Canisius vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Canisius University in Buffalo, NY 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 Canisius based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Canisius University 11:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Canisius vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius 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 Canisius ($18,823 vs. $19,666).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 13.8% lower than at George Mason University ($13,560 vs. $15,725).
• Canisius University is 142.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $20,280 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at Mason than at Canisius University (about $4,188 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Canisius University students is 94.3% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($24,972 vs. $12,852).

Canisius vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius 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 Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Incoming Mason students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Canisius (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Canisius vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius 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).

• Canisius University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Canisius graduates ($19,750 vs. $24,750).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Canisius graduates ($204 vs. $255).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 71%)

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.