Meredith vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Meredith College in Raleigh, NC 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 Meredith based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,465 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Meredith vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Meredith 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 Meredith ($18,823 vs. $24,323).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Meredith College are 15.5% lower than at George Mason University ($13,280 vs. $15,725).
• Meredith College is 220.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $31,410 more per year; $45,630.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at Meredith than at George Mason University (about $6,942 more per year; $45,630.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Meredith College than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Meredith College students is 157.7% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($33,116 vs. $12,852).

Meredith vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Meredith 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 Meredith.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 40 points higher than at Meredith (1220).
• Incoming Mason students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Meredith).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Meredith College 1098/1348; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Meredith College 23/29; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Meredith - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Meredith Feb 15, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Meredith (3.52).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Meredith (74.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Meredith vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Meredith vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Meredith 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 Meredith College's (59%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $21,900 more per year than Meredith graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than Meredith graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Meredith graduates ($204 vs. $268).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Meredith students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 65%)

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.