2026 Best Public Policy Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Public Policy master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 248 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Public Policy Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found Princeton University to be the best Public Policy school in the United States. Set in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Princeton University graduates 98% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Princeton University Public Policy students take on a median of $10,527 in debt. See the full Princeton University profile
Out of the 248 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Harvard University landed the #2 spot. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Typical Public Policy student debt is $16,616. Get the full Harvard University report
You'll be in good company at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #3 this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Public Policy program here. More on University Of California Berkeley
You'll be in good company at University Of Chicago, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. University Of Chicago Public Policy students take on a median of $17,492 in debt. Get the full University Of Chicago report
You'll be in good company at Duke University, which ranked #5 this year. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. Duke University posts a six-year graduation rate of 97%. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Read more about Duke University
Elizabethtown College did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $37,950. Students borrow a median of $26,599 to complete their Public Policy program here. More on Elizabethtown College
Georgetown University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Georgetown University Public Policy students take on a median of $16,483 in debt. More on Georgetown University
Brown University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Typical Public Policy student debt is $10,345. Get the full Brown University report
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report
George Washington University placed #10 among Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Public Policy program here. Get the full George Washington University report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $21,000. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Trinity College came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Trinity College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hartford, CT. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,770. Typical Public Policy student debt is $23,161. See the full Trinity College profile
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Public Policy program debt is $21,275. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Vanderbilt University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Public Policy program here. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
George Mason University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. George Mason University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. George Mason University Public Policy students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Get the full George Mason University report
College Of William And Mary landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. More on College Of William And Mary
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Public Policy students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
University Of Maryland College Park did well this year, earning the #19 position. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Washington University In St Louis landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
University Of California San Francisco placed #21 among Public Policy schools in the United States. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of California San Francisco is a public institution. More on University Of California San Francisco
Boston University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Boston University graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. The median Public Policy program debt is $25,232. Read the full report on Boston University
American University did well this year, earning the #23 position. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. American University posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. American University Public Policy students take on a median of $24,139 in debt. Read more about American University
University Of Southern California ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Public Policy schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Public Policy program here. Read more about University Of Southern California
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Public Policy student debt is $21,577. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rest of the Top 50 Best Public Policy Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Public Policy student debt is $20,031. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. About 69% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,331 in student loans. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
California Lutheran University did well this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Thousand Oaks, CA. California Lutheran University posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $52,560. The median Public Policy program debt is $22,727. More on California Lutheran University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus did well this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Public Policy program here. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #31 among Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. The median Public Policy program debt is $26,500. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Northern Iowa did well this year, earning the #32 position. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,635 to complete their Public Policy program here. More on University Of Northern Iowa
Temple University placed #33 among Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Temple University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. The median Public Policy program debt is $26,259. Read more about Temple University
University Of Utah came in at #34 in this year's ranking. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. University Of Utah graduates 65% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $20,798. Get the full University Of Utah report
University Of Delaware did well this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Newark, DE. About 82% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Public Policy program debt is $25,336. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus graduates 75% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Public Policy program here. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
University Of Houston ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Public Policy schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. University Of Houston posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Public Policy student debt is $21,255. More on University Of Houston
University Of Denver did well this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete their Public Policy program here. Read more about University Of Denver
Loyola University Chicago came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. The median Public Policy program debt is $23,521. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
Rutgers University Camden came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Rutgers University Camden is a public school based in Camden, NJ. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,764, while out-of-state students pay about $37,276. Graduates carry a median of $24,577 in student loans. Read the full report on Rutgers University Camden
Portland State University did well this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Portland State University graduates 53% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,475. Get the full Portland State University report
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Based in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus Public Policy students take on a median of $26,368 in debt. Read more about University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Dallas ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Public Policy schools. Set in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Dallas graduates 76% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $16,750. Read more about The University Of Texas At Dallas
Brigham Young University Provo placed #44 among Public Policy schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Brigham Young University Provo graduates 81% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Public Policy schools. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $17,000. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
Michigan State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Public Policy schools. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,337. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $22,341 in student loans. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Washington State University did well this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Washington State University graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Public Policy student debt is $21,903. More on Washington State University
University Of California Irvine did well this year, earning the #49 position. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical Public Policy student debt is $16,539. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Depaul University did well this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Public Policy program here. Get the full Depaul University report
Related Public Policy Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Public Policy Schools (All Levels)
- Best Public Policy Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Public Policy Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Public Policy Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Public Policy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Public Policy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Public Policy Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 248 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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