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91���� stands out nationally for innovation and cybersecurity, while expanding access to innovative academic programs and opportunities in higher education. According to  released today, George Mason ranks No. 1 in Virginia and among the nation’s top 50 universities for innovation (42nd). The university is also the No. 1 public university in Virginia for upward mobility and earned top 20 national undergraduate rankings in cybersecurity and writing in the disciplines.

In addition, the recently released ranks George Mason No. 1 among public universities in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for access and top 100 for research (98th).

 “George Mason has shown that access and excellence are not competing priorities — they enhance one another,” said George Mason President . “We are opening doors to more students while building innovative programs in areas critical to the future of our economy and workforce. These rankings reflect what George Mason delivers every day: an exceptional education that creates opportunities for our students and drives prosperity across Virginia and beyond.”

Driving Innovation

George Mason’s recognition as Virginia’s No. 1 university for innovation comes as the R1 university expands its work in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum research and education. George Mason also ranks 4th in Virginia in U.S. News’ new category of best value for in-state students. 

Released Aug. 31, Washington Monthly ranks George Mason No. 1 among public universities in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for access, and 55th among public universities nationally. The university also ranks 5th in Virginia for affordability, and 68th among public universities nationally for research. 

"These rankings reflect George Mason’s commitment to expanding access while providing students with an outstanding academic experience," said Marion Underwood, George Mason's provost and executive vice president. "Our students have the opportunity of a top-tier research university, and they leave prepared to put that education to work. That’s the kind of impact a public university should have."

George Mason has been designated by the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) in the highest tier of Opportunity Colleges and Universities for its combination of Higher Access, Higher Earnings. The designation is reinforced by strong graduate outcomes, with 92% of the class of 2025 reporting a positive career outcome within six months of graduation and a median salary of $73,000.

Highly Ranked for Academic Strength

U.S. News & World Report ranks all eight George Mason undergraduate programs included in this year’s rankings — business, computer science, cybersecurity, economics, engineering (doctorate), nursing, psychology, and writing in the disciplines — among the top 4 in Virginia. Five also rank among the top 50 public universities nationally. George Mason ranks 15th nationally in cybersecurity and 17th nationally in writing in the disciplines — making it the only Virginia university represented in both.

As AI reshapes how people work and communicate, the No. 1 rankings in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for writing in the disciplines underscore the university’s continued investment in critical thinking and clear communication through , dedicated English and creative writing programs, and student-run outlets like  that give students real editorial experience before they graduate. 

Advancing Open Inquiry

George Mason is also recognized nationally for fostering an environment where students can exchange ideas and engage with different perspectives, ranking 10th nationally and 5th among public universities in the  rankings.

Earlier this year, George Mason was named among the National Academy of Inventors’ top 100 U.S. universities for utility patents. 

The full list of George Mason rankings is available at gmu.edu/rankings.