UNCW vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC 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 UNCW based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 18,848 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in Wilmington, NC (Midsize City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Carolina Wilmington 17:1; George Mason University 16:1.

UNCW vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNCW 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 UNCW ($18,823 vs. $18,976).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Carolina Wilmington are 9.3% lower than at George Mason University ($14,268 vs. $15,725).
• George Mason University is 95.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCW (about $6,943 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $7,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.2% higher at Mason than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (about $14,536 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $24,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Mason University than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (71% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 92.6% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina Wilmington students ($12,852 vs. $6,674).

UNCW vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNCW 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 UNCW.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Carolina Wilmington (1290) is 30 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Mason students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at UNCW).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina Wilmington 1230/1340; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina Wilmington 24/29; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNCW - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNCW Feb 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at UNCW (3.56).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than UNCW (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at UNCW vs. 20.2% at Mason.

UNCW vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNCW 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).

• University of North Carolina Wilmington's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than UNCW graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $44,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than UNCW graduates ($19,750 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNCW graduates ($204 vs. $211).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNCW students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 64%)

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.