Rutgers University Reviews of Master's in Public Policy

"I would recommend the Bloustein School to anyone in the field of public policy or public administration. Their academics are among the best in the nation, and their professors are some of the most distinguished in their respective fields. The student body is diverse in background and full of intelligent individuals with a thirst for learning as well as collaboration. Their support system and networking opportunities are outstanding, and will greatly assist students in getting good employment in their field after graduation. Their financial aid and scholarship packages can make attending school affordable for low-income individuals such as myself, and their employees are there to assist students every step of the way, in whatever manner needed."

"Pros: Understanding and supportive staff and faculty, well-connected career advisor Cons: There have been a few crimes near campus but Bloustein has employed a security guard in response"

"The competitiveness of this program is unmatched by other schools. There are students from around the nation and the world in the MPP program at Rutgers. The professors are the best in their fields and are always accessible for students for research or just support. The school is located in downtown New Brunswick, a few blocks from NJ Transit, and housing & apartments are always available."

"Rutgers is a massive university, but the Bloustein School's MPP program is relatively small and tight-knit. MPP students will also often take classes with MCRP and MPAP students, so you get to hear the perspectives of individuals with related, but slightly different areas of study. The faculty are top-notch and always accessible, and the school makes it a point to be among the most diverse in the country. In fact, after Rutgers' recent entry into the Big 10, there are multiple reports that the other Big 10 schools were amazed at the diversity of RU. The fact that the school is located roughly halfway between NYC and Philadelphia is a huge help when trying to land internships and jobs. The Bloustein School has a fairly large alumni network with connections in government, non-profits, and the private sector in New Jersey, NYC, DC and numerous other state capitals and major cities. As far as the social scene is concerned, New Brunswick is known for its many bars/taverns, and Bloustein's grad students regularly hang out with one another. On the downside, the cost of living in NJ (and New Brunswick specifically) is a bit steep, but Bloustein's grad students regularly double and triple up in local apartments to make it more affordable. Highland Park (just to the north of New Brunswick) is a popular location for RU's grad students and professors to live. Also, some of the areas off-campus can be a bit sketchy, but this is true of colleges in virtually every city. RU has its own police department and New Brunswick is going through a bit of gentrification right now. I have never once felt unsafe walking the streets by myself. The Bloustein School overall has been a great experience thus far and I would recommend it to anyone looking into acquiring an MPP."

"Great program quality, extremely supportive staff and a student community which offers lots of support and opportunity to make lifelong friends."

"Great program and great classmates. I am happy with my decision to attend here!"

"This is an outstanding program. The only mark down I have is for the physical area surrounding the Rutgers Campuses, which is, of course, typical sprawling and totally inaccessible New Jersey. Everything that actually matters in a grad program--student support both from the faculty and financially in the form of assistantships and fellowships--rivals other graduate programs."

"The Public Policy Program at Rutgers Bloustein School is so much more then what I expected it to be! The school truly takes advantage of providing high caliber faculty who truly go the extra mile for their students. Professors are well versed in the material and have great experiences in both the public and private sector. There really are no downsides to this program!"

"This is a great urban planning program in the United States."

"Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Policy is such a great value -- I had an amazing, rigorous academic experience."