University at Albany- SUNY vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare University at Albany in Albany, 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 University at Albany- SUNY based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 17,560 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University at Albany is located in Albany, NY (Small City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• University at Albany is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University at Albany 16:1; George Mason University 16:1.

University at Albany- SUNY vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University at Albany- SUNY 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 University at Albany than Mason ($17,949 vs. $18,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 4.3% lower than at University at Albany ($15,725 vs. $16,423).
• George Mason University is 30.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University at Albany- SUNY (about $3,354 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $10,866.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.8% higher at Mason than at University at Albany (about $7,432 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $31,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University at Albany than at George Mason University (96% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 14.6% larger than aid received by University at Albany students ($12,852 vs. $11,210).

University at Albany- SUNY vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University at Albany- SUNY 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 University at Albany- SUNY.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 40 points higher than at University at Albany- SUNY (1220).
• Incoming Mason students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at University at Albany- SUNY).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University at Albany 1120/1320; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University at Albany 22/31; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University at Albany- SUNY - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University at Albany- SUNY Feb 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at University at Albany- SUNY (3.3).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than University at Albany- SUNY (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at University at Albany- SUNY vs. 20.2% at Mason.

University at Albany- SUNY vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University at Albany- SUNY 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).

• The graduation rate at University at Albany- SUNY is the same as at George Mason University (64% vs. 64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than University at Albany- SUNY graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $55,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $1,315 lower median loan debt than University at Albany- SUNY graduates ($19,750 vs. $21,065).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University at Albany- SUNY graduates ($204 vs. $217).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University at Albany- SUNY students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 70%)

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.