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12 Best Public PhD Economics & Public Policy Universities in the United States

Princeton University leads the 12 Public PhD Economics & Public Policy universities in the United States at #15 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Georgia Institute of Technology (QS World #123) and University of Southern California (QS World #146) complete the top three. The universities on this list offer 14 matching courses between them.

12 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

How these universities are ranked

4 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #15 (Princeton University) to #545 (CUNY Graduate School and University Center); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: University of Southern California is cited most (28,599,549 citations).

Public, private and where they are

12 are public and 0 private (100% public). By location, New York (1) account for the most of those we can place. CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the largest, with 3,254 students.

What the courses look like

The usual length is 4–6 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake). Georgia Institute of Technology offers the widest choice, with 2 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Public PhD Economics & Public Policy in the United States?

Princeton University (QS World #15), Georgia Institute of Technology (QS World #123) and University of Southern California (QS World #146) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

How many public universities offer Public PhD Economics & Public Policy in the United States?

12 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Public PhD Economics & Public Policy course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4–6 years.

When do Public PhD Economics & Public Policy courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then.

Which university has the most Public PhD Economics & Public Policy courses in the United States?

Georgia Institute of Technology, with 2, ahead of Southern University and A&M College (2).

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