Rockefeller College Ranked Among Nation’s Best

US News Rankings

Rockefeller ranks in the top-25 for six public affairs specialties.

ALBANY, N.Y. — The University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy has once again been recognized as a national leader among public affairs colleges by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings, Rockefeller College ranks 28th in the nation overall, as well in the top-25 nationally for six public affairs specialties:

  • 5th in Information and Technology Management 
  • 7th in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • 17th in Nonprofit Management
  • 17th in Public Management and Leadership
  • 18th in Local Government Management
  • 22nd in Public Finance and Budgeting

Located in the heart of state government, Rockefeller College offers undergraduate- and graduate-level study in public administration, public policy, political science, international affairs, and criminal justice. As a public university, Rockefeller College offers affordable tuition, a nearly 100 percent career placement rate, and an unmatched combination of excellence and value. 

For 75 years, Rockefeller College has trained students to be problem solvers and tackle difficult administrative and policy problems in local, state, national, and global communities. The Centers and Institutes that are part of Rockefeller College conduct state-of-the-art research and policy analysis, improve the knowledge and skills of employees in public and nonprofit agencies through professional development, and work with government at all levels in the United States and abroad to strengthen democracy and promote effective governing. 

The rankings of public affairs programs, published in 2023, are based solely on peer assessment survey results. In fall 2022 and early 2023, U.S. News surveyed deans, directors, and department chairs representing 269 master's programs in public affairs and administration. Two surveys were sent to each school and there was a response rate of 60 percent. Rockefeller College has been recognized continually as one of the nation’s premier schools of public affairs since the inception of the U.S. News rankings 28 years ago.