Chatham vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Chatham University in Pittsburgh, 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 Chatham based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chatham University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chatham University 10:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Chatham vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chatham 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 Chatham ($18,823 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 13.5% lower than at George Mason University ($13,600 vs. $15,725).
• Chatham University is 213.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $30,406 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at Chatham than at George Mason University (about $5,938 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 134.2% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($30,095 vs. $12,852).

Chatham vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chatham 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 Chatham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 80 points higher than at Chatham (1180).
• Incoming Mason students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Chatham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 1070/1295; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 21/30; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chatham - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Chatham vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Chatham vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chatham 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).

• George Mason University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Chatham University's (60%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $25,200 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Chatham graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Chatham graduates ($204 vs. $211).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 62%)

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.