ASU vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC 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 ASU based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; George Mason University 16:1.

ASU vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU 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 Appalachian State University than Mason ($14,978 vs. $18,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 18.2% lower than at George Mason University ($12,868 vs. $15,725).
• George Mason University is 87.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $6,641 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at Mason than at Appalachian State University (about $13,476 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Mason University than at Appalachian State University (71% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 60.4% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($12,852 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU 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 ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 60 points higher than at ASU (1200).
• Incoming Mason students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Mason (3.68).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 20.2% at Mason.

ASU vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than ASU graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ASU graduates ($204 vs. $211).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.