U.S. News & World Report

911�� ranks #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally for innovation, according to U.S. News

ckearney — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:18:07 +0000

911�� ranks #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally for innovation, according to U.S. News ckearney Mon, 09/21/2026 - 15:18

911�� stands out nationally for innovation and cybersecurity, while expanding access to innovative academic programs and opportunities in higher education. According to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2027 released today, 911�� 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.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In addition, the recently released Washington Monthly’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars ranks 911�� No. 1 among public universities in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for access and top 100 for research (98th).

“911�� has shown that access and excellence are not competing priorities — they enhance one another,” said 911�� President Gregory Washington. “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 911�� delivers every day: an exceptional education that creates opportunities for our students and drives prosperity across Virginia and beyond.”

Driving Innovation

911��’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. 911�� also ranks 4th in Virginia in U.S. News’ new category of best value for in-state students.

Released Aug. 31, Washington Monthly ranks 911�� 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 911��’s commitment to expanding access while providing students with an outstanding academic experience," said Marion Underwood, 911��'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."

911�� 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 911�� 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. 911�� 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 major-specific intensive writing courses in the core curriculum, dedicated English and creative writing programs, and student-run outlets like Stillhouse Press that give students real editorial experience before they graduate.

Advancing Open Inquiry

911�� 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 Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's (FIRE) College Free Speech rankings.

Earlier this year, 911�� was named among the National Academy of Inventors’ top 100 U.S. universities for utility patents.

The full list of 911�� rankings is available on our rankings page.

See more of 911�� in the Rankings

"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 911�� delivers every day: an exceptional education that creates opportunities for our students and drives prosperity across Virginia and beyond."

~ President Gregory Washington

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Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School ranked second in the commonwealth and D.C. area, U.S. News rankings say

ckearney — Wed, 10 May 2023 14:00:01 +0000

Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School ranked second in the commonwealth and D.C. area, U.S. News rankings say ckearney Wed, 05/10/2023 - 10:00

911��’s Antonin Scalia Law School is the No. 2 law school in the commonwealth in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. The school also ranks No. 2 among all law schools in the Washington, D.C., area. Overall, Scalia Law is ranked 12th nationally among public universities.

Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Scalia Law also has the No. 1 part-time law program nationally among public universities. The school’s intellectual property program shone as well, with a No. 9 ranking nationally among public institutions. The University of Virginia School of Law was ranked No. 1 overall in the commonwealth.

The U.S. News rankings for law and medical schools were originally scheduled for release on April 25 with the rest of the graduate school evaluations, but were postponed until today to allow U.S. News to verify data.

“We are pleased to be ranked as the No. 2 law school in the commonwealth and the DMV, with the nation’s No. 1-ranked public, part-time JD program,” Scalia Law Dean Ken Randall said. “While the values used in the rankings continue to evolve, as a general matter, the rankings reflect the strong performance of our outstanding students and faculty and our alumni support.”

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Mason online programs in education and engineering are ranked in the top 20 nationwide

ckearney — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 21:12:58 +0000

Mason online programs in education and engineering are ranked in the top 20 nationwide ckearney Mon, 01/23/2023 - 16:12

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

911��’s online degree offerings are some of the best in the nation, with five programs in education and engineering ranked in the top 20 among public universities, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings released Tuesday.

Mason’s stature as the most innovative and diverse public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia positions it to provide evolving online learning opportunities.

“Mason’s online programs are part of our commitment to provide access to excellence for our students,” Mason Provost and Executive Vice President Mark Ginsberg said. “We have an institutional and programmatic commitment to meeting students where they are, and we are proud of this national recognition.”

Mason’s industrial engineering program is 10th in the nation among publics, up from 15th in 2022, with its engineering program moving up one spot to 35 among publics, and 3 spots to 44th overall nationally.

Moreover, Mason’s graduate online engineering programs are now ranked 2nd among Virginia publics, a jump of 3 spots, and Mason’s MS in systems engineering program is the top ranked public program in Virginia.

“The strength of Mason’s engineering programs translates to graduates who are ready to take on today’s tech careers,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.

Mason’s nursing program, unranked last year, was ranked at 46th among publics this year.

