### SUMMARY

 Going to school for Public Policy Analysis is a valuable choice and usually an obligatory first step for students hoping to pursue a career as a public policy analyst, a reporter, or a coordinator of public affairs. Interestingly, public policy analysis is a very rare major being the 142nd most popular area of study. In the last year, there were 2,308 public policy analysis graduates. In-state tuition for public policy analysis at private colleges is, on average, 3.9 times more pricey than their public peers.

 With just 93 institutions offering public policy analysis you may have a more finite list of the institutions that will have an option for you. If you're looking to immerse yourself with other public policy analysis undergraduates, consider looking at institutions in North Carolina which have more students admitted to public policy analysis than any other state. less precisely, the top region to pursue public policy analysis is in the Southeast region with [Duke University](/colleges/duke-university), [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill), and [University of Virginia-Main Campus](/colleges/university-of-virginia-main-campus) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the best conference to study public policy analysis is the Atlantic Coast Conference with [Duke University](/colleges/duke-university), [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill), and [University of Virginia-Main Campus](/colleges/university-of-virginia-main-campus) representing the conference. Based on our extensive list on the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our belief is that the best college for public policy analysis is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university).

 The objectively best school does not mean it is the 'best' school for you. There might be tons more angels to weigh when deciding on institution. Things like campus amenities, transportation services, and food might definitely impact one's inclinations on which college to attend. Here at authority.org, we have examined the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you want to know which public policy analysis college boasts the best campus, the answer is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). If, for example, you are mostly interested in which college has the top campus, we have a whole list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through professor reviews, government databases, student reviews, and more to compare every U.S. major in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can find our comprehensive list for the colleges with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand from that list, our pick of the college with the best student life for public policy analysis is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). Curious why? Continue scrolling to find out more about our top choices. Some of our conclusions just might surprise you.

 If price is a primary deciding factor in your decisions, you might be cautious about [University of Chicago](/colleges/university-of-chicago). [University of Chicago](/colleges/university-of-chicago)&nbspis the most expensive school for public policy analysis, at least for out of state attendance. We have an entire list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspuniversities that might put the cost of [University of Chicago](/colleges/university-of-chicago)&nbspinto perspective. You may also be interested to know that public policy analysis is the 55th most expensive program in America, with an average cost of $47,800. On a broader scale, the most expensive state for public policy analysis in the country is Massachusetts with costs at the main university, Brandeis University, of $55,340. To zoom out even further, the most expensive region for public policy analysis is unfortunately unavailable due to missing data.

 Our cheapest region for public policy analysis is the Southeast region which is represented by [Georgia State University](/colleges/georgia-state-university) with a cost of $22,389, [University of Mississippi](/colleges/university-of-mississippi) with a cost of $24,990, and [Regent University](/colleges/regent-university) with a cost of $17,220. On the bright side, the most affordable college for public policy analysis is [Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix](/colleges/arizona-state-university-downtown-phoenix). Authority.org's comprehensive list of the most affordable schools can be found [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state attendees can expect to pay around $13,000 for a degree in public policy analysis. That price swells significantly to a median of $33,400 for an out-of-state public-school undergraduate. On that note, our selection for the college constituting the best value for public policy analysis: [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). Through this link you can see our comprehensive list about the colleges we see as being the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. That being said, this section is based on being an out-of-state student. The value proposition changes when in-state tuition is considered, as such, we are using out-of-state tuition as the baseline.

 Earnings for public policy analysis students can vary, but two-years after completing the major graduates will typically make around $61,300. While there is a lot of variation in earnings potential; top positions can make up to $112,200. Straight out of university, the lowest earning opportunities within the public policy analysis field earn $33,100, which could be worse. The highest earning grads for public policy analysis studied at [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university)&nbspand if you are looking for universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), Authority has that too.

