Mason retakes #2 spot in US News and World Report's ranking of "Up-and-Coming" schools

George Mason University's climbed back to 2nd on the "Up-and-Coming" rankings this year.

After dropping to the #5 spot on US News and World Report’s list of the top “Up-and-Coming Schools” in the National Universities category last year, Mason climbed three places to reach #2 in this year’s rankings. 

The “Up-and-Coming Schools” category is ranked based on an annual peer assessment survey that determines which institutions are “making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life.”  Mason has been placed in the top five every year since the category’s creation in 2008, when the university was ranked #1.

Across the beltway, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) achieved the top ranking for the third consecutive year.

Mason improved in other areas as well, moving up five places to #138 in US News and World Report’s overall rankings and retaining its spot in the “top tier” of National Universities.  Mason also ranked as the 69th best public university in the nation.

US News and World Report ranks nearly 1400 accredited colleges and universities which are grouped into categories based on size and types of degree offered.  These categories are: National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges.