School of Public Affairs and Administration climbs in the rankings as nation’s top 20 public affairs programs
LAWRENCE - The University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration climbed among the nation’s leading graduate public affairs programs. KU SPAA is ranked No. 20 overall in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings. This marks a significant seven-spot jump in one year.
The School continues to be recognized for its long-standing commitment to public service education, ranking highly in local government (No. 3), public management and leadership (No. 11), public budgeting and finance (No. 16), and, returning to SPAA’s rankings this year, urban policy (No. 19). We are proud to see the school’s wide-ranging contributions to the field of public affairs recognized among these specialties and the overall rankings.
Alumni leadership is critical to the continued success of the MPA program and to the School of Public Affairs and Administration. Recently, the Kansas University City Managers and Trainees (KUCIMATs) received the KU Alumni Association’s Catalyst for Connection Award, which recognizes groups that engage alumni, support students and build strong community connections.
KU SPAA is excited to host A Day with ICMA on Sept. 16 at the KU Memorial Union in Lawrence. The event, presented by the International City/County Management Association, will bring ICMA leadership and practitioners together to discuss evolving challenges in local governance. On August 21, 2026, the KU Public Management Center will host the annual Inspiring Women in Public Administration Conference, bringing women together for a day of inspiration, rejuvenation, and camaraderie.
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, consulting, and coaching services for public service leaders in the Midwest.
In 2025, SPAA marked several milestones, including securing more than $1.1 million to support critical research to inform public policy, administration, and urban planning, and serving more than 500 learners through professional development programs offered by the KU Public Management Center.