“As Virginia’s first and only College of Public Health, we are committed to interprofessional academics, research, and practice to improve population health and well-being. Our MS in Nursing is preparing the next generation of leaders for clinical impact,” said Melissa J. Perry, dean of Mason’s College of Public Health.

Mason also saw improvements in its MBA program, both overall—moving up 19 spots to 51st among publics and 25 spots nationally to 73rd—as well as in its ranking of MBA for veterans, where it is 35th among publics and 46th nationally, up from 49th and 64th, respectively.

Mason’s education program is ranked as a top program for veterans, in recognition of Mason’s strong partnership with this group, which represents about 10% of its student population.

The education curriculum program rose 9 spots to 12th among publics and overall nationally, and its education administration and supervision program rose 5 spots nationally and among publics to 15th and 14th, respectively. Mason’s special education program was ranked 11th both nationally and among publics.

“Mason’s partnerships with school systems, industry, and other employers make it a strong choice for educators looking to continue their education and advance in their careers in Northern Virginia,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “We are also an interdisciplinary partner with our schools and colleges at Mason, creating just in time programming that employers really value.”

This year's rankings evaluate more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs, with varying methodologies depending on the discipline, though U.S. News notes that all methodologies “incorporate metrics specific to online learning.”

Learn more about the rankings.

Editor's note: This story has been updated

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More About How Mason Stacks Up in the Rankings

911�� ranks #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally for innovation, according to U.S. News
September 22, 2026
911�� is #1 among Virginia and DMV region public universities for upward mobility, and a top 5 school for best value in Virginia, according to U.S. News
September 23, 2025
911�� highlighted as one of Carnegie’s Opportunity Colleges and Universities
April 24, 2025
911�� ranks among Top 50 graduate programs nationally in engineering, public policy, and other fields
April 8, 2025
911�� achieves “Top Producing Institution” status from Fulbright Scholars program
February 25, 2025

Schar School Rises in New U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 17:53:11 +0000

Schar School Rises in New U.S. News & World Report Rankings Andrew J Schappert Tue, 03/29/2022 - 13:53

In This Story

Mark J. Rozell

The Schar School of Policy and Government at 911�� surged nine places in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings. Of the 270 schools surveyed, the Schar School rose from No. 48 to No. 39 in the country.

Several Schar School graduate programs landed in the top 25 among all universities, with homeland security leading the list at No. 7 nationally, and No. 6 among public institutions. The Schar School’s homeland security program has made the nation’s top 10 list for five years straight.

The other top 25 programs include public-policy analysis, nonprofit management, public finance, and local government management. The nonprofit management program made a remarkable rise of 14 spots, from No. 32 to No. 18 nationally.

“The Schar School’s interdisciplinary programs increasingly are being recognized as among the best,” said Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell. “Most notable this year is the big jump in the ranking in nonprofit management studies—the largest one-year move we’ve ever seen. High-impact faculty work and recent exciting hires in that field are being noticed by our peers nationally,” Rozell said.

In addition to a growing and prominent faculty, the Schar School’s location in the heart of the U.S. political scene provides students with extraordinary professional opportunities.

Overall, Mason has eight graduate programs listed among the top 25 nationally, reflecting the university’s reputation of being a top institution for advanced degrees. Mason has 18 programs ranked in the top 50 nationally and 33 ranked in the top 50 among public universities.

Mason is the fastest growing public university in Virginia and has conferred the highest number of master’s degrees of any four-year public institution in the state for the past five years. According to State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Mason conferred nearly a third of the state’s master’s degrees for the 2020-21 academic year.

Additional reporting by Mariam Aburdeineh.

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Master of Health Administration Ranks in Top 50 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

eander6 — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:44:52 +0000

Master of Health Administration Ranks in Top 50 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report eander6 Tue, 03/29/2022 - 08:44

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased that the Master of Health Administration graduate program maintains its rank (#33) within the top 50 of its discipline, as recognized in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate programs.

“The Mason MHA continues to prepare future executives to assume leadership positions in health care organizations,” said Peggy (P.J.) Maddox, chair of the department. "This accomplishment is a credit to our dedicated health administration policy faculty, passionate students, and thriving alumni.”

