Rockefeller Ranked Again Among Nation’s Top 25

US News Rockefeller College

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 30, 2021) — The University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy and the School of Criminal Justice have once again been recognized among the nation’s top graduate programs. Announced by U.S. News & World Report, Rockefeller is ranked 25th overall for best graduate program in public affairs and 5th nationally for best doctoral program in criminal justice.

Among public universities, Rockefeller College is the highest ranked public affairs college in the Northeast region and ranks in the top 20 nationally for six public affairs specialties:

  • 5th in Information and Technology Management
  • 11th in Homeland Security and Emergency Management 
  • 12th in Public Finance and Budgeting 
  • 14th in Nonprofit Management 
  • 17th in Public Management and Leadership
  • 19th in Local Government Management
  • 32nd in Public Policy Analysis

“We are very proud to be one of the 25 most respected public affairs programs in the country and to once again be the most highly ranked public affairs college at a public university in the Northeast,” said Dean R. Karl Rethemeyer. “With affordable tuition, a nearly 100 percent career placement rate, and four concentrations in the top 15 nationally, Rockefeller College provides an unparalleled combination of excellence and value for students beginning or accelerating a career in public affairs.”

The U.S. News rankings of public affairs programs, published in 2021, are based solely on peer assessment survey results. In fall 2020 and early 2021, U.S. News surveyed deans, directors, and department chairs representing 285 master's programs in public affairs and administration. Two surveys were sent to each school and there was a response rate of 63.6 percent. For the fall 2020 and early 2021 survey of doctoral programs in criminology and criminal justice, U.S. News sent each school three surveys. There were 42 schools surveyed in criminology and criminal justice and there was a 96 percent response rate.

For 26 years, the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's premier schools of public affairs. The College offers undergraduate- and graduate-level study in public administration, public policy, political science, international affairs, and criminal justice.