The School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University-Newark educates and motivates students to choose careers in public service and administration through its innovative and comprehensive bachelor of arts in public and nonprofit administration, master of public administration (M.P.A.), executive online M.P.A., and doctoral degrees, and professional and graduate certificate programs. The school's faculty generates knowledge and best practices in public service and administration, and collaborates with public and nonprofit sector organizations and professionals throughout the United States and the world. Guided by the principles of knowledge, competence, diversity, service, and ethics--with an emphasis on public service values and competencies for effective performance--SPAA promotes accountability, transparency, and performance in the public and nonprofit sectors. SPAA is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). In addition, SPAA is the first U.S. school to earn full international accreditation from the International Commission on the Accreditation of Public Administration Education and Training Programs (ICAPA).

Out of nearly 300 schools nationwide, in the 2020 "Best Graduate School" rankings U.S. News & World Report ranks Rutgers SPAA:

• 12th nationally in Public Management and Leadership
• 17th nationally in Urban Policy
• 18th nationally in Nonprofit Management
• 23rd nationally in Public Finance and Budgeting
• 33rd nationally in Best Public Affairs Programs