Ohio University vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, 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 Ohio University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 26,323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio University Main Campus is located in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ohio University Main Campus 18:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Ohio University vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio University 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 Ohio University ($18,823 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 9.9% lower than at George Mason University ($14,162 vs. $15,725).
• George Mason University is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $62 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.8% higher at Mason than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $13,850 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at George Mason University (94% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 36.4% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($12,852 vs. $9,422).

Ohio University vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ohio University 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 Ohio University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming Mason students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Ohio University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 22/28; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio University - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Ohio University (85%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Ohio University vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Ohio University vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio University 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).

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Ohio University graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ohio University graduates ($204 vs. $211).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 51%)

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.