, I was able to dip my toes into a variety of things... DIII student athlete, student life programs coordinator, Junior Year in France study abroad opportunity, and various science internships coordinated by our helpful alumna network!

Almost everyone has the ability to find their niche at Sweet Briar and create opportunities for academic and personal growth!
Read 389 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
79% Acceptance Rate
$25,859 Net Price
1010-1210 SAT Range
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South University - Virginia Beach
4 Year
Virginia Beach, VA
Rating 4.19 out of 5 112 reviews
Alum: I attended SU Virginia Beach for my graduate degree. The Admissions team was professional and supportive. The faculty and support staff were always available to assist me. Graduation was great!
Read 112 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$20,395 Net Price
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About 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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