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Top 50 Public Policy Schools 2024 - for a career in public policy and impact- by Global Governance Initiative



Today, we unveil Global Governance Initiative list of Top 50 Public Policy Programs, revealing the 50 best policy schools around the world to help you get ahead in your career.

A Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) or equivalent is a pivotal investment in shaping your high-impact career. 


Top institutions like Harvard Kennedy and Tufts’ Fletcher School not only offer rigorous academic training but also provide global networks and career acceleration in public policy. 


While fees can range from ₹25 lakh in Indian institutions to over ₹1 crore in international programs, these degrees often yield substantial returns in earnings, career growth, and long-term influence.


The 2024 Global Public Policy Rankings by Global Governance Initiative- present a detailed look at the world’s leading MPP programs, assessed based on critical metrics like Return on Investment (ROI), Alumni Strength, Diversity, and Employability. These rankings will you in choosing programs that will align with your professional and financial aspirations.


Methodology and Key Metrics


Our rankings use a weighted scoring system to highlight each program’s strengths across essential metrics:


  • Return on Investment (ROI) (30%): Measures financial gain compared to tuition fees.

  • Alumni Strength (10%): Indicates program influence through strong networks.

  • Diversity (10%): Includes gender and international diversity for a well-rounded learning environment.

  • Median Salary (PPP adjusted) (30%): Adjusts earnings to local purchasing power.

  • Employability (20%): Focuses on high-quality career placements in policy-and social impact relevant roles.


With this, our objective is to sharply focus on pragmatic knowledge and high ROI which emphasize GGI's commitment to practical skills that truly prepare professionals for impactful roles in policy and society. 


TOP 50 GLOBAL POLICY SCHOOL RANKINGS (2024)



  1. The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (USA): “Empowering students to navigate complexities in international affairs, business, and law with it's MALD and MIB program” Stood out for: Top 5 in ROI, median salary, and international diversity. See alumni to connect

  2. Department of Business Economics and Public Policy, The Wharton School (USA): “Faculty have held presidential appointments, managed corporations, and led research in policy and economics.” Stood out for: Top 5 for median salary and alumni strength. See alumni to connect

  3. Harvard Kennedy School (USA): “Dedicated to improving public policy and leadership for a just and prosperous society.” Stood out for: High median salary and alumni strength. See alumni to connect

  4. Texas A&M University - The Bush School of Government and Public Service (USA): “Preparing principled leaders for service and shaping policy through research and practical application.” Stood out for: Top program for ROI and alumni network strength. See alumni to connect

  5. Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) (USA): “Advancing social science research and training through quantitative methods.” Stood out for: Academic rigor and ROI. See alumni to connect

  6. Public Policy Program at Indian School of Business (India): “A comprehensive program combining policy, management, and governance.” Stood out for: High ROI and diversity. See alumni to connect

  7. Mathematica Policy Research, Princeton (USA): “Delivering evidence-based research to influence public policy.” Stood out for: Strong research output. See alumni to connect

  8. Public Policy Program at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (India) : “Integrating management with public policy to prepare future leaders.” Stood out for: High ROI and alumni strength in Asia. See alumni to connect

  9. The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary (Canada): “Focused on shaping innovative policy leaders for complex issues.” Stood out for: ROI and employability in Canada. See alumni to connect

  10. USC Sol Price School of Public Policy (USA): “Bridging academia and real-world policy application for societal impact.” Stood out for: Alumni network and practical experience. See alumni to connect

  11. Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Brown University (USA): “Promoting interdisciplinary approaches to global policy challenges.” Stood out for: Research and interdisciplinary learning. See alumni to connect

  12. Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy f Public Policy (USA): “Equipping policy leaders to address issues with rigor and compassion.” Stood out for: ROI and faculty expertise. See alumni to connect

  13. George Mason University - Schar School of Policy and Government (USA): “Preparing leaders for public service with a policy and government focus.” Stood out for: Alumni feedback and public service orientation. See alumni to connect

  14. UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs (USA) “Integrating urban planning, social welfare, and policy for community impact.” Stood out for: High employability and diversity. See alumni to connect

  15. University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy (USA): “Training future policy leaders with analytical and strategic skills.” Stood out for: High academic standards and alumni network. See alumni to connect

  16. UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) (USA): “Focusing on international policy with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region.” Stood out for: International diversity and global approach. See alumni to connect

  17. Équipe de Recherche sur l'Utilisation des Données Individuelles, Université Paris-Est (France) “Conducting impactful research across health, society, and environment domains.” Stood out for: Research excellence in Europe. 

  18. Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy (USA): “Developing data-driven policy solutions for real-world challenges.” Stood out for: Strong employability and alumni network in policy. See alumni to connect

  19. University of Michigan - Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy (USA): “Preparing leaders with a rigorous, values-based policy education.” Stood out for: Alumni strength and ROI. See alumni to connect

  20. National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (Japan): “Focused on policy research to influence Asian and global policy.” Stood out for: ROI and regional influence in Asia. See alumni to connect

  21. ASU School of Public Affairs (USA) “Preparing innovative policy leaders to drive positive change in society.” Stood out for: High ROI and accessible tuition. See alumni to connect

  22. University of Maryland School of Public Policy (USA) “Integrating rigorous academic learning with practical policy experience.” Stood out for: Employability and strong government connections. See alumni to connect

  23. CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) (Belgium) “Leading European think tank providing high-quality research and solutions.” Stood out for: European policy focus and influential research output. See alumni to connect

  24. Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo (Japan): “A globally recognized program known for fostering public policy expertise.” Stood out for: High international diversity and Asia-focused policy training. See alumni to connect

  25. Ashoka University (India): “Promoting interdisciplinary approaches to public policy with a focus on social impact.” Stood out for: Alumni network and focus on social entrepreneurship in India. See alumni to connect

  26. Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago (USA): “Advancing policy analysis with data-driven insights and research.” Stood out for: Research-driven curriculum and high employability. See alumni to connect

  27. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai (India) “A leading program in social policy, sustainable development, and governance.” Stood out for: ROI and social impact focus in India. See alumni to connect

  28. Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP), Japan (Japan) “Offering specialized training in international public policy for global roles.” Stood out for: International approach and Asia-centric policy studies. 

