Top Public Policy Programs to Study in USA

America is a prime destination for students who wish to pursue higher education. In recent years, with the turn of events in global politics, the growing impact of globalization, and COVID-19, there has been a keen interest amongst students to study Public Policy. You may have heard the quote, “Wishful thinking is not sound public policy.” But, have you ever wondered about what public policy is? Well, Public Policy is a set of laws, rules, regulations, and actions brought out by the government to achieve social and economic goals.

As America is a superpower that provides a great avenue for public policy, the majority of students wish to study in USA. Studying public policy equips you with the knowledge to address critical issues in society and come up with positive changes. It enhances your critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. The USA not only has top-notch infrastructure and education, but it also gives students access to some of the best universities with a holistic environment for studying Public Policy. 

Since Public Policy is a subject that has gained popularity recently, you might need to do a bit more research about the universities in America that offer the course. However, if you wish to gain easier access to such information, you should seek advice from study abroad consultants.

For your convenience, in this blog, we have also curated a list of the leading universities in the USA that have Public Policy programs. 

1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Set amidst the picturesque city of Berkeley, the Goldman School of Public Policy was built in 1969. It is a part of the 14 schools and colleges at the University of California which has been ranked 1st among the universities in the USA for ‘Public Policy Analysis’ as per the US News and World Reports, 2025. Students that get admission here, have an average SAT score between 1310 and 1530 or an average ACT score of 30-35.

UC Berkeley’s admissions are extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 11%. This makes the role of writing a well-prepared SOP extremely important. Your SOP should demonstrate your motivation to study Public Policy at UC Berkeley. To write coherently, get in touch with study abroad consultants dealing with SOP writing services.

You can enroll in their undergraduate, Master, and PhD programs for Public Policy, which are:

• Public Policy Minor
• Public Policy International Affairs 
• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Public Affairs
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

These courses have been framed to train students with practical and applied dimensions of policy-making and implementation. It will familiarize you with the legal analysis of public policy and the role of courts and administrative law. This will further enhance your understanding of political institutions and processes.

Your financial hassles can be removed by availing of a scholarship amount of $2 million given by the Cal Alumni Association annually for undergraduate students of UC Berkeley. Apart from this, the university also awards a limited number of merit and need-based scholarships every year.

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Semester-  Early September to mid-December

b) Spring Semester- Early January to mid-May

c) Summer Semester- End of May to End of July

University Website–

• https://gspp.berkeley.edu/programs/masters-of-public-policy-mpp
• https://gspp.berkeley.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs#:~:text=The%20Goldman%20School%20offers%20two,(PPIA)%20Junior%20Summer%20Institute
• https://grad.berkeley.edu/program/public-policy/

5. Indiana University- Bloomington

Located in Bloomington, the Indiana University was founded in the year 1820. It has been called a Public Ivy university. Its student-faculty ratio is 18:1. It has quite a massive acceptance rate of 80%. To study here, you should get a high school GPA of 3.8, an ACT score between 27 and 32 and a SAT score between 1170-1400.

Being the first among the many, the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs under Indiana University was the first school to combine public management, policy, and administration with environmental sciences. It is the largest and highest ranked school for public policy and environmental studies in US. It teaches the following courses on Public Policy:

• Public Policy Analysis Major
• Major in Law and Public Policy
• PhD in Public Policy

These courses emphasise on how as a business expands, it is constantly regulated by government rules, regulations and policies. This leads to a bigger role being played by business economics and public policy analysis in managerial decision making in US and overseas. By studying this, students will learn about applying micro and macroeconomics while analyzing effect of governmental policies on the business environment. It also teaches about how legal institutions and leaders shape public policy. As a student, you will understand the aspects of public problems and their effects on citizens and institutions.

The Greg Lindsey Academic Scholarship supports undergraduate or graduate O’Neill students who have atleast obtained a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Apart from this, the O’Neill Alumni Association sponsors $1000 scholarships to its current students of undergraduate and graduate courses who have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Academic Calendar–

a) Spring Term- mid-December to Early May

b) Summer Term- Early May to End of July

c) Fall Term- End of July to mid-December                 

University Website–

• https://policyinstitute.iu.edu/index.html
• https://oneill.indiana.edu/doctoral/degrees/public-policy.html
• https://oneill.indiana.edu/undergraduate/degrees-majors/law-public-policy.html
• https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/undergrad/academics/majors-minors-certificates/public-policy-analysis-curriculum.html

6. Duke University

Moving ahead, the next university we wll focus upon is where the Apple CEO Tim Cook went to study, which is the Duke University. Established in 1838, it is situated in Durham, North Carolina, US. Among the National Universities in America, it stands at the 6th position according to the U.S.News and World Reports. Its acceptance rate is 6% and student-faculty ratio is 5:1. You need to obtain a SAT score between 1520 and 1570 and an ACT score between 34 and 35, if you wish to be a part of Duke University.

