Mason vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

Mason vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College ($18,823 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Roanoke College are 2.3% lower than at George Mason University ($15,366 vs. $15,725).
• Roanoke College is 167.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $23,848 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Mason than at Roanoke College (about $620 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 119.3% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($28,188 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Roanoke College (1200).
• Incoming Mason students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Roanoke College (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• 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 Roanoke College (3.56).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Roanoke College (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

Mason vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Roanoke College? 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).

• Roanoke College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Roanoke College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $51,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Roanoke College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.