  29. Azim Premji University  (India) “Focused on public policy education to tackle India's unique policy challenges.” Stood out for: High ROI and emphasis on sustainable development. See alumni to connect

  30. O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) (India) “Integrating law, policy, and governance for comprehensive policy training.” Stood out for: Interdisciplinary approach and strong alumni network. See alumni to connect

  31. Centre of Policy Studies and Impact Project, Monash University (Australia) “Providing high-impact research for evidence-based policy development.” Stood out for: Strong policy research output in Australia. See alumni to connect

  32. Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy  (USA) “Combining data analytics with policy for tech-driven solutions.” Stood out for: High employability and tech-policy integration. See alumni to connect

  33. La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison (USA) “Developing policy leaders with practical skills and research insights.” Stood out for: High alumni satisfaction and policy application. See alumni to connect

  34. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore) “Developing leaders who bridge Asia and the world with pragmatic solutions.” Stood out for: High ROI in Asia and strong global reputation. See alumni to connect

  35. Martin School of Public Policy and Administration tion (USA) “Preparing students to drive impactful change through rigorous policy training.” Stood out for: ROI and strong faculty connections in the U.S. See alumni to connect

  36. University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy (USA) “Shaping leaders in public policy with an emphasis on ethical decision-making.” Stood out for: Strong ethical focus and alumni network. See alumni to connect

  37. Centre d'Études des Politiques Économiques (ERUDITE), Université Paris-Est (France) “Combining research in economics and policy to address societal challenges.” Stood out for: Research-driven policy insights in Europe. 

  38. Columbia | SIPA (USA) : “Preparing students to tackle global policy challenges with an interdisciplinary approach.” Stood out for: Alumni network and strong connections in international policy. See alumni to connect

  39. Experimental Economics Center (ExCEN), Georgia State University (USA) “Leveraging experimental economics to enhance policy insights and solutions.” Stood out for: Applied policy research and unique economic focus. See alumni to connect

  40. Georgia State University - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (USA): “Preparing students to address complex policy issues with data and research.” Stood out for: High ROI and strong research orientation. See alumni to connect

  41. Cornell University: Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy (USA) “Combining policy analysis and practical experience to develop effective leaders.” Stood out for: High academic standards and strong alumni network. See alumni to connect

  42. Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University (Australia) “Focused on research and policy in the Asia-Pacific region.” Stood out for: Asia-Pacific expertise and research focus. See alumni to connect

  43. Economic Analysis & Policy Group, Walter A. University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business (USA): “Blending economics with public policy to solve real-world challenges.” Stood out for: Strong employability and applied policy focus. See alumni to connect

  44. Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University (USA): “Conducting interdisciplinary research on critical public policy issues.” Stood out for: Research focus and strong Midwest presence in policy. See alumni to connect

  45. Centre de Recherche en Économie (OFCE), Sciences Po (France) “Promoting economic research to inform policy in Europe and beyond.” Stood out for: Research excellence and European policy insights. See alumni to connect

  46. Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (USA): “Integrating economics and policy research to tackle global issues.” Stood out for: High employability and innovation in economic policy. See alumni to connect

  47. Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, Stanford University (USA) “Focused on policy research and leadership on global political issues.” Stood out for: High academic standards and strong policy influence. See alumni to connect

  48. International Center for Public Policy at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (USA) “Advancing public policy through global research collaborations.” Stood out for: Applied economics and policy focus. See alumni to connect

  49. DIW Berlin - German Institute for Economic Research (Germany): “Providing data-backed policy insights to address European economic challenges.” Stood out for: High impact in economic policy research. See alumni to connect

  50. Hoover Institution, Stanford University (USA): “A research institution dedicated to the advanced study of domestic and international affairs.” Stood out for: Strong legacy in policy research and thought leadership. See alumni to connect



Why an MPP?


A Public Policy degree does more than prepare you for a single job; it builds a career foundation adaptable to government, NGOs, corporate governance, and international affairs. Today’s top MPP programs offer:


  • Immediate Impact: Practical skills and immersive policy labs for on-the-ground change.

  • Future Flexibility: Alumni networks and resources to support shifts in career focus.

  • Global Connections: Classes and faculty that cross borders, connecting you with policy issues worldwide.



Top 50 Policy and International Affairs Programs Overview


While all schools have their strengths, the objective of the Global Governance Initiative 2024 Global MPP Rankings is to simplify the decision-making process for young professionals. Our rankings declutter information, providing a practical approach to choosing degrees that truly deliver value in today’s public policy landscape.


Global Governance Initiative 2024 Global MPP Rankings include top 50 global programs that have consistently demonstrated excellence in producing policy experts- each distinguished by its contributions to public policy, multidisciplinary training, and diversity. 

Institutions like Texas A&M’s Bush School lead in ROI, while Harvard’s Kennedy School offers unparalleled networks and high earning potential. 


Programs in Asia-Pacific and Europe, such as the University of Tokyo and Université Paris-Est, highlight regional strengths with growing international diversity and research impact.


Conclusion :

As the demand for skilled policy experts grows globally, Public Policy programs are stepping up to deliver robust educational experiences with strong ROI and high employability. The 2024 Global Public Policy School Rankings provide prospective students with the insights needed to make informed choices aligned with career aspirations and financial goals.

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