Host Institution: University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
Degree Level: Master of Public Service (MPS) – First MPS in the USA
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA + Online Option Available
Duration: 2 Years (36 Credit Hours)
Financial Coverage: Up to 100% Tuition + $1,000 Early Action Bonus + International Project Stipends + Cost-of-Living Stipends
Application Fee: No Application Fee
Eligible Nationality: Open to All Nationalities (US Citizens, Permanent Residents and International Students)
Application Deadline: Early Action: November 5, 2026 (Get $1,000 Extra Scholarship) | Priority Deadline: January 5, 2027 | Regular Deadline: March 5, 2027 | Rolling Admission After March 5 Until Cohort is Filled
Clinton School of Public Service Master of Public Service (MPS) 2027 Overview
Applications are now open for the Fall 2027 Master of Public Service (MPS) at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. The Clinton School, founded on President Bill Clinton’s vision of leadership through civic engagement, offers the first Master of Public Service degree in the nation.
For the Fall 2027 enrollment cycle, the Clinton School is offering enhanced merit-based scholarships and cost-of-living stipends. This is the largest financial aid expansion in the school’s recent history. Scholarship packages can include tuition funding, international project stipends, and living stipends to offset the cost of living while in the program.
This is a fully action-oriented program. Unlike traditional public policy or public administration programs that are theory-heavy, Clinton School MPS students complete three for-credit public service field projects ranging from local work in Arkansas communities to international projects across 68+ countries worldwide.
If you are passionate about making a difference in government, nonprofit, volunteer, private sector service, international development, public health, education, social entrepreneurship, or community development, this program is designed for you.
Direct Application Link is available below this page.
About the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
The Clinton School of Public Service is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, on the grounds of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. It is part of the University of Arkansas System.
Since opening in 2005, students have completed field projects in 68 countries, working on efforts to improve health care, foster economic development, increase educational attainment, and fight hunger and poverty across the world.
The school is known for its unique speaker series. The series has hosted more than 1,300 programs, including 47 ambassadors, 23 Pulitzer Prize winners, 12 heads of state, senators, cabinet officials, CEOs, philanthropists, and leading journalists. As a student, you get in-depth conversations beyond typical meet-and-greet sessions.
Graduates have taken jobs with organizations including the Clinton Foundation, the Walmart Foundation, City Year, the World Bank, Habitat for Humanity International, Teach for America, AmeriCorps, and numerous government and nonprofit organizations.
The MPS degree is also one of the most affordable graduate degrees in the USA. The full 36-hour program costs less than $15,000 before scholarships, making it highly competitive compared to other MPS, MPP, and MPA programs that cost $50,000+.
Degree Structure: What You Will Do in the MPS Program
The Master of Public Service is a 2-year, 36-credit hour program that combines classroom learning with extensive field service.
1. First-Year Team-Based Practicum Project in Arkansas
During your first year, you will work in a small team to complete a public service project for a partner organization in Arkansas. Past partners have included Arkansas Children’s Hospital, City of Little Rock, Little Rock School District, Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, and many community development organizations.
2. International Public Service Project (IPSP) – Summer
This is the flagship project. Between your first and second year, you will spend 8 weeks working with an international host organization. This is the IPSP program. It is an intensive, stipend-supported eight-week field experience running from May to July. You will tackle pressing global challenges, execute critical field research, and build long-term organizational capacity. Common focus areas include program design and toolkit development, empirical research and best practices analysis, needs assessments and program evaluations, and strategic planning and community outreach.
3. Capstone Project – Final Year
In your final year, you complete an individual capstone project in an area of your own interest, aligned with your career goals.
Concurrent Degree Options
Admitted MPS students can also pursue concurrent degrees:
- MPS + Juris Doctor (JD) with UALR Bowen School of Law
- MPS + Master of Public Health (MPH) with UAMS Boozman College of Public Health
- MPS + Master of Business Administration (MBA) with University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Walton College of Business
Scholarship and Financial Aid Benefits for Fall 2027
For Fall 2027, the Clinton School has significantly increased financial support.
1. Enhanced Merit-Based Scholarships
The school is increasing the number of merit-based scholarship opportunities available. To learn more about institutional merit and need-based aid packages covering up to 100% of your tuition and fees, you can schedule a video chat with the admissions team.
