UIC Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics Shines in Latest U.S. News Rankings
Rankings 2025
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in public affairs education, with its Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics (PPMA) earning high marks in the recently released 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The department’s programs have been recognized across multiple specialties, showcasing its commitment to excellence in addressing urban challenges and advancing public administration.
Rankings Overview
UIC’s PPMA department achieved impressive placements in several categories:
#36 in Best Public Affairs Programs among 268 schools nationwide.
#6 in Urban Policy, underscoring its expertise in addressing the unique challenges of urban environments.
#8 in Public Finance and Budgeting, a testament to its strength in preparing graduates to manage fiscal sustainability.
#13 in Local Government Management, reflecting its focus on equipping students with practical skills to navigate governance complexities.
#33 in Public Management and Leadership, highlighting its emphasis on cultivating effective leaders.
Urban Policy Excellence
One of the standout achievements is UIC’s #6 ranking in Urban Policy, reaffirming its role as a thought leader in metropolitan governance. Situated in Chicago, the PPMA department, along with its fellow department of Urban Planning and Policy (UPP) in UIC’s College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA) leverages the city for the undergraduate majors in public policy and urban studies and for their seven urban focused graduate degrees. 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.
Public Finance and Budgeting Leadership
UIC’s #8 ranking in Public Finance and Budgeting reflects the PPMA department’s focus on preparing students to manage complex financial systems. With faculty expertise spanning fiscal policy and civic analytics, graduates are equipped to tackle pressing financial challenges facing governments and nonprofit organizations.
Local Governance Impact
The #13 ranking in Local Government Management highlights UIC’s dedication to fostering accountability and strategic leadership at the municipal level. The program emphasizes real-world applications, helping students bridge theory with practice through internships and partnerships with local agencies.
A Legacy of Excellence
The PPMA department’s consistent recognition stems from its rigorous curriculum, impactful research, and commitment to civic engagement. Faculty members are prolific contributors to scholarship ensuring students benefit from cutting-edge knowledge.
Deborah Carroll, PPMA department head, emphasized that these rankings reflect the many important contributions by our faculty and their influence on shaping resilient communities.
Looking Ahead
UIC CUPPA is highly respected among the top public affairs schools nationally, reflecting its interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex urban challenges. The college offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate degrees in Urban Studies and graduate programs spanning Public Administration (MPA/PhD), Public Policy (MPP), Civic Analytics (MSCA), City Design (MCD), and Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP/PhD). These programs are supported by seven research centers that advance knowledge in areas like government finance, transportation, economic development, race and policy, housing, and cities.
The PPMA department continues to attract students eager to make a difference in public affairs. With top-tier rankings across specialties and a dynamic urban setting, it remains a premier choice for those seeking impactful careers in public and nonprofit management.
As Stacey Swearingen White, dean of CUPPA, noted, ” We are very proud to be in the top 15 percent of public affairs programs; we are even prouder of the work our faculty, students, and alumni are doing to lead positive, compassionate, and sustainable action in cities across the world.”
UIC’s strong showing in the 2025 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.