JCU vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH 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 JCU based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; George Mason University 16:1.

JCU vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 JCU ($18,823 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 7.7% lower than at George Mason University ($14,520 vs. $15,725).
• John Carroll University is 255.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $36,280 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.5% higher at JCU than at George Mason University (about $11,812 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 178.4% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($35,785 vs. $12,852).

JCU vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is the same as at Mason (1260).
• Incoming JCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at JCU (3.66).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 20.2% at Mason.

JCU vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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).

• John Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than JCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $7,189 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($204 vs. $278).
• More JCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.