Ohio’s #1 Program in Urban Policy and Local Government Management 

Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education continues to earn national recognition for excellence in graduate education, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2025 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools. 

Levin ranks 56th overall among public affairs graduate programs nationwide and is recognized as a national leader in two key areas: Urban Policy (4th) and Local Government Management (12th). These top-tier rankings reflect the college’s role in shaping best practices in public service, policy, and civic leadership. 

“Our consistent national rankings speak to the quality of our faculty, the strength of our programs, and the value of a Cleveland State education,” said Jill Gordon, dean of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. “Levin is a place where students come to engage deeply with real-world challenges and emerge ready to lead in communities across the country.” 

Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Levin College offers a uniquely immersive educational experience shaped by strong partnerships with civic, nonprofit, and public institutions. The college’s urban setting serves as both a classroom and a catalyst for public impact.