George Mason University
About George Mason University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
George Mason University is a public research university in Fairfax, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C. metro area. It is the largest public university in Virginia and offers strong programs in computing, policy, law, and engineering, with excellent access to federal government and tech industry internships.
Founded
1949
Location
Fairfax, Virginia
Students
39,184
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
87.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
67.8%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$14,220
Out-of-state: $38,688
Avg Net Price
$17,915
After financial aid
SAT Average
1274
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$76,343
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
George Mason University accepts the majority of applicants at 87.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1274/ 1600
ACT Scores
28/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
67.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86%
4-Year Grad
49%
6-Year Grad
70%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
53.1%
$/Student
$15.2K
Class Size
Medium
While 49% finish in 4 years, 86% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,220
In-State
$38,688
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,725
Books & Supplies
$1,288
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,604
After Financial Aid
$17,915
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,942
Receive Grants
30.1%
Take Loans
30.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $28,604/yr for in-state students, including $15,725 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $17,915. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $38,688.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at George Mason University fund their education.
While in School
30.1%
Get Grants
Free money
30.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$44,254
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 30.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends George Mason University.
Gender
48.8%
Female
51%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
27,752
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
11,432
Graduates
30%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
16.7%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (49% women, 51% men). 30% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 5.3% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
27,752
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
George Mason University fields 12 varsity teams with 646 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Atlantic 10
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
646
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
324
Men
322
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of George Mason Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$76,343
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer and Information Sciences, General
$79K
761 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
—
645 grads
Psychology, General
$36K
383 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$44K
362 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$41K
292 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$35K
285 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $61K at six years, $56K at eight, and $76K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about George Mason University
What is the acceptance rate at George Mason University?▾
How much does George Mason University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at George Mason University?▾
How much do George Mason University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.