Washington College vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington College in Chestertown, MD 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 Washington College based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Washington College vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington 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 Washington College ($18,823 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 13.8% lower than at Washington College ($15,725 vs. $18,250).
• Washington College is 289.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $41,106 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43% higher at Washington College than at George Mason University (about $16,638 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington College students is 238.4% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($43,485 vs. $12,852).

Washington College vs. Mason Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington College (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Washington College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Washington College (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Washington College vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington 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).

• Washington College's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Washington College graduates ($19,750 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington College graduates ($204 vs. $250).
• More Washington College 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.