Bryn Mawr vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, 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 Bryn Mawr based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,679 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bryn Mawr vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bryn Mawr 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 Bryn Mawr ($18,823 vs. $33,221).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 18.9% lower than at Bryn Mawr College ($15,725 vs. $19,400).
• Bryn Mawr College is 363.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $51,700 more per year; $65,920.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.4% higher at Bryn Mawr than at George Mason University (about $27,232 more per year; $65,920.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bryn Mawr College than at George Mason University (72% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bryn Mawr College students is 289.3% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($50,029 vs. $12,852).

Bryn Mawr vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bryn Mawr 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 Bryn Mawr.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bryn Mawr College (1400) is 140 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Bryn Mawr students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bryn Mawr College 1280/1510; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bryn Mawr College 29/33; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bryn Mawr - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bryn Mawr Jan 15, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bryn Mawr students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.85) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Bryn Mawr (29.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.5% at Bryn Mawr vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Bryn Mawr vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bryn Mawr 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).

• Bryn Mawr College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Bryn Mawr graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $61,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than Bryn Mawr graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bryn Mawr graduates ($204 vs. $268).
• More Bryn Mawr graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.