Muhlenberg College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Muhlenberg College in Allentown, 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 Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,788 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Muhlenberg College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Muhlenberg College 9:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Muhlenberg College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($18,823 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 7.5% lower than at George Mason University ($14,548 vs. $15,725).
• Muhlenberg College is 341.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $48,585 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.3% higher at Muhlenberg College than at George Mason University (about $24,117 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at George Mason University (99% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 231% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($42,545 vs. $12,852).

Muhlenberg College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Muhlenberg College or Mason? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Mason and Muhlenberg College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 70 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Muhlenberg College 29/33; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Mason students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Muhlenberg College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg College and Mason? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Mason graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $6,740 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($204 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.