Ursinus College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Ursinus College in Collegeville, 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 Ursinus College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,502 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ursinus College is located in Collegeville, PA (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Ursinus College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ursinus College 10:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Ursinus College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ursinus 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 George Mason University than Ursinus College ($18,823 vs. $32,158).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 7.7% lower than at Ursinus College ($15,725 vs. $17,028).
• Ursinus College is 330.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $46,990 more per year; $61,210.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.2% higher at Ursinus College than at George Mason University (about $22,522 more per year; $61,210.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ursinus College than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ursinus College students is 248.2% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($44,754 vs. $12,852).

Ursinus College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ursinus College (1290) is 30 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Ursinus College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ursinus College 1200/1385; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ursinus College 28/32; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ursinus College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ursinus College May 1, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Ursinus College (3.53).
• Ursinus College has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Ursinus College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Ursinus College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ursinus 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).

• Ursinus College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Ursinus College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Ursinus College graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ursinus College graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Ursinus College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.