UNO's School of Public Administration's Continues High National Rankings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April, 2025
UNO School of Public Administration Continues Strong National Standing in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Public Administration, housed within the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS), continues to stand among the nation’s top programs, according to the newly released 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings.
UNO’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program ranks in the top 15% of more than 200 NASPAA-accredited public service education programs nationwide. This year’s No. 34 national ranking reaffirms UNO’s longstanding reputation as a leader in public service education.
Several of UNO’s specialty areas received standout national recognition:
- Public Budgeting & Finance: No. 6
- Local Government Management: No. 11
- Nonprofit Management: No. 12
- Leadership (formerly Public Management & Leadership): No. 31
- Overall Ranking: 34
The School of Public Administration’s consistent national presence in multiple specialty categories underscores the comprehensive strength of its programming. Its top-10 placement in Public Budgeting & Finance highlights UNO’s standing in a field where it has been recognized as a national leader for decades.
Some public finance accomplishments of note over the past year include the school’s Spring Public Finance Conference featuring national scholars and experts; our faculty’s international presence with presentations on using AI within budgeting and financial management; the new Public Finance Journal, started and co-edited by Craig Maher, Ph.D,; and the continued research from our faculty exploring critical issues in public pension management, with a book release planned for this summer.
The Local Government Management ranking is also well deserved, as our school’s renowned public finance expert, and dean emeritus, John Bartle, Ph.D. was inaugurated in April as president of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Bartle is a leader at the helm of the nation’s foremost public service organization, truly an expert leading the experts.
These rankings reflect UNO’s sustained excellence and its deep commitment to public sector education, community impact, and student success. Students from across the region and around the world come to UNO for a world-class education from top experts in the field, the ease of an online program, and an ROI that outshines other similar programs.
“This recognition affirms our place among the premier public administration programs in the country.
"Our faculty, students, and staff continue to drive innovation in public service education, and we’re proud to see that reflected again in this year’s rankings, during a most important and historic time for public service leadership and expertise.” ~~ Yu-Che Chen, Ph.D., Director of the School of Public Administration
According to CPACS Dean Gaylene Armstrong, Ph.D., “These rankings confirm what we already know—UNO’s School of Public Administration delivers high-impact, high-quality education that prepares our students to lead and serve,” she said. “We’re honored to be ranked alongside other distinguished institutions and remain dedicated to addressing real-world challenges through teaching, research, and community engagement.”
Founded in 1972, CPACS is the only college within the University of Nebraska system solely dedicated to public affairs and civic engagement. The School of Public Administration is nationally accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), and continues to serve as a hub for public service leadership development across Nebraska and beyond.
Juan Casas, Ph.D., Dean of Graduate Studies at UNO, added, “The continued recognition of CPACS programs by U.S. News is a testament to the outstanding work happening across this college. These programs are empowering graduates to thrive professionally and make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.”