Mason vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than Old Dominion based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 23,743 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); Old Dominion University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; Old Dominion University 13:1.

Mason vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion University than Mason ($16,419 vs. $18,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 5.4% lower than at George Mason University ($14,878 vs. $15,725).
• George Mason University is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $1,470 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Mason than at Old Dominion University (about $4,908 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $33,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Old Dominion University than at George Mason University (94% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 9.5% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($12,852 vs. $11,740).

Mason vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mason or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion and Mason.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Old Dominion (1190).
• Incoming Mason students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Old Dominion).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

Mason vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($19,750 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($204 vs. $242).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 53%)

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.