TCNJ vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ 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 TCNJ based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 8,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The College of New Jersey is located in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The College of New Jersey 14:1; George Mason University 16:1.

TCNJ vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TCNJ 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 TCNJ ($18,823 vs. $25,580).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The College of New Jersey are 4.8% lower than at George Mason University ($14,976 vs. $15,725).
• The College of New Jersey is 38.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $5,412 more per year; $19,632.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.2% higher at Mason than at The College of New Jersey (about $12,936 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $25,752.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Mason University than at The College of New Jersey (71% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The College of New Jersey students is 4% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($13,360 vs. $12,852).

TCNJ vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TCNJ 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 TCNJ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 20 points higher than at TCNJ (1240).
• Incoming TCNJ 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: The College of New Jersey 1140/1340; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of New Jersey 26/31; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TCNJ - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at TCNJ (3.29).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at TCNJ vs. 20.2% at Mason.

TCNJ vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TCNJ 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 College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from The College of New Jersey earn a median of about $200 more per year than Mason graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than TCNJ graduates ($19,750 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TCNJ graduates ($204 vs. $240).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.