Fisher vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY 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 Fisher based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 3,693 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• St. John Fisher University is located in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• St. John Fisher University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: St. John Fisher University 11:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Fisher vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fisher 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 Fisher ($18,823 vs. $30,540).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St. John Fisher University are 5.2% lower than at George Mason University ($14,908 vs. $15,725).
• St. John Fisher University is 189.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $26,970 more per year; $41,190.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at Fisher than at George Mason University (about $2,502 more per year; $41,190.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St. John Fisher University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St. John Fisher University students is 90.9% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($24,530 vs. $12,852).

Fisher vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fisher 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 Fisher.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Fisher (1210).
• Incoming Mason students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Fisher).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: St. John Fisher University 1120/1300; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: St. John Fisher University 23/28; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fisher - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Fisher (3.53).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Fisher (66.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Fisher vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Fisher vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fisher 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).

• St. John Fisher University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Fisher graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $4,150 lower median loan debt than Fisher graduates ($19,750 vs. $23,900).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisher graduates ($204 vs. $247).
• More Fisher 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.