George Mason University drives upward mobility, salary outcomes, and value in Virginia according to the Wall Street Journal

George Mason University is Virginia's leading public university for value, upward mobility, and salary outcomes, according to the Wall Street Journal's 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.This recognition underscores George Mason's impact as one of the Commonwealth of Virginia's most influential public universities, providing students with a high-quality education and preparing graduates for strong career opportunities.

Climbing five spots nationally to 71st overall and 32nd among public universities, and to the top 5 in Virginia (4th overall), George Mason reinforced its consistent record of leadership nationally and in the commonwealth.

Key highlights from the 2026 Wall Street Journal rankings include:

• No. 1 in Virginia for upward mobility
• No. 1 among Virginia and D.C. area public universities for salary outcomes
• No. 1 among Virginia public universities for best value
• Top 5 university in Virginia for student experience

George Mason's top ranking for upward mobility reflects its commitment to helping students from all backgrounds succeed. With above-average graduation rates, universal access to internships-including financial support for unpaid positions-and 85% of 2024 graduates reporting a positive career outcome, the university equips students to launch strong careers, with a majority remaining in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.

Ranked No. 1 among Virginia and Washington, D.C., metropolitan region public universities for salary outcomes, George Mason also stands out nationally, earning a top 50 rank (42nd overall). Graduates consistently report among the highest starting salaries of any Virginia public university, a testament to George Mason's focus on career readiness and success.

The Wall Street Journal recognizes George Mason as No. 1 among Virginia public universities (95th nationally) for best value, emphasizing the university's commitment to affordability and minimizing student debt.

Significant gains were made in student experience, with George Mason climbing into the top 100 public universities (93rd overall) and into the top 5 in Virginia (4th overall), reflecting increased student satisfaction, expanded opportunities on campus for collaboration and engagement, and continued investment in creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters students' growth as individuals, scholars, and professionals.

These results build on George Mason's strong performance in other recent national rankings. U.S. News & World Report recognized George Mason as No. 1 in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region public universities for upward mobility and in the top 5 in Virginia for best value. Forbes places George Mason among the nation's top 50 public universities (47th overall), while Washington Monthly ranks the university as top 5 in Virginia overall in Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars and No. 1 in Virginia overall in Best Bang for the Buck in the Southeast.

Together, these rankings spotlight George Mason's distinctive role in delivering access, value, and outcomes at scale. The full list of George Mason rankings is available at gmu.edu/rankings.