Learn more about all of Mason’s health administration programs.

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Five College of Health and Human Services Graduate Programs Rank in the Top 100 According to U.S. News & World Report

eander6 — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:48:31 +0000

Five College of Health and Human Services Graduate Programs Rank in the Top 100 According to U.S. News & World Report eander6 Mon, 03/28/2022 - 16:48

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that five of the College’s graduate programs are ranked within the top 100 of their discipline, as recognized in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate programs. Two programs, the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), continue to rank within the top 50 in their respective disciplines. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program rose by 17 spots to number 79.

“Our graduate programs provide students with the knowledge and real-world experience to tackle public health solutions that improve health and well-being across the lifespan,” said Germaine M. Louis, PhD, MS, and Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “The interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum ensures that our students are prepared to make an immediate impact in leadership, practice, and research and to serve their communities long after graduation.”

Based on 2023 rankings, the MSN, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Master of Public Health, and MSW rank number 37, 52, 70, and 79 respectively. Based on the most recent U.S. News rankings data available, the MHA maintains its ranking at number 33.

At numbers 23, 38, and 45, respectively, the MSN, DNP, and MPH programs rank in the top 50 of among public institutions. The MSW ranks at number 54 among public institutions.

The College offers 13 graduate degrees and six graduate certificate programs. The College is transitioning to become a global college of public health in the near future.

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Master of Social Work Ranks in the Top 100 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

eander6 — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:34:21 +0000

Master of Social Work Ranks in the Top 100 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report eander6 Mon, 03/28/2022 - 15:34

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that Master of Social Work program ranks in the top 100 of the discipline, as recognized in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate programs. The program rose 17 spots to number #79.

“For nearly 20 years, our MSW program has provided students the opportunity to cultivate a perspective and skill set that emphasizes empowerment, inclusion, and systems transformation and affect social change at many levels,” said Emily Ihara, chair of the Department of Social Work. “We are proud of the work that our students and alumni are doing as change agents with a lasting impact on communities and people."

Among public institutions, Mason’s MSW program ranks #54.

Learn more about all of Mason’s social work programs.

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Master of Public Health Graduate Program Remains in the Top 100 According to US News & World Report

eander6 — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:31:25 +0000

Master of Public Health Graduate Program Remains in the Top 100 According to US News & World Report eander6 Mon, 03/28/2022 - 15:31

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that the Master of Public Health program is ranked within the top 100 of its discipline, as recognized in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate programs. The program ranks at #70.

“Rankings are one reflection of our cutting-edge, interdisciplinary focus on Public Health 3.0, which works across sectors to address the key challenges of the leading causes of death and health disparities. Mason is proud to prepare the next generation of public health leaders and problem-solvers," said Carolyn Drews-Botsch, chair of the Department of Global and Community Health.

Among public institutions, Mason’s MPH program ranks #45. The College is transitioning to become a global college of public health in the near future.

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Two School of Nursing Programs Rank in Top 60 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

eander6 — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:13:05 +0000

Two School of Nursing Programs Rank in Top 60 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report eander6 Mon, 03/28/2022 - 15:13

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that two School of Nursing graduate programs are ranked within the top 60 of their discipline, as recognized in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate programs.

At #37, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) continues to rank within the top 50 and the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program ranks just outside the top 50 in its field at #52.

“Nurses play an increasingly important role in public and population health and the success of our nursing programs is a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of the experience we provide all our students – from virtual and augmented reality to working directly with underrepresented populations. Our communities need strong nurse leaders now more than ever,” said Cheryl Oetjen, interim Director of the School of Nursing.

Among public institutions, Mason’s MSN program ranks #23 and the DNP ranks #38. Learn more about all of Mason’s nursing programs.

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Online programs thrive at Mason, with six in the Top 20 according to latest U.S. News rankings

ckearney — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 19:30:47 +0000

Online programs thrive at Mason, with six in the Top 20 according to latest U.S. News rankings ckearney Mon, 01/24/2022 - 14:30

In This Story

Maury Peiperl

Photo by Getty Images

911�� has some of the nation’s best online master’s programs, with six of them in the Top 20, according to the just-released 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

“Mason’s online graduate programs provide ‘access to opportunity’ that, especially through the COVID pandemic, have been highly valued and are highly respected,” said Provost Mark Ginsberg. “The latest rankings affirm the quality of our online graduate programs and their consequential nature. We are very pleased that they are recognized as among the very best in the nation.”

