CUPPA, PPMA reach new heights, ranking 5th nationally for urban policy
US News and World Report Rankings 2026
US News and World Report Rankings 2026
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) rose a spot to rank No. 5 in the latest US News and World Report’s Urban Policy specialty rank. The latest rankings were released on April 7.
This year’s rankings demonstrate the college’s commitment to engaged teaching and research including data-driven decision-making, innovative community partnerships, and research emphasizing improved government management and performance, access to services, advocacy for underserved communities, and economic opportunity in distressed neighborhoods. With over 500 combined undergraduate and graduate students, the college continues to solidify its reputation across its departments of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics (PPMA), and Urban Planning and Policy.
”We are very proud to be in the top 15 percent of public affairs programs,” said Stacey Swearingen White, dean of UIC CUPPA. “These rankings affirm the strength of our degrees and the deep engagement of our faculty and students with the challenges facing cities today. At CUPPA, we draw on UIC’s mission as Chicago’s urban public research university to prepare leaders who advance justice, sustainability, and opportunity.”
UIC CUPPA Rankings Overview
#5 in Urban Policy, a one-point rise from 2025, underscoring the college’s research and curricular expertise in addressing the unique challenges of urban environments,
#8 in Local Government Management, a rise of five points from 2025, reflecting the PPMA Department’s focus on equipping students with practical skills to navigate governance complexities across cities,
#14 in Public Finance and Budgeting, a testament to strength in research and preparing graduates to manage fiscal sustainability,
#20 in Nonprofit Management, the newest category to be ranked this year by US News,
#30 in Public Management and Leadership, a rise of three points from 2025, highlighting emphasis on cultivating effective leaders,
#36 in Best Public Affairs Programs among 268 schools nationwide.
“These rankings reflect the hard work and dedication of our faculty, and the transformative impact our graduates have on local communities throughout Chicago and the state of Illinois,” said Kelly LeRoux, professor and head of PPMA. “Our faculty are committed to bringing the state of the art into the classroom and ensuring that students leave equipped with the tools and problem-solving capacities not just to govern today, but for the public service of the future.”
LeRoux pointed out this year’s newest category to be ranked, Nonprofit Management. “I’ve long believed us to be a center of excellence for nonprofit education, and am thrilled to see that recognition by our peers now as well. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead.”
The Nonprofit Management minor for undergraduates at UIC and the specialization within the Master of Public Administration graduate degree provide the theory, history, management, and fundraising, and financial management of nonprofit organizations. Students examine the relationships between nonprofit organizations and government, intergovernmental and inter-sectoral relations, advocacy, lobbying, and nonprofit budgeting for government contracts and grants.
The PPMA Department also highlights research on civic and urban leadership, fiscal and financial management, public finance, local government management, and public management and leadership.
CUPPA leverages its home, the city of Chicago, for undergraduate majors in public policy and urban studies, six urban themed minors, and seven urban focused graduate degrees. All students gain firsthand experience addressing issues such as public management, public finance, nonprofits, housing, transportation, and economic development, making UIC a hub for innovative urban solutions. These CUPPA programs are supported by seven research centers that advance knowledge in areas like government finance, transportation, economic development, race and policy, housing, and cities.
“We are proudest of the work our faculty, students, and alumni are doing to lead positive, compassionate, and sustainable action in cities across the world, Dean Swearingen White said. “CUPPA continues to strengthen its reputation for interdisciplinary work connecting policy, planning, and public service to real-world urban solutions.”
UIC’s strong showing in the 2026 rankings underscores its role as a national leader in public affairs education—preparing students not only to meet today’s challenges but also to shape tomorrow’s solutions.