KU #1 in Latest Local Government Management MPA Program Rankings

Continuing Its Legacy of Excellence: KU SPAA Reaffirms Its Status as the Premier Choice for Local Government Management Education

The KU School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) proudly announces its continuation as the nation’s premier institution for Local Government Management, according to the latest rankings by the U.S. News and World Report (USNWR). This remarkable achievement marks over two decades of excellence in shaping leaders for the public sector.

This accomplishment not only reflects the dedication of our esteemed faculty but also the unwavering commitment of our alumni, who continue to make significant contributions to communities across the globe. As we celebrate this milestone, we also reflect on the recent visit from the National League of Cities to recognize the organization’s 100th anniversary of being founded on the KU Campus. The proximity of this celebration with our own MPA program turning 75 in 2025 underscores the School’s rich history of fostering public service and local governance. 

SPAA’s dedication to continuing excellence in public affairs is evident as we welcome admissions for fall 2024 for the new Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. This accessible professional degree will allow SPAA to educate more public servants, enabling us to meet our students where they are and accommodate working professionals and those with various commitments that may make traditional classroom settings inaccessible.

In addition to our top ranking in Local Government Management, SPAA is #11 in Public Management and Leadership, #19 in Public Finance and Budgeting, and #26 in the overall best Public Affairs/Administration category. These rankings are further testament to the exceptional quality of education and research offered by our School.

For more information about our programs and faculty, please visit spaa.ku.edu.

About the School of Public Affairs and Administration

The mission of the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas is to educate exceptional leaders for public service who provide solutions to the most pressing community challenges at all levels of governance. With roots in local government management and urban policy, we advance the public good, democratic values, and ethical public management practices.

The School of Public Affairs and Administration offers undergraduate degrees, master of public administration, master of urban planning, and Ph.D. in public administration.

SPAA is also home to the Public Management Center (PMC) which offers professional education and consulting services for public service leaders in the Midwest.