Sanford’s Graduate Programs Top Ranked in 2025

Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy remains one of the nation’s top graduate schools in public affairs, according to U.S. News and World Report’s latest list of “Best Graduate Schools.”

Sanford ranks #6 in its core specialty, public policy analysis, which is considered the key indicator of quality Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs among schools of public policy.

Sanford also has top 10 rankings in Environmental Policy and Management and Health Policy and Management, which are available as MPP concentrations. Sanford ranks #3 in Environmental Policy and Management and #5 in Health Policy and Management. In addition, the school ranks #12 in Social Policy.

In all, Sanford offers seven MPP concentrations. Concentrations not included in the U.S. News ranking include education policy, international development, national security/foreign policy, and technology policy. Students in the MPP program can also choose a generalist public policy analysis program that maximizes Duke’s interdisciplinary, experiential education.  

Sanford offers the Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree, the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) degree, an executive Master of National Security Policy (MNSP) degree, and a number of dual degrees. Working with the Nicholas School for the Environment, Sanford also jointly offers the international Master of Environmental Policy (iMEP) degree.  

In June 2025, the school will welcome its new executive hybrid Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program.

Every Sanford program has a global perspective, faculty with high research productivity, and a strong alumni network around the world.

Sanford Interim Dean Manoj Mohanan emphasized the school's enduring commitment to addressing complex global issues through its graduate programs. "Sanford proudly carries forward Duke's long-standing tradition of leadership in public policy, preparing students with the rigorous analytical skills and practical experience needed to make a tangible difference in the world. Our mission is to foster insightful leaders dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities, and these rankings affirm the strength of our approach and the commitment of our world-renowned faculty and engaged students," Mohanan said.  

Vicki Bogan, director of graduate studies of the MPP program, noted that the rankings highlight the exceptional environment at Sanford. "These rankings underscore the quality and dedication of both our outstanding students and world-renowned faculty. Sanford provides a truly supportive and collaborative community where students gain not only a top-tier public policy education but also the flexibility to tailor their studies to their passions. We are focused on delivering an excellent student experience and are always eager to connect with prospective students seeking to join our dynamic learning environment," said Bogan.

The U.S. News rankings are based on opinion surveys of deans, directors, and department chairs at 271 schools of public affairs and administration nationwide. For specialty areas such as public policy analysis, the academics were asked to nominate up to 15 programs for excellence. The lists of schools, individuals surveyed, and names of specialty areas evaluated were provided by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), and by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM).

Note: Due to an error in assembling the list of schools to nominate, the latest specialty rankings are based on the nominations from the 2023 and 2024 survey, not the 2024 and 2025 survey used for the overall rankings. Therefore, the current public affairs specialty rankings are unchanged from the 2024 edition. Nominees for the specialty rankings were drawn from the 271 master's programs in public affairs and administration surveyed in fall 2023 and early 2024. The next release of Best Public Affairs Schools should include updates of both the overall and specialty rankings.