Good Lower Tier Programs in American Politics

[Endor0790]

Hello guys! I was wondering if any of you have advice on lower tier programs in American Politics that have a solid class core or faculty (Thinking of Emory or Rice but those are the only ones I have top of my head), I'm balancing my list of applications and because of COVID bringing so much uncertainty, I would love to include some solid end of the list/ranking choices in American Politics (leaning towards parties and institutions).

Thanks!