jmcomicÂþ»­

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... Read More 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.

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... Read More 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.