Mason Drops in Latest 'Up-and-Coming' Rankings

George Mason University's rank on the Up-and-Coming list fell three positions this year. The university's rank remained high in other categories.

Don't worry, we're still up there.

In August of 2008, George Mason University boasted its status as the #1 “Up-and-Coming School” rated by the US News and World Report. This distinction, as a university which is “making innovative changes in the realm of academics, faculty, students, campus life, diversity, and facilities”, was a national honor the university proudly advertised. The top ranking was arguably the most marketed and newsworthy merit since the men’s basketball team reached the Final Four in 2006.

In 2009, Mason dropped a spot as the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) claimed the top ranking, with Mason coming in at #2.

In the most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings, released August 17, Mason's “Up-and-Coming” rank dropped to #5 with UMBC staying atop the list for the second consecutive year. However, GMU received several other distinctions.

In the ranking of the top national universities, Mason ranked #143, included in the list of “top tier” universities, which included both private and public institutions. For the ninth consecutive year, Mason was also recognized among the rankings of “Academic programs to look for” for its “Writing in the Disciplines,” landing at #6 behind Duke University. Institutions recognized in this ranking, “prioritize the writing process at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum.”

In total, 1,400 accredited schools are included in the rankings, each grouped into categories based on classifications established in 2006 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The categories are comprised of five groups: National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, Regional Colleges, and Specialty Schools.