Mason’s education programs led the list, with special education ranking best in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and No. 7 nationally. As a whole, Mason’s education programs climbed five spots this year to No. 41. They are among 11 programs at Mason that also made the Top 50.

“These rankings reflect the well-earned national reputation of a degree in education from 911��,” said Bob Baker, interim dean of Mason’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). “They further demonstrate the widespread respect held for our exceptional faculty and graduates.”

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic, CEHD education programs are consequential in that we remain committed to making the online experience both rigorous and relevant,” Baker said. “We are recognized for affording a large number of students access to a very high-quality education that professionally prepares them to be career-ready and impactful.”

Other Mason programs in the Top 20 include Education for Veterans (No. 13 nationally and best in the D.C. area), its MBA in Business Analytics (No. 17 nationally and No. 11 among public institutions), its MBA in General Management (No. 19 overall and No. 11 among publics), and Industrial Engineering (No. 19 nationally, tied with George Washington University, and No. 15 among publics).

Mason’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs also advanced into the Top 100, rising 25 spots in just two years.

“Mason has always worked to provide the learning and development working professionals need—when, where, and in the way they most need it,” said Maury Peiperl, dean of the School of Business. “Our online MBA continues to do that, and to improve with deeper and deeper engagement with our customers, most of whom are in the Washington region.”

METHODOLOGY: According to its website, U.S. News ranks programs in five categories: student engagement, faculty credentials and training, services and technologies that allow students greater flexibility to take classes and labs from a distance, student excellence, and a survey of “high-ranking academic officials.”

Mason also ranked in these U.S. News categories:

MBA: No. 98 overall, No. 70 among publics.

MBA for Veterans: No. 64 overall, No. 49 among publics.

MBA (business analytics): No. 17 overall, No. 11 among publics.

MBA (general management): No. 19 overall, No. 11 among publics.

Business master's (non-MBA): No. 35 overall (tied with American University), No. 25 among publics.

Information technology: No. 42 overall, No. 29 among publics (tied with JMU and UMBC).

Education: No. 41 overall, No. 40 among publics.

Education for Veterans: No. 13 overall (best in the DMV), No. 13 among publics.

Education (curriculum and instruction): No. 21 overall, No. 21 among publics.

Education (educational administration and supervision): No. 20 overall, No. 19 among publics.

Special education: No. 7 overall, No. 7 among publics.

Engineering: No. 47 overall, No. 35 among publics.

Engineering (industrial): No. 19 overall (tied with George Washington), No. 15 among publics.

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911�� ranks #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally for innovation, according to U.S. News

Driving Innovation

Highly Ranked for Academic Strength

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Master of Health Administration Ranks in Top 50 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

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Five College of Health and Human Services Graduate Programs Rank in the Top 100 According to U.S. News & World Report

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Master of Social Work Ranks in the Top 100 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

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Master of Public Health Graduate Program Remains in the Top 100 According to US News & World Report

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Two School of Nursing Programs Rank in Top 60 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

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Online programs thrive at Mason, with six in the Top 20 according to latest U.S. News rankings

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911���� ranks #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally for innovation, according to U.S. News

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Highly Ranked for Academic Strength

Advancing Open Inquiry

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Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School ranked second in the commonwealth and D.C. area, U.S. News rankings say

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Mason online programs in education and engineering are ranked in the top 20 nationwide

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More About How Mason Stacks Up in the Rankings

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Master of Health Administration Ranks in Top 50 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

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Five College of Health and Human Services Graduate Programs Rank in the Top 100 According to U.S. News & World Report

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Master of Social Work Ranks in the Top 100 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

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Master of Public Health Graduate Program Remains in the Top 100 According to US News & World Report

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Two School of Nursing Programs Rank in Top 60 Graduate Programs According to US News & World Report

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Online programs thrive at Mason, with six in the Top 20 according to latest U.S. News rankings

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911�� ranks #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally for innovation, according to U.S. News