Fels Institute of Government

What Fels Institute of Government does

The Fels Institute of Government is a private, nonprofit academic institute housed within the University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1937 to pioneer the training and practice of public administration in the United States. It operates under Penn's School of Arts & Sciences and College of Liberal and Professional Studies, with faculty co-directors John Lapinski and Lauren Russell leading the program from the historic Fox-Fels Hall at 3814 Walnut St. in Philadelphia. The institute functions as a graduate professional school focused on public service leadership, not as a technology company.

Fels delivers three core degree programs: a one-year full-time Master of Public Administration (MPA), a low-residency Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) for mid-career professionals with 5+ years of experience, and a Non-Degree Program allowing individual course enrollment. It also offers dual degree pathways in combination with other Penn graduate programs. The academic experience is anchored by the Fels Lab, a pro-bono consulting program where MPA students complete capstone projects for government agencies and nonprofit organizations on policy analysis, strategic planning, program evaluation, and data analysis. The curriculum is augmented by an ecosystem of signature speaker and dialogue series — Public Policy in Practice, Racial Equity and Social Justice, Executive Leadership Dialogues, Policy Coffee Talks, and Public Finance Conversations — featuring prominent practitioners such as U.S. Senator John Fetterman's State Director, former City of Philadelphia Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, and CHILD USA founder Marci Hamilton.

Fels generates revenue through tuition paid by individual students across its three programs, with financial aid distributed through guaranteed scholarships ($8,000–$15,000) tied to partnerships with national service organizations including AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach For America, Teach For All, City Year, Govern for America, Lead For America, the Bonner Foundation, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Eastern Leadership Academy, and the Public Policy and International Affairs Program. The institute reports a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, top 6% median earnings among MPA programs nationwide (per April 2025 Department of Education College Scorecard data), and a 97% employment-or-further-education rate for the MPA Class of 2024 within six months of graduation. Go-to-market is sales-led through virtual information sessions, admissions events, and partner-organization referral pipelines.

Name

Fels Institute of Government

Legal name

Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania

Website

https://fels.upenn.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Fels Institute of Government is a 1937-founded graduate public administration program within the University of Pennsylvania, offering a one-year MPA, a low-residency Executive MPA, and non-degree options for aspiring and current government and nonprofit leaders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Administration Higher Education

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDALAOAJ

Government & Public Affairs (External Relations)

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Alumni Relations, Development & Campus Community Engagement

SECONDARYEDADAHAB

Institutional Financial Aid Offices (Schools/Colleges/Universities)

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Education Funding, Grants & Financial Aid Administration

SECONDARYBPAIAAAB

Central Government Policy, Strategy & Performance (incl. OMB-style functions)

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Central/Federal Government Administration

Keywords

• Public administration education
• Graduate public policy
• Executive public administration
• Nonprofit leadership training
• Civic leadership programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program: Full-time graduate degree program in public administration with tuition-based revenue. Program combines analytical coursework with practical capstone experiences.
2. Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) Program: Low-residency executive program designed for working professionals, offering flexible format for career advancement in public service.
3. Non-Degree Program: Course enrollment without full degree commitment, allowing professionals to take individual Fels courses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Fels Institute of Government is an academic institute at the University of Pennsylvania offering graduate-level public administration education. Its core offerings include the one-year full-time Master of Public Administration (MPA), a low-residency Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) for working professionals, Dual Degree Programs, and a Non-Degree Program for individual course enrollment. Programs combine analytical coursework with hands-on Fels Lab capstone consulting projects for government and nonprofit clients.

Product overview

Fels Institute of Government is an educational institution within the University of Pennsylvania offering graduate programs in public administration. Its portfolio includes three core degree programs: the Master of Public Administration (MPA, one-year full-time), Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA, low-residency for working professionals), and Non-Degree Program for individual course enrollment. The institution complements classroom instruction with experiential learning through Fels Lab capstone projects, where students serve as pro-bono consultants to government and nonprofit organizations. A robust speaker series ecosystem—including Public Policy in Practice, Racial Equity and Social Justice conversations, Executive Leadership Dialogues, and Policy Coffee Talks—brings practitioners to campus. The institution also provides mentorship matching and career services to support student professional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Master of Public Administration (MPA): Full-time Master of Public Administration program completed in one academic year for those beginning or advancing a public career.
• Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)
• Non-Degree Program
• Fels Lab
• Public Policy in Practice
• Racial Equity and Social Justice
• Executive Leadership Dialogue
• Public Finance Conversation

Products and services

• Master of Public Administration (MPA) One-year full-time graduate program combining analytical coursework with practical capstone consulting experiences for those beginning or advancing a public sector or nonprofit career.
• Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) Flexible, low-residency graduate program designed for working professionals with 5+ years of experience, offering bite-sized coursework building toward a capstone project.
• Non-Degree Program Allows students to enroll in Fels courses without committing to a full degree program, targeting professionals seeking specific skills.
• Dual Degree Programs Combined degree programs allowing students to earn an MPA alongside another graduate degree at Penn.