2. $1,000 Early Action Bonus Scholarship
All applicants who apply by the Early Action Deadline of November 5, 2026 and are accepted will automatically receive an additional $1,000 in financial support. This is guaranteed on top of any other scholarship you receive.
3. Cost-of-Living Stipends
Enhanced cost-of-living stipends are available to help offset living expenses while you are in Little Rock.
4. International Project Stipends
Your 8-week international project (IPSP) is stipend-supported. The school provides a stipend to cover travel and living costs during your international placement.
5. Special Partnership Scholarships
The Clinton School has special scholarships for:
- City Year / AmeriCorps Alumni
- Peace Corps Alumni
- Teach for America Alumni
- Rhodes College Graduates (2 Full-Tuition Scholarships for Fall 2026/2027 cohorts)
- Bonner Scholars
6. No Application Fee
There is no fee to apply to the Clinton School MPS program.
Eligibility Criteria
Admission to the Clinton School is holistic and determined by several factors including academic background, public service experience, and personal vision for future public service.
Academic Requirements:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before enrollment in Fall 2027.
- Minimum GPA of 2.85 on a 4.0 scale is required for graduate studies at the University of Arkansas. If your GPA is slightly below, strong public service experience can be considered.
- No GRE/GMAT required. The program is test-optional.
Experience Requirements:
- While there is no strict years-of-experience requirement, admitted students typically have demonstrated public service experience through volunteering, internships, nonprofit work, community organizing, activism, government service, or social entrepreneurship.
- Past students include former AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and Teach for America members, as well as government, business, and nonprofit professionals.
- The school welcomes applicants of all ideologies, backgrounds, ages, and life experiences.
International Applicants:
- International students are eligible and encouraged to apply for the in-person program.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 minimum or IELTS 6.5 minimum (if your undergraduate degree was not taught in English).
- Official transcripts evaluated by WES or similar service may be required.
Clinton School Online Note: Due to domestic educational protocols, Clinton School Online is only available to students living in the United States. International students outside the US should apply for the in-person MPS program.
Required Documents for Application
All application documents can be uploaded onto the secure online platform. You can save and edit before final submission.
- Fully Completed Online Application Form via the official portal.
- Updated Resume or CV that includes a detailed description of public service experiences, volunteer work, leadership roles, and employment history.
- Personal Statement / Essay (400-500 words) – You will respond to a prompt about your public service interests, your vision for the future, and why you want to attend the Clinton School.
- Official Transcripts from all degree-granting higher education institutions attended.
- Two Letters of Recommendation (Academic or Professional) that can speak to your potential for public service leadership. Some applicants submit three.
- Proof of English Proficiency (For international applicants only).
How to Apply for Clinton School MPS 2027 – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Click on apply here below this page which will take you to the University of Arkansas Graduate Application
Step 2: Create an account and select “Clinton School of Public Service – Master of Public Service – Fall 2027”.
Step 3: Fill in your personal information, academic history, and public service experience.
Step 4: Upload your resume, essay, and unofficial transcripts for review (official transcripts will be required if admitted).
Step 5: Add your recommenders’ contact information. They will receive an automated email to upload their letters.
Step 6: Review and submit your application. No payment is required.
Step 7: After submission, monitor your email for an interview invitation. Shortlisted applicants are invited for a virtual interview with the admissions committee.
For questions, contact the Office of Admissions directly: admissions@clintonschool.uasys.edu or (501) 683-5200 / (501) 683-5228.
Application Deadlines for Fall 2027
- Early Action Deadline: November 5, 2026 – Highly recommended. You get an extra $1,000 scholarship and early decision.
- Priority Deadline: January 5, 2027 – Best chance for maximum scholarship consideration.
- Regular Deadline: March 5, 2027 – Final major deadline.
- Rolling Admission: After March 5, 2027, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots in the cohort are filled. It is strongly advised to apply before March 5.
Why You Should Apply for the Clinton School MPS
This program is different from a traditional MPP or MPA. You are not just studying public service; you are doing public service from day one. You will graduate with 3 real-world projects on your resume, a global network of practitioners, and direct mentorship from national and international leaders.
With the enhanced scholarship opportunities for Fall 2027 covering up to 100% tuition plus living and international stipends, this is one of the most financially accessible accredited master’s degrees in public service in the United States.
CONTACT ADMISSIONS: admissions@clintonschool.uasys.edu
Need help with resources that can help you more ready for this scholarship? Explore our scholarship guides below.
Complete Scholarship Application Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Apply