Gettysburg College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

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

George Mason University is larger than Gettysburg College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gettysburg College is located in Gettysburg, PA (Distant Town setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Gettysburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gettysburg College 10:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Gettysburg College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gettysburg College or Mason? 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 Gettysburg College ($18,823 vs. $32,769).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 2.4% lower than at Gettysburg College ($15,725 vs. $16,110).
• Gettysburg College is 368.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $52,420 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.2% higher at Gettysburg College than at George Mason University (about $27,952 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gettysburg College than at George Mason University (98% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gettysburg College students is 282.7% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($49,191 vs. $12,852).

Gettysburg College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gettysburg College (1370) is 110 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Gettysburg College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 1270/1460; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 29/32; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gettysburg College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gettysburg College Jan 15, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Gettysburg College (38.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Gettysburg College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Gettysburg College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Gettysburg College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Gettysburg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $60,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Gettysburg College graduates ($19,750 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gettysburg College graduates ($204 vs. $227).
• More Gettysburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.