Mason vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Mason vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($18,823 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 8.3% lower than at University of Richmond ($15,725 vs. $17,140).
• University of Richmond is 358.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $51,010 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.6% higher at University of Richmond than at George Mason University (about $26,542 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Mason University than at University of Richmond (71% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 297.1% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($51,039 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mason or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and Mason.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 210 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Richmond 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 University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Mason vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and University of Richmond? 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 Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Mason graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $1,398 lower median loan debt than University of Richmond graduates ($19,750 vs. $21,148).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Richmond graduates ($204 vs. $218).
• More University of Richmond 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.