Quantifiable outcome

• Top 6% median earnings among MPA programs nationwide
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AmeriCorpscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023National service program with fellows, alumni, and staff eligible for Fels admissions partner scholarships including fee waivers and enhanced scholarship amounts.
• City YearcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023Education-focused national service organization with members eligible for Fels admissions partner scholarships and fee waivers.
• Peace CorpscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023Federal agency providing volunteers for international development with alumni eligible for Fels admissions partner benefits.
• Teach For AmericacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023National teaching corps with alumni eligible for Fels admissions partner scholarships and fee waivers.
• Teach For AllcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023Global network of independent organizations with alumni eligible for Fels admissions partner benefits.
• Jesuit Volunteer CorpscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023Faith-based national service organization with volunteers and alumni eligible for Fels admissions partner benefits.
• Eastern Leadership AcademycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023Leadership development organization with alumni eligible for Fels admissions partner benefits.
• Public Policy and International Affairs ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023Graduate school prep program with alumni eligible for Fels admissions partner benefits.
• Lead For AmericacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2023Nonprofit leadership training organization placing young leaders in two-year fellowships supporting public-serving institutions. Fellows, alumni, and staff eligible for $8,000 scholarships and application fee waivers. Partnership aligns with Fels' focus on hometown-centered public service.
• Govern for AmericacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Nonprofit building next generation of public sector leaders. Govern for America fellows, alumni, and staff receive $8,000 scholarships and application fee waivers for Fels MPA programs. Partnership supports GFA's mission of developing diverse public sector talent aligned with Fels' commitment to public service.
• Corella and Bertram F. Bonner FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2019Largest privately-funded, service-based college scholarship program providing need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students. Bonner Scholars, Leaders, alumni, and staff receive $10,000 scholarships. Partnership began fall 2020, supporting diverse students committed to public service.
• Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development financial institution providing Fels students with capstone project opportunities. Students create strategic plans and policy recommendations for community and economic development initiatives. Example project: government relations strategic plan for Philadelphia community revitalization.
• Government and Nonprofit Organizations (Fels Lab)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizations submit project proposals for Fels Lab capstone projects involving strategic plans, data analysis, policy recommendations, or program evaluations. Students work as pro-bono external consultants. Two submission cycles annually with May 31 and October 15 deadlines.
• Internship Partner OrganizationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment offices, councils, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations hosting Fels MPA student interns. Partners submit opportunities via email to [email protected].

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Carnegie Mellon Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy: Heinz College offers MS in Public Policy and Management with a distinctive data and analytics focus. Comparable to Fels in size and in combining analytical coursework with practical capstone experiences.
• Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy: Georgetown McCourt offers MPP and McCourt/MBA dual degrees, with deep ties to DC-area policy employers. A leading direct competitor for students interested in federal government careers.
• UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy: Berkeley Goldman offers MPP, MPA, and PhD programs with a strong focus on evidence-based policymaking. A top-tier West Coast peer with a comparable analytical and practical curriculum approach.
• NYU Wagner School of Public Service: NYU Wagner offers MPA, MUP, and specialized graduate degrees in public administration. A comparable urban-focused peer program targeting similar student demographics and careers in city/state government.
• Harvard Kennedy School: Harvard's primary public policy school offering MPA, MPP, and MC/MPA dual degrees. Most prestigious and best-resourced MPA/MPP program in the US, competing head-to-head with Fels for the same cohort of aspiring public leaders.
• Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA): Princeton's MPA program is one of the most selective in the country and a top alternative for prospective public administration students. Directly comparable as an Ivy League MPA offering with strong policy analysis focus.
• USC Sol Price School of Public Policy: USC Price offers MPA, MPP, and MHA programs with a strong nonprofit and urban policy focus. A comparable peer program serving similar student segments on the West Coast.
• Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA): Columbia SIPA offers MIA and MPA degrees with concentrations in public administration and policy. A major Ivy League peer competing for similar students, particularly those targeting New York-based public sector careers.
• University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy: Michigan Ford offers MPP, MPA, and dual degree programs, recognized for quantitative policy analysis. A direct comparable peer with similar size, structure, and mission orientation.
• George Washington University Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration: GW Trachtenberg offers MPA, MPP, and PhD programs with deep DC-area government and policy employer connections. A comparable urban peer program particularly strong in federal government recruitment.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PennFels
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fels-institute
• Instagraminstagram.com/pennfels

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fels Institute of Government