As per the US News, the university’s Public Policy Analysis program is at the 6th position in America. It offers the following academic degrees on public policy:

• Public Policy Major
• Master of Public Policy
• PhD in Public Policy

The courses mentioned above pay a great deal of attention on topics like education, social policy, health and population, international development, environment and energy, civil society, global governance and security, civil society, leadership and ethics. You will get to study other disciplines as well like economics, sociology, psychology and political science. It will equip students with the knowledge needed to lead people and organizations and build a strong base for decision-making in the public domain. 

It has been found out that almost 50% of Duke students benefit from the need-based, atheletic and merit-based scholarships. The Angier B. Duke Memorial Scholarship is given to students with excellent academic record while the Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship is awarded to students involved in community service.

Academic Calendar–

a) Summer Term- mid-May to End of June

b) Fall Term- mid-August to mid-December

c) Spring Term- Early January to Early May                              

University Website–

• https://sanford.duke.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/
• https://sanford.duke.edu/academics/masters-programs/master-public-policy/
• https://sanford.duke.edu/academics/doctoral-program/

7. Syracuse University

Nestled in Syracuse, a city which receives high snowfall in US, the Syracuse University has been ranked 7th for its Public Policy Analysis program as per the US News 2025. Built in the year 1924, this university has a higher acceptance rate of 42%. To seek admission here, a student must get a high school GPA of 3.8, a SAT score between 1260 and 1430 and an ACT score between 28 and 32. It has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1.

Policy Studies B.A. is taught by the university’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. It has been recognized as one of the world’s best graduate schools of public affairs. The course focuses on the process of policymaking, and how it effects people and communities. As part of the coursework, students need to complete a research project for a government agency or organization. Studying this program will open the doorway for a successful career in the fields of law and government, social justice and advocacy.

Recognized for their academic, leadership and service contributions, the Syracuse students are given several scholarships. The Bill Coplin Policy Studies Scholarship are given to students pusruing a major in policy studies. Another popular scholarship initiative offered by this university is the Renee Crown University Honors Program for meritorious students, in which you will get the chance to work with a faculty member and work upon a honors thesis.

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- End of August to mid-December

b) Winterlude- mid-December to Early January

c) Spring Term- Early January to Early May

d) Summer Term- Early May to Early August

University Website– https://www.syracuse.edu/academics/programs/policy-studies-public-affairs/

8. Carnegie Mellon University

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, the Carnegie Mellon University was established in 1900. Among National Universities in the US, it is at the 21st position. With a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, it becomes easier for students to interact with their professors. To study here, you must achieve a high school GPA of 3.9. Your SAT score should be between 1500 and 1570 and ACT score between 34 and 25. It has an acceptance rate of 11%. 

It is ranked 8th in the US News and World Reports, among the best programs for Public Policy analysis. The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy under the Carnegie Mellon University offers the following academic programs:

• Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM) course. It is available through four distinct ways– the flagship 2 year and three semesters program in Pittsburgh or through the Data Analytics in Public Policy course at Washington D.C. 
• PhD in Public Policy and Management
• PhD in Economics and Public Policy
• PhD in Statistics and Public Policy

It teaches about the various policy issues and how people, policy and technology are interrelated. It is designed for students who wish to analyze, affect and implement policy solutions that bring meaningful changes in the society.

To support its students in their academic endeavor, the Carnegie Mellon University provides the Carnegie Scholarship to qualified incoming first-year students who perform well in arts and academics and belong to middle income families. If you maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0, then the scholarship will be renewed for 8 semesters of undergraduate studies.

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- End of August to mid-December

b) Spring Term- Early January to End of April

c) Summer Term- Early May to End of August

University Website– https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/programs/public-policy-management-master/

9. Princeton University

Topping the list of ‘Best Value Schools’ in America, the Princeton University was founded in 1746. It is situated in New Jersey, and is the fourth oldest educational institution in the US. Its student-faculty ratio is 5:1, which facilitates easier understanding among students. If your wish is to be a Princeton student, then your high school GPA should be 3.9, your SAT score should be between 1500 and 1580 and ACT score between 34 and 35.

Getting admission into Princeton is less likely with a low acceptance rate of just 4%. Its better that students focus upon their SOP writing to ensure that they get selected. To enhance your SOP, get in touch with study abroad consultants having a team of professional SOP writers, or online SOP writers who are pioneers in providing SOP writing services.

