Purchase College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare SUNY at Purchase College in Purchase, 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 Purchase College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• SUNY at Purchase College is located in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: SUNY at Purchase College 12:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Purchase College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Mason ($18,211 vs. $18,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 4.3% lower than at SUNY at Purchase College ($15,725 vs. $16,436).
• George Mason University is 58.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $5,267 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.5% higher at Mason than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $19,485 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY at Purchase College than at George Mason University (72% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 23.2% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($12,852 vs. $10,432).

Purchase College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Purchase College 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 Purchase College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at SUNY at Purchase College (1280) is 20 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Purchase College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY at Purchase College 27/30; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Purchase College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purchase College Jul 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Purchase College (74%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Purchase College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Purchase College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Purchase College 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $21,700 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Purchase College graduates ($19,750 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Purchase College graduates ($204 vs. $232).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College 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.