Elms College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA 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 Elms College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Our Lady of the Elms is located in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Elms College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elms 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 Elms College ($18,823 vs. $19,870).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Our Lady of the Elms are 0.8% lower than at George Mason University ($15,605 vs. $15,725).
• College of Our Lady of the Elms is 204.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $29,105 more per year; $43,325.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12% higher at Elms College than at George Mason University (about $4,637 more per year; $43,325.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students is 162.9% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($33,794 vs. $12,852).

Elms College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elms 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 Elms College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 20 points higher than at Elms College (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsGeorge Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elms College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Elms College (3.42).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Elms College (85.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Elms College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Elms College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elms 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).

• George Mason University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than College of Our Lady of the Elms's (58%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Elms College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $46,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Elms College graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elms College graduates ($204 vs. $258).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elms College students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 61%)

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.