Its Princeton School of Public and International Affairs built in 1930, teaches public policy. Their Public Policy Analysis program stands at the 9th position in US. It offers a course on Masters in Public Policy is a one-year course meant for mid-career professionals who have worked over 7 years in international and domestic public policy. It is a residential program which provides rigorous training in quantitative and policy analysis. It will teach topics like human rights, poverty, inequality, international trade, national security, defense policy, diplomacy, immigration policy, social entrepreneurship, innovation, and many more.

Making education more feasible, the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs provides financial support to its students. Tuition fees and stipend are take care by the school in form of grants, making the Masters in Public Policy a fully-funded program at Princeton University.

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- Early September to Late December

b) Spring Term- Late January to Late May

University Website– https://spia.princeton.edu/graduate-admissions/master-public-policy

10. Georgetown University

Situated in the capital city, Washington, the Georgetown University was founded in the year, 1789. Its acceptance rate is 13% and student-faculty ratio is 11:1. For a student to get admitted here, s/he needs to achieve an ACT score between 32 and 34 and a SAT score between 1390 and 1550. 

McCourt School of Public Policy which is one of the schools under the Georgetown University teaches the following courses on public policy:

• Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy combies the university’s liberal arts education alongwith training in skills required to work in government, nonprofits or the private sector.
• Master of Public Policy (MPP) teaches a set of core skills in economics, quantitative methods, management and politics. 
• Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy (MS-DSPP) equips students with cutting-edge computational, analytical and governance skills.
• Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) is STEM- certfied and teaches about politics, management and development ethics.
• Master in Public Policy/ Master in Science in Sustainability and Social Innovation (MPP/SASI) is a mid-career degree designed for individuals who have had a work experience of over 5 years, teaching them essential management and analytical skills required to address pressing policy challenges. It has both full-time and part-time options. 
• Part-time Master of Public Policy is tailored for professionals with a decade-long experience to deal with policymaking. It focuses upon developing analytical, leadership and advocacy skills needed to address real-world challenges within and outside your organisation.

All these programs stand at the 10th position in America in the list of degrees for public policy analysis, as per the US News and World Reports, 2025. 

To ensure you dream to study public policy is achieved, the Georgetown University awards its students with various scholarships like:

• Pablo Eisenberg Public Interest Fellowship for upto 2 years is given to students of McCourt School of Public Policy who have demonstrated leadership skills in fighting for social and economic justice through their academic, volunteer and work experiences.
• Open to all McCourt School’s incoming students, the Fogel Scholarship consists of up to $25,000 and a semester-long research internship at the American Enterprise Institute alongwith a stipend of $3000. 

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Term- End of August to mid-December

b) Spring Term- Early January to Early May

c) Summer Term- mid-May to mid-August

University Website– https://mccourt.georgetown.edu/programs/

Admission Requirements for Studying Public Policy in USA

While there might be a slight difference in the admission procedure for various universities in America, there are certain common admission requirements across all universities for Public Policy.

These are:

• A high school diploma showing that you have completed your higher secondary school with good marks.
• Transcripts showing the marks you have obtained in your previous academic program.
• GRE/GMAT scores are used to assess your thinking, reasoning and analytical skills.
• English Language Proficiency in tests like IELTS/ TOEFL/PTE to show whether you can adapt in an educational setup where the medium of instruction is English.
• LOR (Letters of Recommendation) are needed by the university to check whether you as a student are a perfect fit for the program or not. You should ensure that your LORs are written in a way that bring out your best qualities and act as a proof of your credibility as a student. Seek professional help from study abroad consultants having a dedicated team for SOP and LOR writers.
• SOP (Statement of Purpose) forms an integral part of your college application. It is a document which presents your thoughts, idead, skills, interests, academic and professional history, reasons for choosing a course in Public Policy and an university and future goals in front of the admission and Visa officials. To write in the best possible way as per the instructed guidelines, consult professional SOP writers or online SOP writers best known for their SOP writing service.
• Essays might be needed by certain universities incase you are applying to a specific program which has limited no. of seats or if you wish to secure a scholarship or a fellowship. It should be composed in a manner which shows your genuine interest to study in USA, a Public Policy program.
• Video Interview- An online or in-person interview might be taken to assess your personality, speaking and communication skills and whether you deserve to study Public Policy in the US or not.

Conclusion

With the growing impact of globalization and international politics on major economic and social sysytems of the world, the interest for studying public policy has increased. USA being a superpower plays a major role in how the policy decisions are implemented throughout the world. Being a country with the largest economy, USA remains a top choice for students who wish to pursue higher studies. Recently, with a growing enthusiasm among students to understand public policy, their wish is to study in USA. 

Having the leading universities in the world which offer the best courses for public policy, makes USA a favourable destination for studying public policy. By studying public policy in America, students get a chance at having a better future. Earning a degree in Public Policy from a recognized US university improves their credibility and increases their chances of getting a job with a high salary. You get to work in various fields like education, law, government, civil societies and non-profit organizations.