 The general diversity of public policy analysis ranks high, being in the 89th percentile of all majors. The university with the highest composite diversity for public policy analysis is [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list for the schools which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of the Public Policy Analysis major only is within the 34th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is actually above financial diversity, in the 82nd percentile. White undergraduates make up the largest share, 51%, of those majoring in public policy analysis. Additionally, 58% of undergraduates pursuing a public policy analysis major are women.

 The median score of public policy analysis professors is 4 stars, a score which is surprisingly the median for all majors; this is a fine. If you are curious about the most popular public policy analysis professor in the nation, take a look at Joe West at [University of North Carolina at Pembroke](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-pembroke). It might be shocking, but the top rated instructors of public policy analysis by student are found at [University of North Carolina at Pembroke](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-pembroke). As we incorporate data beyond just rankings it becomes clear that the college with comprehensively the best instructors for public policy analysis is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). You can find an explanation of our ever evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), along with many of the finest examples of professors nationwide.

 Finally, the most difficult school to get into for public policy analysis is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we have an extensive list for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). Although, here at Authority we do hope you believe that considering the higher education world with context mainly derived from superlatives can create issues. We at Authority hope you explore our other pages on individual topics and peruse a couple of our helpful background pages on essential details to look for as you progress with your university search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Public policy analysis is the 142nd most popular degree in America, with 2,308 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #143 [Foreign Languages and Literatures](/rankings/best-colleges-for-foreign-languages-and-literatures), and narrowly lost to #141 [Talmudic Studies](/rankings/best-colleges-for-talmudic-studies).

 The degree is offered at a total of 93 colleges across the nation, and is the 180th most widely offered degree. Given that public policy analysis is offered at 31% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America, you can be sure this is a critical degree and the skillsets acquired are likely to last for a long time.

 It is also worth noting that 48% of colleges offering public policy analysis are public making it a pretty accessible field.

 The southeast produces the most public policy analysis graduates, largely led by [Duke University](/colleges/duke-university), while it’s the Atlantic Coast Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, North Carolina ranks highest, with particular help from [Duke University](/colleges/duke-university) and [Elon University](/colleges/elon-university).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more public policy analysis graduates than [Arizona State University-Tempe](/colleges/arizona-state-university-tempe), which graduated 176 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study public policy analysis). More students studied public policy analysis as a percentage of total students at [Princeton University](/colleges/princeton-university) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Public policy analysis is the 55th most expensive major in the nation, with a median cost of $47,794 among the top 50 programs (just ahead of #56, [Chemical Physics](rankings/best-colleges-for-chemical-physics), with a median cost of $47,730).

 The Rocky Mountains have the most expensive colleges with first-class public policy analysis programs led by [University of Denver](/colleges/university-of-denver) with an annual cost of $51,336. Massachusetts is the most expensive state for public policy analysis led by [Brandeis University](/colleges/brandeis-university).

 Public schools with solid programs by and large charge 74.44% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 34.29% less than the median private school. So make sure to look into public shools in your state ASAP.

 The most pricey option in the top 25 is [University of Chicago](/colleges/university-of-chicago), which is the 10th most expensive college in the US. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [SUNY Empire State College](/colleges/suny-empire-state-college). It costs just $16,980 per year, but it is its public policy analysis program is ranked #54. If you’re looking for the least expensive option in the top 25, [Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix](/colleges/arizona-state-university-downtown-phoenix)  might be for you, ranked #22 with an in-state cost of just $10,710. Another more affordable pick would be #24, [Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus](/colleges/georgia-institute-of-technology-main-campus) in Fulton County, GA with a cost of $10,258 for in-state students and $31,370 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Enrolling in college is a major investment for most undergraduates. It is important to make sure you are equipped to justify that investment. Therefore, we hope the following earnings and job placement information help you make a well informed decision when electing your focus.

 Just after university, Public Policy Analysis majors earn $55,244 per annum on average (top 15%). Further into their jobs, they can draw up to $112,182 to as little as $33,138, but average about $61,293. For context, that is 59% more than the United States' average.

