Overview
Founded in 1971 as the Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs, the school was renamed in 2009 in honor of Terry Sanford, former North Carolina governor and Duke president. It has grown into one of the nation's premier public policy schools, known for its interdisciplinary approach combining economics, political science, statistics, and ethics to address pressing societal challenges. The school offers undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs, and is consistently ranked among the top public policy schools in the country.
At a Glance
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Durham, North Carolina |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Total students | 1,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance rate | N/A |
| Graduation rate | 96% |
| Average starting salary | $70,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $63,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $63,000 |
| Room & board | $17,000 |
| Average financial aid | $35,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.7 |
| Regular deadline | January 5 |
Top Programs
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- International Development Policy
- PhD in Public Policy
- Public Policy Studies (Undergraduate)
- Health Policy
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.