Mason vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Mason based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 39,766 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Mason vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University ($18,823 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 12% lower than at George Mason University ($13,835 vs. $15,725).
• Liberty University is 58% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $8,245 more per year; $22,465.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.2% higher at Mason than at Liberty University (about $16,223 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at George Mason University (97% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($12,852 vs. $12,489).

Mason vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mason or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University and Mason.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Mason students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Mason vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Liberty University? 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $22,800 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $4,416 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($19,750 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($204 vs. $249).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 36%)

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.