Forbes says the schools on its list are the best in the country. The magazine lists Mason as:
| Best in the South: No. 34 |
| Best among Public Institutions: No. 51 |
| A Best-Value College: No. 77 |
| Best among Research Universities: No. 93 |
| Best among Top Colleges: No. 177 |
| A Best Employer for Diversity: No. 180 |