Mason vs. PHC

Comparable Facts

Compare George Mason University in Fairfax, VA with Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than PHC based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); Patrick Henry College is in Purcellville, Virginia (Town Fringe setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Patrick Henry College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; Patrick Henry College 14:1.

Mason vs. PHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or PHC? 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 PHC ($18,823 vs. $25,869).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Patrick Henry College are 29.9% lower than at George Mason University ($11,020 vs. $15,725).
• Patrick Henry College is 99.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $14,205 more per year; $28,425.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.1% higher at Mason than at Patrick Henry College (about $10,263 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Patrick Henry College than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Patrick Henry College students is 3.8% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($13,345 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. PHC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Patrick Henry College (1330) is 70 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming PHC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Patrick Henry College 1240/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; Patrick Henry College 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; PHC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027; PHC Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PHC students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than PHC (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 47.6% at PHC.

Mason vs. PHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and PHC? 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).

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.