 The most common job placement for a Public Policy Analysis graduate is Analyst, which ordinarily make about $54,000; next are Account Executive and Sales Consultant, which for the most part earn near $36,000 and $36,000 respectively.

 The highest earning region for Public Policy Analysis graduates is The Mid East. The highest earning state for Public Policy Analysis alumni is PA. Centennial Conference has the highest earning Public Policy Analysis graduates of any conference..



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Public Policy Analysis: Median Professor Rating: 4 / 5, which is below average.

 Professors again and again have a crucial influence your college experience, no matter what you major in. A thought-provoking teacher could help a student find their passion and even make a difficult subject seem easy. Conversely, an unpleasant professor can interrupt your schooling or even worse... fail you!

 Professors of Public Policy Analysis have a median student rating of 4 / 5, which puts these professors in the upper 63rd percentile in the nation grounded in overall professor quality. Suprisingly, this major is exactly the median for professor rating, which, in our opinion, is remarkably average! Professors of Public Policy Analysis slightly out-ranked those from ["Public Administration"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-public-administration), whereas ["Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-logistics-materials-and-supply-chain-management)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Public Policy Analysis.

 Now for some statistics about Public Policy Analysis professors. Colleges located in remote towns tend to have the best Public Policy Analysis professors. The Empire Eight has the highest rated Public Policy Analysis professors. The Far West region has the highest rated Public Policy Analysis professors. Public colleges tend to have higher rated Public Policy Analysis professors than private institutions. Finally, Alaska has the highest rated Public Policy Analysis professors in America.

 Joe West, instructor at [University of North Carolina at Pembroke](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-pembroke)&nbspin Pembroke, NC is the most popular Public Policy Analysis professor in the nation. Shane Keena, professor at [California State University-San Bernardino](/colleges/california-state-university-san-bernardino)&nbspin San Bernardino, CA is the highest rated Public Policy Analysis professor in the United States, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Take a look at which universities have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College is a very productive adventure in one's life; it is a chance for personal growth and maturation. Pupils continue to realize what they can be and build many of the underlying skills to become a successful member of society. But learning is not entirely confined to the classroom - the conversations which one has with their classmates, the nugget of wisdom gained from a tenured professor, the exposure to a different outlook. Therefore, finding a diverse college tremendously enhances what one gains from the time spent at school.

 Public Policy Analysis is a more racially diverse focus than average\*. 51% of America's Public Policy Analysis majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(20%), latino students (12%), and asian students (9%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Pomona College](/colleges/pomona-college) located in Claremont, CA.

 Additionally, Public Policy Analysis significatly skews female, with approximately 57.1% of students majoring in Public Policy Analysis identifying as women. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [Duquesne University](/colleges/duquesne-university) in Pittsburgh, PA.

 Another critical type of diversity is income diversity. Sadly, Public Policy Analysis is one of the nation's least fiscally diverse subjects (Bottom 35%). 31% of its majors come from homes earning more than $110,000 per year, 16% are from homes that make between $48,000 and $75,000 a year, and 24% grew up in families that make under $30,000 a year. [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill) has the most financially diverse student body in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall CA is the most diverse state for Public Policy Analysis. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the Conference USA is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 9%
* Black: 8%
* Latino: 12%
* White: 51%
* Other: 20%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 42%
* Female: 58%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 24%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 15%
* Over 110k: 31%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 62%
* Out of State: 32%
* International: 7%


Princeton University

Columbia University in the City of New York

Duke University

University of Chicago

Stanford University

Northwestern University

University of Pennsylvania

Rice University

Vanderbilt University

University of Southern California

Brown University

Cornell University

University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Barnard College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Pomona College

New York University

Northeastern University

Carnegie Mellon University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Hamilton College

University of California-Berkeley

The University of Texas at Austin

University of Florida

Search for the best Public Policy Analysis colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 Public Policy Analysis Salary

There are about 10,397 students enrolled in Public Policy Analysis in the USA.

SALARY