Mason vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than West Liberty University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,299 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Mason vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or West Liberty University? 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 West Liberty University than Mason ($13,655 vs. $18,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Liberty University are 19.1% lower than at George Mason University ($12,728 vs. $15,725).
• George Mason University is 59.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $5,327 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.8% higher at Mason than at West Liberty University (about $21,246 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Liberty University than at George Mason University (87% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 77.3% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($12,852 vs. $7,248).

Mason vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mason or West Liberty University? 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 West Liberty University and Mason.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 250 points higher than at West Liberty University (1010).
• Incoming Mason students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at West Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at West Liberty University (3.53).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Mason vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and West Liberty University? 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).

• George Mason University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than West Liberty University's (46%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $24,000 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $4,867 lower median loan debt than West Liberty University graduates ($19,750 vs. $24,617).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Liberty University graduates ($204 vs. $254).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 49%)

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.