Jefferson vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA 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 Jefferson based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Jefferson vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson 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 Jefferson ($18,823 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 0.7% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($15,725 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 234.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $33,285 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Jefferson than at George Mason University (about $8,817 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 172.4% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($35,007 vs. $12,852).

Jefferson vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jefferson 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 Jefferson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Jefferson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Mason (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Jefferson (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Jefferson vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $61,000 more per year than Mason graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Mason graduates ($12,500 vs. $19,750).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mason graduates ($129 vs. $204).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.