Mason vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Mason vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee ($18,823 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 15.8% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($15,725 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 378.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $53,825 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.9% higher at Washington and Lee than at George Mason University (about $29,357 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Mason University than at Washington and Lee University (71% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 397.5% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($63,945 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 230 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Mason vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $27,100 more per year than Mason graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($19,750 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($204 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.