Allegheny College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Allegheny College in Meadville, PA with George Mason University in Fairfax, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than Allegheny College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,171 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allegheny College is located in Meadville, PA (Distant Town setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Allegheny College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allegheny College 8:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Allegheny College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allegheny College or Mason? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at George Mason University than Allegheny College ($18,823 vs. $26,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allegheny College are 10.3% lower than at George Mason University ($14,100 vs. $15,725).
• Allegheny College is 297.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $42,330 more per year; $56,550.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.2% higher at Allegheny College than at George Mason University (about $17,862 more per year; $56,550.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Allegheny College than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Allegheny College students is 250% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($44,987 vs. $12,852).

Allegheny College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allegheny College or Mason? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Mason and Allegheny College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Allegheny College (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Allegheny College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Mason (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Allegheny College 1173/1358; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Allegheny College 25/30; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allegheny College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allegheny College Feb 15, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Allegheny College (3.53).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Allegheny College (54.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at Allegheny College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Allegheny College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allegheny College and Mason? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Allegheny College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Allegheny College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $55,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $9,250 lower median loan debt than Allegheny College graduates ($19,750 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allegheny College graduates ($204 vs. $299).
• More Allegheny College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.