Veterans

“I think it's the real American dream to have something of your own, build something of your own,” says Bailey Mahoney, MBA ‘26. He grew up witnessing firsthand not only what could be built but also the freedom it created, as his father, who owned an electrical contracting business, always made time to be present for the important moments in his life. Without even realizing it, Mahoney found his first business mentor in his father.

George Mason University earned top Virginia placements across business, nursing, and education, and leads in the region as a college destination for veterans and working professionals in the 2026 Best Online Programs rankings by U.S. News & World Report, released today.

Working full-time while getting a graduate degree is no easy feat. But for Air Force veteran and soon-to-be George Mason University alum Kathleen Gillmore, hard work is second nature.

The Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University is committed to the active-duty military service members and veterans who come to Mason to enhance their education. We caught up with some military veterans who recently graduated from the Mason MBA program who shared the impact the MBA program has had on their career already, and how the Mason MBA could be beneficial for others.