Mason vs. Hollins College

Comparable Facts

Compare George Mason University in Fairfax, VA with Hollins University in Roanoke, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than Hollins College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 761 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Mason vs. Hollins College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Hollins College? 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 Hollins College ($18,823 vs. $22,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 0.5% lower than at Hollins University ($15,725 vs. $15,800).
• Hollins University is 206.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $29,340 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at Hollins College than at George Mason University (about $4,872 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hollins University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hollins University students is 181.3% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($36,154 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. Hollins College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mason or Hollins College? 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 Hollins College and Mason.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Hollins College (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Hollins University 1150/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Hollins College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hollins College students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Hollins College (68%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 9.6% at Hollins College.

Mason vs. Hollins College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Hollins College? 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 Hollins University's (63%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $26,300 more per year than Hollins College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Hollins College graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hollins College graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hollins College students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 57%)

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.