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What Makes Maxwell Different?

Maxwell is where diverse and collaborative problem solvers develop innovative solutions to move people, policies and communities forward.

Why We're Different

Step into the Maxwell Community

The best way to get to know Maxwell is to visit. Can’t make it to campus? Take a virtual tour, attend an event online, or engage with an Alumni Ambassador.

Visit Us

How Will You Change the World?

No matter where you are in your academic journey, there’s a Maxwell program designed to help you develop knowledge, skills and contacts to improve your community.

Explore Programs

15

research centers generating policy-relevant insight into pressing issues

#1

ranked for public affairs (U.S. News & World Report)

12

departments teaching excellence in social science and public/international affairs

Influence with Integrity

It’s not just an education. It’s a mindset. Maxwell students celebrate diverse people and ideas. They value informed and ethical leadership. They are engaged—and engaging—citizens primed to shape the future.

Undergraduate student presenting research at annual celebration of undergraduate scholarship

Our acclaimed education programs combine the study of human society and relationships with opportunities to address relevant social challenges.

Apply now to a professional graduate program and start in 2025

Alejandro Parra in front of the Council of Europe
Alejandro Parra took advantage of many experiential learning opportunities, the most recent of which was an internship with the Council of Europe’s Biomedical Division in the spring of 2025.
A student wearing a virtual reality headset
Students in Andrew Jonelis’ Economics of Emerging Markets course have received an up-close view of markets thousands of miles away thanks to the Digital Scholarship Space.
A professor speaking to a class of students
Taught by a team of faculty experts, the minor is offered to undergraduates from across the University starting this academic year.
H. Lewis “Lew” Rapaport and his wife, Whitman alumna Susan Rapaport
It was created with a generous gift by Maxwell School alumnus H. Lewis “Lew” Rapaport and his wife, Whitman alumna Susan Rapaport.
Pete Buttigieg speaks to an audience
The former U.S. Secretary of Transportation joined Professor Jay Golden for a capacity event that covered environmental issues, leadership, democracy and more.
Hyeryung Jo, Jack Baldwin and Ashraf Haque
With a grant-funded study, Colleen Heflin and the Maxwell X Lab are hoping to determine whether greater access to nutritious food leads to health improvements over time.

Forever Orange. Forever Grateful. Forever Forward.


The generosity of our donors and volunteers creates an enduring legacy that will benefit generations of students to come, transforming countless lives through education, research and opportunity.

We build upon this remarkable foundation of collective impact and remain committed to advancing our mission and writing the next inspiring chapter in our story.

$132,300,000campaign goal
2013the year the campaign started
106% Funded
2024the year the campaign will end
Cheryl Camillo headshot

I Ever Strive...

to make a difference by participating in the policy process in every way: as a citizen, voter, advocate, teacher, researcher, evaluator, policy formulator and commentator.”

Cheryl Camillo ’98 M.P.A.

Maxwell's Centennial