Mason vs. Mary Washington College

Comparable Facts

Compare George Mason University in Fairfax, VA with University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than Mary Washington College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 3,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); University of Mary Washington is in Fredericksburg, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary Washington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; University of Mary Washington 13:1.

Mason vs. Mary Washington College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Mary Washington 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 Mary Washington College ($18,823 vs. $21,800).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary Washington are 9.4% lower than at George Mason University ($14,250 vs. $15,725).
• University of Mary Washington is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $420 more per year; $14,640.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.4% higher at Mason than at University of Mary Washington (about $11,128 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $27,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Mary Washington than at George Mason University (99% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 22.5% larger than aid received by University of Mary Washington students ($12,852 vs. $10,491).

Mason vs. Mary Washington College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mason or Mary Washington 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 Mary Washington College and Mason.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Mary Washington (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Mary Washington College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; University of Mary Washington 1170/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; University of Mary Washington 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Mary Washington College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mary Washington College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Mary Washington College (79.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 17.7% at Mary Washington College.

Mason vs. Mary Washington College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Mary Washington 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).

• University of Mary Washington's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Mary Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Mary Washington College graduates ($19,750 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mary Washington College graduates ($204 vs. $222).
• More Mary Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.