School of Business ranks #2 in 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School survey
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary has been recognized as one of the Nation’s top institutions for military and veteran students, earning a #2 ranking among graduate schools in the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School survey. This achievement reflects the school’s continued commitment to creating transformative and meaningful education pathways for military-affiliated students.
The Military Friendly® Schools survey is the most comprehensive review of university programs designed to serve military and veteran students. Over 1,800 institutions participated in this year’s survey, with only a few receiving special recognition. The Mason School’s designation as a Top Ten Military Friendly® Graduate School emphasizes its exceptional efforts to recruit, support, and empower military students transitioning to civilian careers.
In addition to this distinction, the Mason School has also been recognized as a Top Ten Military Spouse Friendly® School, demonstrating its commitment to supporting military families.
A commitment to military students
Jonathan “JD” Due, executive director of the Center for Military Transition, emphasized the importance of this recognition:
“This recognition is a result of many factors – whether by way of our geographic location, the engaging nature of our degree programs, internal culture, or the richness of the relationships and meaningful connections developed by our students, alumni, staff, and faculty – the Mason School is uniquely positioned and committed to empowering our student veterans as they pursue their next chapter of service.”
He further highlighted the school’s approach to integrating military experiences into academic and professional development:
“Our sole mission is to augment the unique lived military experience of our student veterans and active-duty students with a world-class education while building meaningful connections designed to empower those students to live a life filled with productivity, fulfillment, and resilience.”
Student perspectives: A transformative experience
For many students, the Mason School’s commitment to military service members goes beyond academics. Anthony Baumann, M.G.J.W. M.B.A. ’25, an active-duty service member, shared his personal experience:
“Attending the Raymond A. Mason School of Business as an active-duty service member has been a transformative experience. The school’s focus on military-specific services, particularly through the Center for Military Transition, has provided me with the tools, mentorship, and resources I need to prepare for the rest of my active-duty career and set me up for success in my post-Army life. This designation reflects what I’ve personally experienced—a program deeply invested in empowering military students to thrive during and beyond their service.”
Dustin Roberts, M.B.A. ’25, emphasized the sense of belonging within the military community at William & Mary:
“The military community is a small but strong community with a unique experience. Everyone who has worn the uniform is instantly brother and sister. William & Mary does a great job recognizing, connecting, molding, and transitioning all service members. With leadership from individuals like Jonathan ‘JD’ Due from the Center for Military Transition, these achievements are just the beginning.”
For Sharyna Bryant, M.B.A. ’25, the support for veterans at the Mason School was a key factor in her success:
“My experience at William & Mary has been nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the incredible support provided to veterans. From day one, I’ve felt seen, valued, and empowered. The university truly understands the unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that veterans bring to the table. That recognition has been instrumental in my success as a student and will continue to shape my future beyond the classroom.”
Looking Ahead
This prestigious ranking reflects the Mason School’s ongoing commitment to veterans and active-duty students. With dedicated faculty, staff, and Executive Partners, the school continues enhancing its academic programs and career services to ensure military students thrive in and beyond the classroom.
As Terrence Mack, ‘16, M.B.A. ’25, aptly put it:
“I am not at all surprised by this designation—William & Mary has provided me with unwavering support, just as my military service has. Both have played a direct role in shaping the career I have today in our Nation’s capital. This is a world-class institution where anyone would be privileged to attend, and I am proud to be part of a community that truly empowers its students to succeed.”
For Ariyana Lee, M.G.J.W. M.B.A. ’25, the William & Mary experience is about more than just academics:
“This designation appropriately recognizes the hard work of the many faculty, staff, and Executive Partners who support and integrate veterans and military students. The William & Mary experience extends beyond academics; it is a close-knit community that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges service members face pursuing higher education and transitioning out of the service.”
The school’s commitment to military students is evident from the admissions process onward, as Peter Lee, M.G.J.W. M.B.A. ’25 pointed out:
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and deliberate effort of the William & Mary staff, faculty, and student assembly to understand and assist military students. Since the admissions process, I have felt welcomed and given the additional resources to succeed.”
As the Raymond A. Mason School of Business looks ahead to another year of serving military-affiliated students, its #2 ranking in the Military Friendly® School survey validates its continued investment in veterans’ success.
