The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) has risen to No. 31 in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings, moving up from No. 34 last year and continuing its upward trajectory in an increasingly competitive national field.
With over 260 programs now included in the rankings, the landscape of public affairs education has expanded significantly making year-over-year movement both more competitive and more meaningful.
“This is a step forward, and it reflects the direction we’ve been building toward,” said Dean Carissa Slotterback. “We’ve been intentional about how SPIA is evolving by strengthening our programs, expanding opportunities for students, and increasing leadership across our fields. It’s encouraging to see that progress reflected here.”
SPIA’s overall rise is complemented by national recognition across several key specializations, including:
- International Global Policy & Administration (#9, and #1 among public institutions for the third year in a row)
- Urban Policy (#21)
- Local Government Management (#25)
Together, these areas reflect SPIA’s strength across the full spectrum of public affairs—from global policy leadership to the systems and institutions that shape communities at the local level.
Since 2020, SPIA has continued to build momentum through interdisciplinary programs, expanded undergraduate pathways, and a strong emphasis on connecting classroom learning to real-world impact. Faculty expertise, student engagement, and alumni leadership across sectors continue to shape the school’s national profile.
"What’s especially meaningful is that this progress shows up through work that our students and faculty are doing both globally and within communities," Slotterback said. "That range is central to who we are as a school."
The ranking places SPIA among the nation’s leading public affairs programs and reflects a continued commitment to preparing students for complex challenges in public service, policy, and international affairs.
Learn more about graduate programs at the School of Public and International Affairs.