Mason vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; Longwood University 15:1.

Mason vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Longwood 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 Longwood University ($18,823 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 9.8% lower than at Longwood University ($15,725 vs. $17,424).
• Longwood University is 10.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $1,524 more per year; $15,744.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.3% higher at Mason than at Longwood University (about $10,710 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at George Mason University (97% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 8.6% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($13,954 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 140 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming Mason students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Longwood University (3.59).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 17% at Longwood University.

Mason vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Longwood 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 Longwood University's (60%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($204 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 73%)

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.