LSU vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA with George Mason University in Fairfax, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Louisiana State University is larger than Mason based on total student enrollment (41,705 students vs. 39,766 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; George Mason University 16:1.

LSU vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU 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 LSU ($18,823 vs. $21,430).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Louisiana State University are 3.7% lower than at George Mason University ($15,142 vs. $15,725).
• George Mason University is 19% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $2,266 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at Mason than at Louisiana State University (about $10,057 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University than at George Mason University (88% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 9.7% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($14,094 vs. $12,852).

LSU vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU 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 LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Louisiana State University (1260) is the same as at Mason (1260).
• Incoming LSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Mason (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 20.2% at Mason.

LSU vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU 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).

• George Mason University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than LSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $1,150 lower median loan debt than LSU graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,900).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LSU graduates ($204 vs. $216).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 67%)

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.