Mason vs. Marymount University

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than Marymount University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 4,060 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); Marymount University is in Arlington, VA (Midsize City setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marymount University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; Marymount University 14:1.

Mason vs. Marymount University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Marymount 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 Marymount University ($18,823 vs. $31,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 7.5% lower than at Marymount University ($15,725 vs. $17,000).
• Marymount University is 187.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $26,700 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Marymount University than at George Mason University (about $2,232 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marymount University than at George Mason University (96% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marymount University students is 102.8% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($26,069 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. Marymount University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 190 points higher than at Marymount University (1070).
• Incoming Mason students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Marymount University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Marymount University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; Marymount University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Marymount University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Marymount University (3.38).
• Marymount University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 11.6% at Marymount University.

Mason vs. Marymount University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Marymount 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 Marymount University's (48%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Marymount University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $55,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Marymount University graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marymount University graduates ($204 vs. $258).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marymount University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 66%)

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.